The Breitling Watch Source Forums

OK so I always wanted a Speedmaster, I mean it is the iconic Moonwatch and no collection is complete without one IMO. But just never got around to picking one up for some reason, but this new version has me drooling bad!

For one thing it has a well decorated and heavily modified Piguet 3612 Rattrapante movement with display back, a great 44MM+ size, 3-6-9 layout, and that beutifull grayish black sunbirst dial! Plus it is actually a limited edition of only 360 watches! Whats not to like?







MOVEMENT
Caliber: Omega 3612
Self-winding chronograph movement with
column wheel mechanism and Co-Axial
Escapement for greater precision stability and
durability of the movement. Free sprung
balance, with date, hour-, minute- and
continuous small seconds-hands, central
chronograph hand
Power reserve: 52 hours
CRYSTAL
Scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with
anti-reflective treatment on both sides
CASE & DIAL
Case: Steel
Diameter: 44.25 mm
Dial: Black
WATER RESISTANCE
100 m (330 feet)
FEATURES
Chronograph
Chronometer
Date
Small seconds
Split-Seconds (Rattrapante)
Tachymeter
Transparent case back
Limited edition

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Certified watch nut.

Do it, Altair! You need a Speedy in that collection.

Mind you, I bet this particular one isn't cheap.

Holy CRAP! What a beauty.

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SHARKMAN

Looks very nice, and I've long wanted a ratty myself. However, two things spring to mind on this on, Altair.

Firstly, IMO a Speedy should be black with white hands/markers. Call me a traditionalist, but I guess my views on the Speedy are like when a lot of Panerai enthusiasts insist that Pannies should be manual wind and simply tell the time and date. I definitely the prefer the auto and larger Speedies, so I'm not a TOTAL traditionalist in that respect, but this one's colours, while being great in their own right, just aren't "proper" Speedmaster colours IMO.

And secondly, and more importantly, I believe the 3612 movement is based on the same calibre as the 3313, which as you may know has been beset by reports of problems with fragility since it's introduction. I've heard some reports of the later 3xxx calibres being improved, but ultimately the general concensus seems to be that that paticular line of movements has design flaws that can't be fully "retro-fitted away". Hence why I am waiting for a 44mm Speedy with a fully in-house Omega chronograph inside..... if one ever comes.

I would just be very cautious with anything 3xxx powered. (Obviously I'm sure their are people with 3313 powered PO Chronos on here who have had no problems at all, but there is no dout that this line of movements has something of a reputation).

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Driver8

Site Moderator

I am warming to Omega, but am certainly wary of 3 series movements - the movement problems are design related rather manufacturing issues so it's harder to get rid of. I like the design of this and don't suffer from the 'traditionalist' concerns that Driver8 expressed, but I don't think it would be my choice of Omega.

Mind you Altair, there are other items in your collection that wouldn't be my choice either

I wonder what the percentage of failed/dodgy to working movements their are in the 3xxx calibres. It was a thorny problem for me when I was (and still am) looking at the Broad Arrow GMT.

I actually prefer that one to the others Altair and the rattrapante function is very cool.

I don't think there are many more watches you need in that collection Altair

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Happines is Good Health and a Bad Memory.
"Ingrid Bergman"

About the movement, I had made a mistake in my wording. The movement is Omega's Co-Axial which was heavily influenced by the Frederick Piguet 3 series movement.

Just a quick note about the movement, I think it got a bad rep unfairly. I have it in my PO Chrono and it is very reliable! If it was a design flaw I am sure Omega would not keep on sticking it in different watches. Also have not heard many people complaining about the recent releases, so I thick they worked out the kinks.

As Otto said, price is the determining factor here. If the watch exceeds the street price of 5500USD it is no longer a viable option.



I agree, but that is not going to stop me anytime soon

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Certified watch nut.

I didn't think it would

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Happines is Good Health and a Bad Memory.
"Ingrid Bergman"

I thought only 33xx calibres were the iffy ones. Is it all 3xxx?

Im really not an omega guy in any sense of the word, but that thing is nice! Good size, and the ceramic use sounds great. $5500 doesnt really seem half-bad.

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-RJ

A ratty in a Speedmaster! Yes!
(Yeah, I know there is a Broad Arrow Rattrapante, but the dial is just too busy for me)

I think my only "problem" with the Speedmasters lately is that every new version they come out with, I like better than the last one. I wanted a Broad Arrow GMT, then they came out with the Solar Impulse and I said "Good thing I didn't get the GMT, because I prefer the Solar Impulse." Then they came out with the enamel dial Co-Axial and I said "Wow, what a fantastic model...good thing I didn't get the Solar Impulse."

Apparently, the rattty seems to have come out at the same time as the co-axial enamel, but I did not know about it until now. Now I am definitely glad I did not get the co-axial enamel. This one is way better.

But I had better not buy it because I will regret it next year....

Also, what do you think about the Apollo-Soyuz 35th Anniversary with meteorite dial?


My preference is still for the rattrapante because I like display backs and date windows.

///M

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There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness." --Dave Barry

Almost pulled the trigger on a Speedy (instead of my PO), but once i had it on my wrist, it was a big no no.

Main reason is the nasty nasty nasty bezel shape (you only see it sideways, but it was a HUGE turn off). The PO on the other hand was only love

This one has a VERY nice look to it, but i wonder if it has the same turn off bezel of the moon speedy...

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Panerai PAM212 | Panerai Diver Strap
Panerai PAM111 | Black Croc Strap
Omega Planet Ocean | SS Bracelet
Rolex Submariner | SS Bracelet (Sold, Awaiting Funds)
Breitling Navitimer Olympus | Brown Croc Strap (Arriving)

It's a nice watch. I prefer that one with the meteorite. They just don't give me the same feel when I strap one on my wrist. The Omegas, I mean, as a brand.

Hmm . . . I guess that doesn't help you very much, eh? My purely subjective impressions. For what they're worth . . .

Peace

Mike