Datejust 41 or Speedmaster?

[mac_135]

Of course the title doesn't make sense so I will make a long story short. When I first got into watches I really wanted an Omega SMP but didn't have the budget. Settled for a Tag Aquaracer and sold it a year later to help fund my Sub 114060 which I love (my first keeper watch) and I am looking to expand my collection in the future.

Before I pulled the trigger on the Sub, I decided on the Speedmaster but realized the bracelet doesn't fit right and that if I am going to own this watch, I want it on a black leather strap. I didn't want leather and manual wind for every day wear and also decided I like the hesalite version best, so I wanted something more scratch resistant.

Recently I have become obsessed with the new DJ41, specifically smooth bezel on jubilee – Rhodium or blue dial (pictures absolutely welcomed, please and thank you).

I would appreciate your thoughts and comments on whether you would go for the SMP on leather (with the option to add/change straps) or the Datejust41 (and which dial between the blue and rhodium) as my next piece.

I sell real estate for a living, so both work equally well in my opinion in terms of wardrobe/formality.

A big consideration is that the Omega can be had about $3500 less than the Datejust, and I already bought the "more expensive one" starting with the Sub. This forum is a dangerous place haha.

Thanks!

[RolexRhino]

Hi Mac!

Personally, I am a huge fan of the new DJ41 2017 model. I will purchase one myself later this year, the jubilee link and fluted bezel with blue dial.

$3500 is quite alot of money. I myself would purchase the DJ41 even though you have a Sub. I would reason that it is better to wait months/years to buy the DJ41 for a bit more then the Omega.

[rolehex]

If it were me, I would buy DJ41 and then later on buy previously loved Speedmaster. They haven't changed much throughout the years and you can get a pretty good deal on one.

[Rogdogg]

Personally I'd go with the DJ41. I have my eye on one also. I have the DJII with smooth bezel and blue stick dial so I'm thinking of maybe the Rhodium or Black dial with fluted bezel on jubilee because I already have a blue dial with smooth bezel.
If I didn't already have the blue DJII I would get the blue DJ41 over the Rhodium.
Both are great watches. I hope this helps.
I've always liked the speedmaster but have never bought one. I've always preferred something else each time I've considered one. Maybe some day.
Good luck with the decision

[KenNethcole]

Dj since I’m not a fan of Omega.

[BAMBAM]

DJ41 for sure!

Very nice balanced watch, outstanding movement and timekeeping.
No doubt - go for it ...

[Rocket_Man]

I've run through the Speedmaster Pro debate time and again in my head. I'm in the space business and I admire the SMP and its history. But I never bought one, here's why...

If you are going to buy the SMP you do it because it is THE Moon watch. Few watches are more well known for their tool heritage than the Speedy Pro. Omega makes a crazy number of variations of this watch, but THE watch to get is the SMP, the same model that flew to the Moon. But the problem I have with that watch is that it is too big for me, and it is manual wind, and it doesn't have a date. I thought about the Speedmaster Reduced/automatic, even one version with a date function. But then why am I buying a Speedmaster if it is not the one that has all the heritage behind it? I knew I'd be disappointed that I compromised the heritage of the watch for the convenience I desire. So I never pulled the trigger.

The DJ41 is next on my list. It is a classic watch that you buy for its function and style and not because of its exact heritage in a particular model. It looks great, it is automatic, and has a date. Checks all the boxes. I owned a classic 36mm DJ for many years and retired that watch, so I want a modern replacement. The DJ41 fits the bill.

The Fluted/Jubilee combo in the larger 41mm size is a lot of flash. I may go for either Fluted/Oyster or Smooth/Jubilee. The Fluted/Oyster has a nice mix of dress and casual. The blue dial is awesome and the color I always wanted. But the Rhodium looks great too. Maybe by the time I'm ready to buy I will have figured it out.

[Mick8moses]

I'd go DJ. The SMP I have always appreciated but I simply prefer clean dials. My ideal DJ would be blue, smooth, jubilee.

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[psholtz]

Omega SMP was my first luxury timepiece, and while I enjoy it, it has characteristics that may make it feel quaint or archaic to some ppl, especially Rolex owners:

- Manual wind
- Relatively low-beat movement
- Hesalite plastic crystal
- No date
- Not waterproof
- Not the most accurate movement or time-keeping by modern standards

I think the clasp on modern Rolexes is better too.

In addition, I've had some quality control issues w/ my Speedy -- the pin that holds the metal clasp in place has broken twice now (first time a jeweler repaired it, but it broke again 6 months later and I haven't bothered fixing it again, instead opting to keep it on the strap for now). The chronograph pusher at the 2 o'clock position has also gotten jammed - not an uncommon issue for Speedies - and it'll take a full service to repair it (I had washed my hands in the sink and proceeded to use the chronograph about 5 minutes later, I think that's what did it -- mind you, I didn't actually get the watch wet, but I think just getting it that close to water and than playing w/ it is what jams the chronograph -- it's *really* not water-proof!)

I'm also jaded since I got the 3570.50, which has the 'cheapest' 1861 movement in it (i.e., sort of the least prestigious of the 321/861/1861 line), and I got it in the lousy red box before the much nicer new big box came out. Older Speedies w/ the 861 or 321 movement might be worth looking into .. the dials can be nicer on those old Speedies as well.

On the other hand, it's an iconic classic and it pairs well w/ about every strap in existence. Truly, there's no other watch in the world that wears as well on as wide a range of leather straps.

I would go w/ the Datejust 41.. it probably works better for real estate, and my Rolexes feel like they're up to a better build quality than SMP. The new DJ 41s are gorgeous, I've tried them on but haven't actually bought one yet.

The Omega SMP is a classic watch, but like others have said, it can easily be added at any point.

[asiparks]

My preference would be an SMP, but I always veer towards the more tooly and less dressy.
I don't think you have to get an original, hand wound, hesalite version any more than you have to buy a 6538 to own an "authentic" sub.
I don't know when you last checked, but the bracelets on the latest versions are really pretty decent, and they chuck in a NATO or 2, so maybe worth relooking at, especially if you want to sell it later.

The new automatic versions with date have the "master chronometer" 9900 movement, but are a fair bit chunkier.

good luck whichever you choose.

[geebob]

If you don’t need date function, go with Speedmaster Pro. I love mine, which is a sapphire sandwich. I bought the sapphire for its scratch resistance.

Manual wind is something that either you like or you hate. I happen to like it, and I enjoy winding my Speedy Pro every morning. It takes less than 30 seconds to fully wind the wach. I have no problem with this cause I also manually wind my old Jughans wall clock every week.

Regarding water resistance, as psholtz says above it is not waterproof... but it’s water resistance to 50 m. I do not dive, so this 50m water resistance is more than enough for me. I have never taken it swimming but I won’t hesitate swimming with it and I don’t worry about it gets wet.

However, if you’re obsessed with the new DJ41, then get the DateJust. If you buy the Speedy you will still think about and obsessed with the DateJust. So better skip that part and buy the DateJust.

[DLRIDES]

Since you have the Sub, go with the standard Speedy. Your desire for one is evident, which will only add to the charm.

[red1108nyc]

Diversify! Speedies are fun.

[cdm765]

Speedy for sure given that you have a Sub. The dial is just so warm with the plastic crystal - and well there may be technical drawbacks, it is a stunner!

[1William]

I own a Submariner and it is a great watch. It is hard to not like the DJ41, especially on the jubilee bracelet. Blue would be the color if you already have the black sub. I also own a Speedmaster Pro in 44.25 mm. It has the date and the automatic movement. I owned the classic Speedmaster in 42 that was manual wind but thought it wore small. Can't say enough good things about my Speedmaster. Go try them on. Omega makes a lot of different types of Speedmaters and I would not limit myself to just one.

[hart23]

i will sure go with the speed master, its my favorite omega piece.

[Stratton]

You should seriously also consider the automatic with date 44.25mm Moonwatch as posted by 1William in post 15 above or the new METAS certified versions that have just been released. They are great watches.

[MCO1]

As long as you have wanted a SMP I would say go that route and scratch the itch. They are a cool watch, I am on my second one now. I cannot quite bring myself to part with this one though I have contemplated it. The manual winding is no big deal as if you let an auto set you have to wind it anyway unless you put them on a winder.

Recover from the the SMP purchase and then see if the DJ still does it for you if it does then get one of them too. A Sub, SMP and DJ would make a great 3 piece collection.

[karmatp]

My next purchase is the SMP. I had one years ago and loved it, but I sold it for something I had to have at the time.

I personally love manual wind watches, hesalite is amazing and it is the ultimate "strap" watch. Buy it on the bracelet and get a few straps, you will never get sick of it.

[arguetaoscar]

Both great options, I own the Speedy and in the process of getting a DJ 41... eventually you will own both I think...as both are awesome! My suggestion is to buy the Speedy on Bracelet and add the leather ...



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[watchwatcher]

OK..let's start with function. Do you need or want a chronograph? If the answer is no, then I think you go with the DJ. Which I think fits better with a real estate agent...seeing how you need the date a lot more than timing anything.

In all seriousness, my opinion is that when we're torn between two watches, we probably will end up with both of them at some point...so just look at it like which one do I want first?

[zeroshiki]

Had the speedy moonwatch and got bored of it after a few weeks. Got the DJ41 (fluted rhodium on oyster) when they are available a few months ago, and i love it! The grey rhodium dial is very beautiful.

[MJK737]

Not to nitpick but I believe SMP stands for Seamaster Professional. I’d recommend the Speedy Pro, that paired with your sub makes for a solid collection, two classics and you’d have all bases covered. Th e DJ is a fine piece but I think the Speedy Pro is way cooler.

[FTX I]

Love the Speedy but DJ gets my vote.

[mac_135]

Thanks for the responses - I think the reality is that I do want both eventually, it's more a matter of which one first.

Does anyone have any pictures to help make up my mind? It's interesting how different watches look on a website vs a wrist shot or in person.

Also, I have tried them on and fit isn't an issue. They are both perfect.

[ras47]

I have the 44mm co-axial which is a bit of an outlier as far as size/fit. I’d go Speedmaster over DJ myself, every time.

[Golf&Watches]

I am the biggest Rolex fan, the same cannot be said for Omega. However, I would choose the Omega in this scenario, it is such a great watch for all the reasons mentioned in this thread, truly Iconic!

[DavidUK]

Which one of these would I NOT sell?...



(PS A little scruffy?... At Omega Switzerland currently for full overhaul.)





Answer: I'd keep the DJ41 and Omega. In fact... Sub went after 4 weeks wear.

[Yuri.Popov]

DJ41 all the way

[jason042779]

DJ41 in blue would be my choice, but Rhodium is stunning too.