Vintage Speedmaster Prof Question

[barters]

I have always been a Rolex guy however I am looking to expand my watch collection into other brands.

What I am considering to add next is the iconic Speedmaster Professional.

The question I have is concerning vintage vs new. I have identified a couple of "cheaper" vintage references I can pick up locally: 3590.50 & 3570.50.
I like them because the dials have some patina. However, unlike for Rolex the watches of these models look pretty much identical to the new version which I could buy from Omega for the same price.

So apart from the aesthetics of liking the patina is there any other reason to buy these particular vintage models?

Thanks!

[rootbeer7]

I’ve recently picked up a recent ‘vintage’ Speedmaster. I chose the last of the tritium dialled ones, mine’s from 1997 as I loved the idea of hesalite and creamy lume plots, whilst still being a reliable daily.

[AEC]

Originally Posted by barters

...apart from the aesthetics of liking the patina is there any other reason to buy these particular vintage models?...

In my opinion, no, there isn't. In fact, you may need to go older than these references in order to see patina on the luminescent paint on the dial and hands; I'm sure 3570.50 was produced with Superluminova, and I think 3590.50 may have been, too (some simple research could help to rule on 3590).

To have a watch with some vintage character, one should probably look for a really well-kept 145.022. These were produced from the late 1960s to the late 1980s (I think, not positive on this). These watches would also have come on bracelets different from the current models, and some of those were pretty cool bracelets (1171, 1450, and 1498/1499 were my favorites).

No matter which you choose, I think you'll dig the watch a lot. I love mine (3570, BTW) and wear it regularly

[stevedssd]

IMO the existing (being discontinued?) Speedmaster has a great vintage vibe in itself but the late 80' - 90's Tritium dial models can be had for around or slightly above the same price and have an even more vintage presence. It all comes down to personal preference, my first Speedmaster was a 92 with Tritium and I've bought several modern and limited editions since. My first is still my favourite

[rootbeer7]

Just realised mine is the last ref 145.00.
Pictures are definitely needed in this thread.

[barters]

Thanks for sharing the photos. I must say that I don't have anything agains the original steel bracelet. However, the speedy looks so much better on a strap. Nato & especially I must say the Omega crocodile skin versions.

The watch I like is a 3750.50 from the 90s. It apparently lived its life in Asia so the humid has given it a nice patina. Had a full overhaul from what I can read this year. Asking is slightly more than a brand new model.

I just find myself crazy paying more for a watch that is practically identical to the new model just for a patina dial. Am I mad?

Why is posting a photo so hard here?

[DCheeta]

Originally Posted by barters

Thanks for sharing the photos. I must say that I don't have anything agains the original steel bracelet. However, the speedy looks so much better on a strap. Nato & especially I must say the Omega crocodile skin versions.

The watch I like is a 3750.50 from the 90s. It apparently lived its life in Asia so the humid has given it a nice patina. Had a full overhaul from what I can read this year. Asking is slightly more than a brand new model.

I just find myself crazy paying more for a watch that is practically identical to the new model just for a patina dial. Am I mad?

Why is posting a photo so hard here?

You’re not mad at all. If I bought another Speedy it would definitely be an older model, not a new one. When it comes to Speedmasters, the older the better.

[barters]

That’s the watch there. I’d just be paying more for the patina dial. The watch spent its life in Hong Kong so a bit of humidity!


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