The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Back again. Somewhat embarrassed. Seems that my only posts are when I get a new watch. Nevertheless, Breitlingsource is the first forum where I met others who share my passion. This time, it is my most special watch. I genuinely feel that my experiences must be shared with you.

A fine timepiece is the ultimate form of jewellery. As such, it is one of the most special and important objects in my life. It must have more than just a physical connection for me. Some of my watches so far have provided just that, to a more or less degree. With my Rolex Explorer, for example: Mt. Everest, Ian Fleming, "If it's good enough for Tom Hanks...", and the list goes on. Somehow, though, the search continued.

Recently, a friend on another forum, got himself an Omega Speedmaster Professional. That got me started. I did some research, then one Sunday I visited the Vancouver Omega Boutique to take a closer look. Why had I missed out on this watch for so many years? I think it was the fact that I neither needed, nor cared for, having a chronograph. And the watch seemed rather large for my recent tastes. When I tried it on, however, those notions disappeared. The fit is perfect. The layout and proportion of the dials and subdials is perfect. The markers, text and subdials do not intrude on one another in any way. The dial is perfectly legible at all times. While the hands and markers are fairly thin, the lume still manages to be perfectly clear, and is readable throughout the night.

Aesthetically, the watch is one of the most pleasing of all. The bracelet suits it perfectly. And it looks good on any type of strap. To think that the original design has been successful for so many decades gives the watch even more meaning. Not to mention the historical significance of being the first watch worn on the moon, and flight qualified by NASA for all manned space missions. The real kicker for me, though, is the memory I have of watching the first moon walk in 1969 with my Father. Adding to that, 1969 was one of the most significant years in my entire life. More than any other watch, the Speedy means more to me than merely a physical connection.

I would like to share some photos with you:

My Father who is one of the main inspirations for me getting the Speedy:


The Sales Associate at the Omega Boutique presented me with a 2009 Omega "Lifetime" magazine, the Moon Edition, to commemorate the first moon landing:




My Omega ring. It has special significance to me. I purchased it just after the Vancouver Omega Olympic Boutique opened in 2009, before the 2010 Winter Olympic Games. There were Omega reps from Switzerland there after the opening, including a lovely young lady, a watchmaker who made the wonderful Tourbillon they had on display:


Some excellent shots, taken by my friend Ian. Omega also gave me a beautiful bound book all about the Speedmaster Professional. Also a lovely gold pin. And my recently acquired Seamaster Pro with ceramic bezel:














Hope you all enjoy my Speedy presentation!

Cheers,
Carl

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'63 Omega Seamaster, 2014 Omega Speedmaster MarkII

"Those who possess a sense of entitlement are seldom satisfied"

Another of the "icon" watches. I have considered getting one several times, only to be stopped by my possibly fading need for a date wheel and the fact that it's a manual wind without a power indicator. I know, variants of the original now have date and are autos, but it's the original that has special appeal. I admit, though, some of the special editions, particularly the Apollo 11 panda, are really tempting. Enjoyed your personal reflections, as well as the new Seamaster--I saw a blue one in Las Vegas and it's really impressive.

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Scott

AP Royal Oak 15400, silver
Zenith Chronomaster El Primero Classic Cars
Vintage gold Corum
Rolex DJ 36 TT, oyster dial, oyster/smooth
Baume & Mercier Riviera 200m, silver dial/aquamarine bezel
Breitling Superocean 57, rose/stainless

great post and even better pictures Carl. That watch fits you like a glove. its strange for years I have never given Omega chance. as of late one of my close watch buddies has been introducing me more to the brand. i too seem to have over look them but they make a great product.

I remember that night Carl,when a man walked on the moon...

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"In the end there can be but one"

Very nice Carl - oh how you have evolved since that first watch

Many Congratulations Carl,

I owned a Hesalite glass Speedy Moon Watch a few years back and often miss it.

It is a true classic that will always have an important place in history.

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Forum Representative for Andrew Michaels Jewellers, UK

Please visit my Watch Blog at http://www.AndrewMichaels.co.uk

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I always enjoy seeing you back Carl (even if it is usually a fleeting visit! )

Great, classic, iconic watch you have there. I was really hoping the new in-house Speedy was of the tri-compax layout like yours, but sadly not - so that means yours still is the only one to have IMO! Nice going!

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Driver8

Site Moderator

Elegantly presented... IMHO a watch that every WIS should have in a collection... it is indeed a beautiful piece.

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"I don't got the bright watch I got the right watch" -Jay Z

Always great hearing from you Carl, congrats and wear it in good health!

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Justin
Please contact me via PM for the contact details for Govberg Jewelers
Govberg is an AD for over 50 fine Swiss and German watch brands.
Visit them on the web at http://www.govbergwatches.com or call 800-528-8463

Great post and fantastic pics of a true icon!

Just had mine on yesterday .

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Chrono Jetstream
Montbrilliant 1903
Aerospace E79362

Thanks! Your's is a model I don't recognize. Can't quite make out the text - other than the XII, when I zoom in. Looks great with that subdial and the yellow. A special or Limited Edition?
I looked at all of the Speedy models. There is not one that I don't like. I came very close to getting the Limited Edition with the 02 56GMT in red on the dial, and the eagle landing medallion on the subdial at 9 o'clock. I went back a couple of times and tried them both on. In the end, I simply had to have the most original model. Now I have no doubts that I made the right decision.

Cheers,
Carl

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'63 Omega Seamaster, 2014 Omega Speedmaster MarkII

"Those who possess a sense of entitlement are seldom satisfied"

Very nice Carl. After your personal reflections, I feel a trip down the that boutique would be in order. I have not been there yet, and though I am a huge Breitling fan. I have never given Omega a chance though I love the PO Chrono 9300, it's simply too big. Maybe something else might speak to me.

Yes, the PO Chrono 9300 is huge! And it's also 19mm thick.
The Speedmaster Moonwatch Coaxial Chronograph has the 9300 movement as well. It is exactly the same size as the Speedy Pro. They made it with a sapphire crystal back, because the movement is quite large, and that way they could keep the same thickness. If you like the Speedy, and that movement, that's a beautiful watch.
Will be good to hear how you make out down there, at the Boutique. They have recently enlarged it, so it's quite big, and they have everything in there. Plus, they are very knowledgable.
Cheers,
Carl

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'63 Omega Seamaster, 2014 Omega Speedmaster MarkII

"Those who possess a sense of entitlement are seldom satisfied"

Very nice Carl, congratulations. I've been thinking about the Pro for a while now, I can't think of a more classic watch. Glad you like it, it suits you.

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

It is a Gemini XII 'mission patch' LE. They made up about 100-150 of these to commemorate selected Gemini, Apollo, and Skylab missions back in 1998. The replica mission patches are put at the small secs. sub-dial. I liked this one with the yellow accent colors and also like some of the Apollo patches with blue accent sub-dials. Just gives a little more uniqueness to the model if one is into that type of thing.
They are a very comfortable piece to wear.

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Chrono Jetstream
Montbrilliant 1903
Aerospace E79362