Wierd Speedy Quandry

[SSB]

Hi, Am actively considering buying the Speedy - the one with the leather strap, since the bracelet seems to make the watch look quite big on me.

My understanding was that it was the same watch with different strap options. Seems bit quite. Was on the omega site and figured that:
a) The steel bracelet version 3570.50 has a water resistance of 50m while the leather strap version 3870.50.31 has a rating of 30m! How can a change in strap account for the change in water resistance?!!

b) It seems that the strap version has a lighter/ fainter black while the bracelet version has a deeper black on the dial. Is it an optical illusion or a problem with the pictures or is it actually the case with the watches.

Comments, experiences...

[jackthehat]

Hi, Am actively considering buying the Speedy - the one with the leather strap, since the bracelet seems to make the watch look quite big on me.

My understanding was that it was the same watch with different strap options. Seems bit quite. Was on the omega site and figured that:
a) The steel bracelet version 3570.50 has a water resistance of 50m while the leather strap version 3870.50.31 has a rating of 30m! How can a change in strap account for the change in water resistance?!!

b) It seems that the strap version has a lighter/ fainter black while the bracelet version has a deeper black on the dial. Is it an optical illusion or a problem with the pictures or is it actually the case with the watches.

Comments, experiences...

I can't answer your question but I do offer you this one important piece of advice. If you are considering buying new then always buy the watch with the metal bracelet. That's because the watches that come with a simple strap are the same price as the bracelet versions. Buying an Omega metal bracelet can cost $400+ whereas buying a strap can cost from $10 upwards.

[eptaz]

Interesting. I hadn't noticed that, before. You're correct that it's the same watch, whether it has a bracelet or strap. I can only guess that Omega considers the strap less suitable for the water. That's certainly not a good explanation, but it's all I can think of.

eric

[Andrés]

Hi, Am actively considering buying the Speedy - the one with the leather strap, since the bracelet seems to make the watch look quite big on me. Good choice. I think the Speedy looks very good in a black leather strap.

My understanding was that it was the same watch with different strap options. Seems bit quite. Was on the omega site and figured that:
a) The steel bracelet version 3570.50 has a water resistance of 50m while the leather strap version 3870.50.31 has a rating of 30m! How can a change in strap account for the change in water resistance?!!
It´s the same watch with a strap. Older Speedys were WR to 30 meters, so my guess is that the info wasn´t updated correctly.

[teeritz]

I would say Andres is correct. The Omega website probably hasn't been updated. No surprise there. Flicking through the 2005-2006 Omega Sales Handbook, page 191 shows the Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch (Model no. 3570.50.00) on a steel bracelet with a W/R rating of 50 metres. Directly below that picture is the leather strap version (Model no. 3870.50.31) which also has a W/R rating of 50 metres.
Regarding steel bracelet VS leather band, go for the bracelet model and then you can always put a generic or genuine Omega leather strap on it at a later date. If you really don't expect to wear the bracelet, you can put it on eBay and make back a few bucks.
The Moonwatch looks great on its bracelet, but it looks phenomenal on leather. If you still need some convincing, click on the link below which is a shameless plug for a Sticky that I started last week or so in an attempt to create an archive of our Omegas.

http://forums.watchuseek.com/showthread.php?t=75912

Best of luck with your choice, but it's a cheaper option to purchase a leather band that it is to purchase a metal bracelet. Food for thought, SSB.

teeritz

[eptaz]

...Older Speedys were WR to 30 meters, so my guess is that the info wasn´t updated correctly.
Ahh...there it is. Makes good sense, Andrés!

eric

[Seamaster73]

Contrary to the advice given above, the OEM leather strap + deployant (sold as two separate items!) for the .31 variant of the Speedmaster costs pretty much the same as the bracelet (€370 EUR approx). I know, I've made the enquiry in the last week or so.

If you prefer the strap, buy the strap variant. Much easier to source the bracelet at a discount (eg via eBay, TZ sales etc) than it is to source the OEM strap afterwards. Your AD is the only place you'll find the strap, and you'll pay full-whack for it.

The equation is different, of course, if you are prepared to settle for a third party strap.

[M4tt]

The equation is different, of course, if you are prepared to settle for a third party strap.

And of course, while you will have little trouble finding a strap of equal quality,
finding an aftermarket deployment that even comes close to the Omega one is, imho, impossible.

The other problem is that there seems to be an increasing tide of fake deployments, buckles and even bracelets that are very hard to detect until they are in your hands - I know, I have been burned with all three in the last year. In at least one case I am pretty sure that the seller was honestly certain that the fake deployment was real.

[Seamaster73]

And of course, while you will have little trouble finding a strap of equal quality, finding an aftermarket deployment that even comes close to the Omega one is, imho, impossible.

I went for a black Ken Danks M16 strap (http://www.watchworx.co.uk/pages/lwb/elitePop/M16-1.htm), plus a traditional Omega buckle in stainless steel from Cousins (http://www.cousinsuk.com/). Total cost: about €50 EUR.

I'm not a fan of deployant clasps on leather straps. I have small wrists and can never find one that is comfortable.

[M4tt]

Fair point, and I agree, nothing beats a buckle and strap for comfort.