Self Winding Automatic or Manual Winding Movement?

[AGENT4734]

Hey Guys,

I am a big Omega fan (New Orange PO & Ltd Ed 007 SeaM) and I am thinking about getting a Omega Speedmaster.

I can appreicate the manual wind with it's historic place in time. But I like my automatic movements. Do any of you have one or both of these watches that could shed some light?

Any pros and cons to either?

Thanks,
AGENT4734

[mike]

Welcome!

I have both, a 2254 and a vintage Speedmaster Pro with the 861 movement.
Both are superlative pieces that have proven tough as nails and amazingly accurate. Mine are about +1 sec. a day.

If you're thinking about a Speedmaster Pro--do it! Such a great watch with a unique history! I certainly don't view a manual wind as a disadvantage or inconvience in the slightest.
I'm no watchmaker, but it would seem to me that the manual wind would be the stronger of the two in an adverse enviornment.
I find they complement each other very well.

[AGENT4734]

Down the road, would a manual wind hold it's value less or more. Which movement is more sought out for collectors? Since I have a Seamaster Automatic, I thought the manual wind Speedmaster would be a lil different.

Your thoughts.

[mike]

Originally Posted by AGENT4734

Down the road, would a manual wind hold it's value less or more. Which movement is more sought out for collectors? Since I have a Seamaster Automatic, I thought the manual wind Speedmaster would be a lil different.

Your thoughts.

Hey Agent,

I understand the theroy behind your question, but I think in the world of collectability it's not that simple.

Many things factor into what the collecting arena view as desirable in a collectable piece. Certainly the movement can play a big factor into that equation.

Let's take for example the Speedmaster Pro. I don't think there are to many Speedy fans that will say the cal. 321 Speedmaster is NOT the one to have. In this case a manual wind movement that some may argue is not as good as movements that replaced it BUT, the historical significance of the movement can't be denied. THIS was the movement that went to the moon and therefore it's place in history is cemented.

If we look at other collectable models we see watches like the Rolex reference 1655, 1680 RED, 1665, etc.... are watches that have a high appeal as collector's pieces but used rather common automatic movements.
What each of these watches bring to the table is that unique something that appeals to the collector INSPITE of the movement used.
The 1655 for example, it's unique dial and hand set. The 1680 RED, a little dab of red paint is all that seperates it from it's white cousin.
Manual wind Daytona's are a whole nuther world!

In many cases it's that special something that defines a collectable piece. We as collector's have as our biggest weapon research and the hunt for knowledge to ferret these things out.

[AGENT4734]

Thanks for the insight, I need to take a close look at them both. I am leaning towards the manual wind for its historic accomplishements. And it is a good conversational piece!

Thanks,
Agent4734