📣 New feature alert: Collections!!
Access via collections tab in your profile ✌️
Omega Speedmaster Differences
What are the differences between the entry level Speedmasters and the more expensive Speedmasters, such as the Speedmaster Professional? I have two Speedmasters - the Speedie Racing and a two-tone Speedie Triple Date - both considerably less that $5k, while some of the higher end Speedmasters are north of $10k. Are there technical differences bewteen the various Speedmasters, or is the price differences based on demand?
4 comments
Sort by
The biggest difference is between the Speedmaster reduced/automatics (which are automatic and a module-based chrono) and the Speedy pro, which is a handwind (1861 or 3861). The Speedy pro is the moonwatch. The Speedy automatics have similar visual design but were not involved in the space program. There may be technical differences that make the Speedy automatics less expensive to produce, but I suspect most of the price difference has to do with the history/legacy from the space program. Also, Omega does make a lot of limited/special editions/variants of both lines that may involve more expensive dial/case finishing materials or techniques, or may be more limited/hype driven releases, which is the cause for the price ranges you see even within the categories.
There’s typically differences in materials used, level of refinement and tolerance of parts that are not even visible. And some aspects are just purely design and aesthetic choices on the part of the brand that might evoke luxury or exclusivit on the part of the wearer.
Isn’t the speed master professional the entry level? Hesalite, manual wound and fabric strap.
The higher costing speedmasters have different material and complications. Like the automatic winding movement and moonphase.
Isn’t the speed master professional the entry level? Hesalite, manual wound and fabric strap.
The higher costing speedmasters have different material and complications. Like the automatic winding movement and moonphase.
As a general rule, the unique aspect of the “professional” is the manual-wind movement. The “purest” version of the professional is steel with hesalite and a fabric strap, but you can get professionals with sapphire, bracelet, Snoopy on the dial, gold, special designs, etc.
The main automatic line is now the Speedmaster 38. There are some models in this line that come in below the MSRP of the hesalite professional, but also models like you note, and like the professionals, with different materials or complications that cost more. On the secondary market, you can find Speedy automatics/reduced for as low as $1500, while you’re generally going to be very lucky to find a Speedy pro for $3000.