The one and only: 16610, 16600, or Omega Speedmaster?

[RTea]

Hi everyone!

First thread posted in this forum but I've been lurking around here for a while soaking in the sights and sounds. I've been around other forums for a while and during my 2-3 years of really getting into watches, I've gone through about 65 watches and haven't found "the one". I'm hoping to finally step it up and get the one watch I've always really wanted so I can end my flipping madness.

I currently own a Pam 25 but find it a little large for comfortable daily wear to the office and on the weekends. That being said, I can't stop drooling over the Sub 16610, Sea Dweller 16600, and Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonphase. The price difference between these 3 can be pretty significant so I was hoping to get some feedback from everyone here before pulling the trigger. Here are my thoughts on each:

Rolex Sub 16610
-Classic sub, goes with anything, can be worn anywhere.
-Wears comfortably but the bracelet and clasp (quality wise) isn't quite on the same level as the Omega.
-Retains its value really well and prices seem to keep climbing
-This is the watch I've always wanted but the Sea Dweller has taken its place since I've gotten into watches
-Cheaper than the Sea Dweller

Rolex Sea Dweller 16600
-Probably my favorite of the subs but prices seemed to have skyrocketed so it seems like I should buy it sooner than later if I'm eventually going to get one
-Love how its a slightly beefed up Sub
-Still fits under cuffs and can be worn in almost any situation
-No cyclops hooray!
-My budget is under $5K so I'd probably have to find one that isn't in tip top shape
-Might be tough to swallow the cost on this but this is more or less the one watch I will want to have in my collection at some time in my life
-Discontinued so not sure where the market will go with these as they are rarer than the 16610

Omega Speedmaster Moonphase 3576.50
-Handwind lemania chronograph movement is a joy to wind and beautiful to look at
-Lovely domed sapphire crystal and sapphire case-back
-Classic moon watch look and vibe with the necessary (for me) added date complication
-Beautifully finished bracelet and clasp
-Limited water resistance, won't feel comfortable wearing this everywhere and submerging it in water
-Can be bought new for the price of a used Sub or can be bought used at significant savings.
-Also a watch I want in my collection sometime

Sorry for all of the text but this is a huge purchase for me and something that's been tearing me apart for quite some time. I love the Speedy and love the Subs but they are very different watches. I'm thinking it would be better to get a Sub now as prices seem to be on the rise and the Speedy is still in production unlike the Sub and Sea Dweller. But I do like the thought of saving quite a bit for a watch as nice as the Speedy and I'm thinking that it might cure my itch for another watch and become my daily wearer.

Any pictures/thoughts/input? I think you can guess which brand I slightly prefer as I posted this in this forum :).

[inspires]

16600 SD would be my choice of the three.

[mrbill2mrbill2]

16610!! I love the tuna can bracelet. Light weight and time tested durability. Cannot be beat.

[Mickey®]

Originally Posted by mrbill2mrbill2

16610!! I love the tuna can bracelet. Light weight and time tested durability. Cannot be beat.

Out of those things....yep!

[GEO_79]

16600 sd

[Gharddog03]

16610

[atila]

With your budget being under $5k, I'd prolong the decision a little longer until you've saved a bit more, maybe when you're comfortable spending $7-8k and price isn't as big of a factor, it will be an easier decision for you to make.

(put simply, save up and get the sea dweller since that is obviously your #1 choice)

[dalip]

From the way you've chosen to describe the pieces listed, I'd go with the SD

[toph]

16600 hand down IMHO.
Cheers

[RTea]

Ah of course the most expensive has to be the one I want most and what most recommend. Thanks for the input everyone! I think I might save up a bit more to get maybe an M or later serial Sea Dweller. I'm so antsy to get one...

[toph]

Originally Posted by RTea

Ah of course the most expensive has to be the one I want most and what most recommend. Thanks for the input everyone! I think I might save up a bit more to get maybe an M or later serial Sea Dweller. I'm so antsy to get one...

In general I think many have that problem but the SD is worth getting due to it shape, slightly thicker case and just is incredibly comfortable to wear

[Mickey®]

Originally Posted by toph

In general I think many have that problem but the SD is worth getting due to it shape, slightly thicker case and just is incredibly comfortable to wear

Not as comfy as the Sub though??!!

[toph]

Originally Posted by Mickey®

Not as comfy as the Sub though??!!

It is on me that's why I have never owned a sub but I have many other sport models. SD is definitely the comfiest on me though

[Monte Cristo]

16610 ...there's a reason why you listed that 1st

[boywondergq1]

I have a GMTIIc and a Speedy.
Every time I think about flipping my Speedy 3573.50 sapphire sandwich for a 16610 I get cold feet.
The speedy is more subdued, sort of a quiet classic whereas the 16610 sub with its lacquered dial and mercedes hands is a little more identifiable.
With my GMT, I find I have the 'bling' side of my collection covered.
But to be honest, 9/10 I'm grabbing for my Speedy in the morning because it is very versatile, classic and elegant. Not that the sub isn't these things, it's just how the speedy feels when I strap it on.
The sub is just as versatile but doesn't fly under the radar as well as the Speedy.

[landroverking]

I have both the Speedmaster moon phase and the SD.
I would have a hard time letting go of either of them. The SMP gets more wrist time than my TT Daytona as I wear it to work most days and as soon as my air shift is over put on the SD. Put another way I would give up the SMP for a WG strap Daytona and SD for an 18k GMT Root Beer. I guess that shows how highly I regard the SD and the SMP moon phase.

[Cabaiguan]

I could comfortably live with either the SD or Speedie.

Can't beat the value of the Speedie. Used ones in very good condition can be had for under $2500.

[travisb]

16610.
Covers all the bases. The SD is right up there too but from what you said you are looking for I think the Sub is the way to go.
Slimmer case than the SD and wears a little lighter as well.

[nauticajoe]

SD...all day long!

[bottom of the ninth]

I would get the Sea Dweller...find a nice pre-loved one and enjoy it for years to come!

[TimeToGo]

Welcome to the Forum!

Either Sub or SD, excellent choices...

[pol]

Welcome! Without a doubt 16610 for me

[Watchmutt]

the 16600 of course. I'm not biased, no i'm not.

[Kanger]

I will take the SD over the Sub by a slight notch

[capote]

Seadweller or Speedmaster

[tarmyjay]

Seadweller

I think it's worth the extra money...... But you are right, the prices are starting to sky rocket

I am looking at buying one myself at the moment

[Speed]

Welcome.

So what's it going to be?

[Robbie68]

Sd

[jmsrolls]

The 16600 SD is THE Rolex diver. The Sub is a wannabe.

But no other watch has the history and mystery of the Speedmaster Professional. No serious watch collection is complete without one.

[brokenchains]

Sea Dweller!!