5 Things I Hate About The Omega Speedmaster - Federico Talks Watches 

Back in March, 1969, our family visited Panama. Back then, the duty free Canal Zone was really a place where you could get a bargain. My dad bought three Speedmasters. One for him, one for my brother and one for me. I was almost 14 yrs old. I still remember watching the Apollo 11 landing, wearing my Speedy on my wrist. I am still wearing it today, fifty years later. It still keeps almost perfect time. Original heasalite, only repair ever, replacement of the main spring .For me, this is the perfect watch, and always will be.

My biggest gripe is that I don’t own one. Another great video thanks for the content.

My wife bought me a silver 3 dial and date speedy for Christmas Dec 1999 for the turn of the millennium and I have worn it every day since. It still gives me joy and I am wearing it with a tan leather strap and it still looks great. My only gripe is that my eyesight is not as good as it used to be and sometimes I find the silver hands difficult to read against the face in poor light. However, it has been a love affair that has lasted 20 years (it is 1 January today) and I suspect it will see several more decades out. Happy new decade to you all.

"The winding irritates my fingers" Talk about first world problems haha

Love the box too! One of my favourite things about it. Even the wife is impressed by the box!

It's funny but many of the gripes you've had are fixed with the new 3861 version. The bracelet has been rewound to a more vintage style with smaller links and aggressive tapering down to a 15mm low profile clasp. The links are more like half links on a modern 42mm sports watch, making fitment far easier. The movement is beautifully decorated whether you get the sapphire sandwich or hesalite version (I replaced my solid caseback with a Spiralwinder sapphire display caseback so that I could appreciate the movement). I'm not sure about everyone, but every time I wind my watch, I look at the movement and it always amazes me! The box is now smaller and less bulky; however, I find that I prefer to keep the big box set. It just makes it more special. For people who wants a better crown, have issues with a manual winder, or wants other physical aesthetic changes to make the watch more "modern" (for example, a water resistance rating comparable to a diver), I just gotta say to you: I'm sorry, but please shut up hell up and get a different watch. In fact, you might be happier with a high end Citizen ecodrive. Without some of these classic albeit technologically obsolete design elements, the watch would no longer be a "moonwatch". In fact, the 3861 movement was redesigned into a co-axial movement with hacking, actually 60 hrs of power reserve (despite Omega conservatively stating only 50 hrs on the spec sheet) and COSC/METAS certified. Omega did an incredible job at discretely modernizing this SMP without intruding upon it's moonwatch heritage. It is true that the retail price has increased, but if you actually own both the 1861 and 3861, you'll quickly realize where that money is going. The movement tech has been completely revamped, it's way more precise and anti-magnetic, has a much more comfortable bracelet, and an increase in power reserve (my real world testing is about 60 hrs) approximately 20 percent above my 1861). In addition, if you go online and register your ownership, enter your watch reference and serial number, you can print out the METAS testing of the specific watch you have on your wrist, not just theoretical manufacturing BS. Don't forget that it now has an Omega co-axial movement, having less friction and lubricated with modern synthetic moebius lube, it is easily good for about 10 years before needing service (both my Omega Planet Oceans are older than 10yrs and running as good as new). Considering today's inflation and increased production and material costs, you'll appreciate the value of the new Omega speedmaster professional.

Hi Frederico just came across your channel and running 5 videos in a row 😊 congrats on the channel and on the number of subscribers. You got yourself a Portuguese fan living in Kuwait 🇰🇼 keep it up!

Can I just say how glad I am you're back doing your own videos. Also I hate the crown guards. It almost made me want to trade in for the FOIS for easier winding but the 19mm lugs turned me off.

I recently bought one. It doesn't hack. That's the one negative for me. Really like the sapphire version with the display case back. There's no plastic piece in the movement and it's very nicely finished.

Federico, nothing on your list that would stop me to love my speedy ;)

The Speedmaster "eclipses" every watch in terms of popularity, what else do you expect from a watch that made it to the Moon and back!

Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

I would agree with all your gripes! Especially the unpleasant winding experience and the bracelet which I haven't worn on mine in years. I never could get a perfect fit on it and the strap looks better anyway.

I own the 2019 moonwatch and share your views on the crown. My only unpopular opinion on this watch is that it is considered a strap monster yet I find it only suits the bracelet it comes with. Literally the only watch I own that I wouldn’t change the strap on. Oh and the box. My god. I bought mine at Heathrow airport and had to transport the box in hand luggage with my other stuff. It’s massive and way too big. Another great vid.

Winding is a pain till I figured out that running your pointer finger against the crown towards you while holding the watch upright is the best way to do it.

Hey Fed - a couple of thoughts... As far as winding, rather than using my thumb and index finger, I simply slide my index finger along the bottom of the crown. It's quick and easy and it actually winds faster. No trouble with the crown guards at all. As far the bracelet and clasp, I asked the tech at the Omega boutique if he could retrofit my Speedy cal 1863 with an adjustable glide clasp. After some research, he figured out that the MkII has a glide clasp that will fit the current Speedy bracelet with the addition of a couple of links. Cost me a little over $200 for the clasp and the links - and i love it. It's slightly thicker than the Speedy Pro clasp but I don't notice it at all when wearing it and the flexibility is most welcome on warm Texas days.

You won’t be questioning the packaging in 20 years time when it adds so much value to the watch

Hi Fed, the biggest advantage of the Speedy is the timeless design and from my opinion almost perfect dial layout and for sure its versatility. Basically you get a real vintage watch from a modern production. However from technical point of view its not up to date for sure. If I would only go with one watch I would prefer one of the modern Co-Axial Speedmasters even they are not as pretty as the original. Within a collection and not considering it a daily wearer it is a complete different story. The price for sure is debatable but that can be said for almost all luxury watches... Greetings Alex

"My fingers hurt" Awe, your fingers hurt?... well now your back is gonna hurt, cause you just picked up landscaping duty... ...anybody else's fingers hurt?

Hi Federico , I agree with you on the bracelet , ended up wearing it with an omega mesh and love the feeling. On another note actually delrin is the best choice for the bumper (break) , agree , it is plastic BUT it is a high and low temperature resistant plastic that happens to be also chemical non reactive . Agree , not as pretty as metal but definitely the best choice in terms of performance , shock and vibration absorption and non wearable. Long story short the sapphire sandwich looks stunning but the closed case is definitely made for endurance and I can tell you this because I work with both metals and special plastics machining. it is one of the reasons I chose closed back over sapphire sandwich. Never the less , they both will perform as expected and are stunning beautiful time pieces. I recently acquired an all stainless steel Ploprof because I wanted a rugged performer , so far very very happy with it and I would love to listen to your take on it (there is almost nothing about it on RU-vid). Cheers!

Definitely agree - the winding is really difficult with my Speedy.

Hi Federico, what's the leather strap you are wearing in the video?

For sport watches, hacking does make more scene, more so a chronograph. It's nice to see the chrono sec hand runs in sync with the sub sec hand for precision. Also, lateral clutch has more wear and tear, and, need to mentioned that the chrono function should not run continuously. In price comparison, the seiko 8R48 has a column wheel vertical clutch, and, the unique 3 pointed hammer and heart-shaped cam ensures the perfect synchronization of the hands flyback function at pin-point. My srq031 which cost less than 3k has Zaratsu finishing, and, it's accurate to 3 spd. The 2mm protruding glass, interestingly, makes the watch looks compact. The fine soft cordovan straps wears so comfortable. I like this better than my daytona. Just stunning

Thank you Fed, you are the first person I ever heard who said the crown is just way too small, well except me, years ago I bought a Speedy online, I got the watch and the crown was digging into my fingers when I was winding it, I found the experience to be negative, I sold the watch and got instead an Omega Planet Ocean Chrono and its the watch that is the longest serving in my collection, love this huge watch. If Omega changes the design and make the crown bigger I might consider getting it again.

I see a lot of comments covering the whole spectrum of like and dislike. Personally, a watch that I buy doesn‘t have to be perfect. I love to wear it and a couple of things could be better, but that doesn‘t stop me from purchasing it.

Several of these issues are taken care of with the new 3861, smaller box, better bracelet, easier to wind. My old 321 Speedmasters are much easier to wind than the 1861, so I was pleasantly surpriced that the new 3861 is almost as easy to wind as the old 321's. I suspect the gearing was changed a bit? As it seems to demand more turns to fully wind.

Now I'm convinced to get the sapphire version.

Great video Fed... I also hate the fact that I can’t afford a speedmaster or better a seamaster planetocean chronograph ... I think I can live well with the rest

Over-popularity is one of the reasons I chose to go with the Speedmaster '57 instead. Plus, no crown guard so winding difficulty isn't an issue. I do find my Speedmaster Racing to be a pain to wind though...Enjoyable vid as always man!

Love your vids your the man!

I agree with you completely regarding the movement of the modern speedmaster. All things considered, we are paying for a luxury product and regardless of it having a caseback or not, we want to know that the people making the watch also pays attention to detail as much as we love and pay our hard earning money for their product.

It's tough to find five gripes with the speedy. Fun thing, I actually prefer the Speedmaster bracelet over the Seamaster bracelet. I have never liked the looks of the Seamaster bracelet, but this is just a personal preference thing. Nice vid Federico.

completely agree on the crown! we have customers returning the watch because of that!

I personally love love love the bracelet haha. I just like its look and feel but I am a smaller guy so. Cheers!

Good review Federico. Don't totally agree with you on all your points but I do on some. 1. I live in Cape Town and have NEVER seen someone else wearing a Speedy. Only see them in shop windows. 2. Totally agree about the winder. Perhaps if it was a screw-in crown, it would move out a bit when you unscrew it making it easier to get a grip. 3. I actually like the bracelet, same as on my Seamaster 2254. Apart from the pin and collar arrangement and not having micro-adjustments it wears well on my 8" wrist and looks good. 4. Not phased by the lack of decoration on the movement. Rolex also does it. 5. Totally agree on the box size. It just adds cost and takes up space. The 'medallion' serves no purpose and the spring bar tool is a bit cheap and nasty. The NATO strap is great though.

I almost pulled the trigger on the speedy but finally bought the Fortis b42 official cosmonaut

Greta vid. Good to see a "where are they now" on the toy story gang. Watches are a definite step up from the Toy Barn

You buy a watch box, they give you a watch by the way. Haha Omega watch boxes are beautiful, I like the ones with wood finishes and the ones for Speedmasters. Although they are kinda big.

Fed. Trade up to the 9300 co axial . Auto, best bracelet out there, great looking accurate watch .

The winding is even more a pain in the ass on the Mark II where the crown seems to be sunk even deeper into the case...Something that I got used to after a few days though. It really only takes a minute or two to get a full charge and what's that in the grand scheme of things really? Great video as always.

It's hasselite because it's the moonwatch and hasselite won't break into tiny shards like the sapphire crystal which is catastrophic in the Space.

I have to agree with you about the box. That thing is more like a suitcase.

Great vid Fed. It's a personal thing so it's not for me to agree or disagree with how you feel! But personally I love the Speedie bracelet (mine is a 2012 so maybe you're referring to an older one). Also regarding the box, that's more a gripe for a purist. I bet the bulk of speedie owners aren't purists and appreciate the luxury element of a nice presentation box. It's also nice if you're giving it as a special gift. I personally don't care but I see where you're coming from. I agree with your movement comments though - slight gripe but I don't really care. And yes the winding can be a pain in the rear! ... Keep up the great work. Love your videos

Hi Federico, I like this watch and video. How about try doing a video on the top 5 things I hate about the Rolex Submariner ? Lol.

I agree that it's a little cumbersome to wind every morning. I'm afraid that the oil from my fingers is going to tarnish the numbers on the bezel.

I would like to see a decorated movement in a speedmaster with a display caseback. That would be fun.

Cut down on the price of the box and it might make room for the cost of metal instead of plastic as Federico mentioned! I hate extravagant packaging as much as I hate styrofoam, static electricity, flying, floating, clinging, disappearing, demonic, puking peanuts some use for padding when shipping! Ahhh! Now I feel better! Great vid Frederico!

i'm still waiting for the turtle's full review!

Hi, can you make a video talking about your favorite chronograph alternatives to the Speedmaster at similar price point?

It's funny, four of the five issues mentioned here (clunky bracelet, excessively huge box, crown guard making it hard to wind, and everyone having it) are fixed by getting the First Omega In Space (FOIS) edition. Still the same manual wind movement, still the same space heritage, but with a smaller wooden box and a brown leather strap. It's what I went with when I got my first Speedy, and I plan on holding onto it for as long as is practical.

Great list! But I want to speak on the box thing because I think while it is unnecessary, I think it’s good. The guy that drops many gs on an Omega wants a great presentation. Due to its popularity, not everyone who guys it has 10 other luxury watches so I think it’s a nice touch on Omega’s part.

Nice video Agree What strap are you wearing

I have 3 Speedmasters but do agree with you, although the bracelet is one of the quality things about it - I have one with glass and automatic mov

You must be happy with that large box ( plenty of space to hide 3 other boxes inside ) .. joking aside what about a comparison between the Speedmaster handwinder and the Seiko Pogue Auto ?

While I agree on the case size, what I hate is that when Omega Shrunk it for the 3861, they removed ALL of the goodies; now THAT, is what I call cheap! Fortunately I got the 1861 variant and welcome the suitcase, for the above reason 🙏👍

I use the side of my forefinger (the side closest to my thumb) to wind the watch. Holding the watch in one hand I just slide my forefinger down the crown, takes half the time to wind up and is more comfortable!

I think you talked me into the Sapphire Sandwich. I knew about the variance in the movements but I didn't know about that plastic part. Totally agree, and cheers for that. You raise an interesting point about how "everybody" has one. I hear you, but that's very relative to our little watch geek bubble. Empirically, a *very* small fraction of one percent of the population actually has an Omega Speedmaster. And you're right about how it tends to monopolize the conversation at the expense of interesting alternatives. But most of the ones that are really in this league (or above, e.g. Breguet Type XXI) are a lot more money. Anyway, I think I may get mine today. On the plus side, it's one of those things that we know we won't regret ... unless I end up daydreaming about hesalite ... Does anyone know if there's a material difference in thickness/height between the two? That would be significant, if it wears slimmer with the steel caseback, and Omega doesn't make it clear.

There is a trick to winding it and avoiding the crown guard. Put your index finger under the case and wind it by touching just the bottom of the crown. It might be a little bit slower, but the crown guard will be completely out of the way.

Federico, I agree with you on some of the points. I had an impression that the plastic part on the 861 was replaced with the steel. I'm sure I have read this a long time ago. Why do they keep developing the bracelet design when the watch stays the same.. Go back to the original design. I agree that hugh boxes are difficult to store and most important part is if we have post the watch if there is a sale involved. But I do like the space suit material and the strap changing kit. Maybe it's a childlike thing of the hugh box selling you the idea and we all want one. "The one in a sweet shop" Thanks man for the video and your watch looks cool. Ishmael

Great job Federico! Absolutely STUNNING video! Keep up the great work! Best Regards, Samuel!

Winding a Speedy...one of the few benefits of having small, skinny "girly" hands! 😂😂

I have a 2016 Speedmaster Professional, and I absolutely love the bracelet.

I've had a couple of Speedmasters and strangely enough one was quite hard to wind whilst the other was really smooth and easy .

I have the co axial version and although a classic watch that is extremely accurate I find the biggest failing is the winder. Awkward to use and very uncomfortable on the fingers. Also my biggest gripe with a lot of high end watches is the lack of micro adjust. My bracelet doesn't even have a half link.

agreed with 100% pita to wind, overhype (maybe also the infinite editions Omega is making), well one thing i like the hesalite type to void smoke ring, but i did get the sapphire bottom hes top edition. love it... Great watch at the used priice point, now the Snoopy....

Hey. Great and interesting video, as always. About that huge box, i have to say i disagree. Okay, so the boxes on these finer watches are big, and they might be a pain in the a#% to store, but my god, are they pleasing to look and touch. I think they somehow also make the difference between some cheap fashion watch and the overall thing that is finer/luxyry watches and the experience you get with these watches. The bigger, the better & More is more :D

Funny you commented on the box. I was just saying the same thing yesterday. Give me a smaller box and knock $200 bucks off the price

i hate how the hour subdial markers don't line up correctly with the minute markers when the chrono is running. nobody seems to talk about this in the reviews but apparently its quite common and acceptable in the forums.

I have to agree with the popularit aspect. Everyone has a Sub, or a Seamaster. This is why I chose a totally overlooked dive watch. The Hamilton Frogman. A whole lot less expensive, but has the same depth rating, and does everything the others can. In fact, I've yet to see a youtube review on it.

purchased one in 1997 for $1k USD at Fortunoff before they went under. limited edition silver dial. it bothered me so much that l spent that much just for a common Omega that I returned it. They offered me a drastic discount on a Tag Heur but I declined go pay a lot for a quartz watch too. I wish I had been hip to the Paul Newman I would have splurged and done well.

Is there a way to sync the seconds?

I don't understand the different versions. I think the base version has a good history since Armstrong and Aldrin had to actually use one to time the exact moment to launch off the Moon to rendevouz with Collins. Things weren't always automated back then. Can't say I hate it as I can simply choose to not purchase other versions, but I just feel modifying it in ways that NASA wouldn't have allowed takes away from what makes it cool to own. Also, 100% agree with what you say about the bracelet. Looks good on a strap, though.

Winding: Place thumb at one o'clock, use index finger to wind at the rear side of the crown. Quick and easy! Thought everyone knew this?

I own a Speedmaster and share your angst about the winding grind...hurts the fingers, particularly after I sent it to Omega for a cleaning and seal replacement. Also, the start and stop functions for the chrono are a bit imprecise...may be that my unit is a 1989 edition...dunno, but I also have a late sixties Constellation stainless/date, purchased new, that is a Chronometer and does continue to keep great time, now almost 50 years since it came into my possession.

100% agree with all the points you make.

I took a look at Delray stock...I would say my favorites are: Jeager LeCoultre reverso memory-great price, Breitling montbrillant-beautiful dial and case on that, Omega seamaster AQ in rose-love this..maybe my fav on you website, the Zenith EL-P HW-love the case & bracelet, and probably the Franck Muller Con/King chrono...great bracelet, case and dial..but looks too big on your models wrist...might need a model with larger arms :p

uh oh big boi is going to come after you Fed!

I own speedy and I think a professional tool watch such as the moon watch should have a hacking movement to set accurate time.

I am 64 and a Speedy was my first great watch purchased new for $185 with paper route earnings in I believe 1967. It was a super watch unfortunately stolen at a party when I passed out by a devious girl in 1972 ( long story not worth time). I always wanted another and bought a new manual wind moon watch from an authorized Omega dealer in approx 1995 unfortunately after 2 weeks of ownership while I was using the chrono to time grilling a steak. It stopped all by itself w/o touching the chrono button !! My Omega dealer exchanged it for another moonie In 2 -3 weeks the chrono stopped by itself on the second watch !! I exchangedthe Omega for a Breitling Navitimer and never had a problem for 15 years until I sold it . Yes I did check and the watch was fully wound .I wrote about the problem on the Timezone Omega forum and found others who had experienced the same problem . So as much as I would like to have one to complement my Omega Seamaster chronometer diver with blue wave dial ( Fantastic watch !!!) never again !! All I can say is that I was GLAD that I only had an overdone steak and not running out of air ON THE MOON !! LOL !!

Bracelet is awesome! What are you talking about? But mine is new... Is it that much different? Yup crown guard makes it crappy for winding. Hate popularity of the watch! That is you buddy. No surprise there. Agree on plastic component.. Decorating... meh... I LOVE NEW BOX! So cool! So we agree on some ad don't agree on others. Thanks for video Federico!

Biggest fail for me the poor water resistance. I have £100 fossil chronographs that I can swim with no fear. I want a watch I can wear every day, on holiday, swim etc. Feels like a cheap watch if I cannot rely on it in all daily use.

Good "gripe" points. I think the one I agree with the most is the Speedmaster's popularity. It's the all too often talked about watch, the all too often recommended watch, the all too often praised watch.. it's everywhere all the time. So, ironically, by its own rightfully hyped up popularity it feels.. well.. over-hyped. And as you say, much like the sub.. and I'm beginning, or actually have felt, the same about the Rolex GMT Master (1 & 2), gets a bit boring or not so exciting because it "eclipses" many other interesting timepieces and the monosubject conversation becomes almsot 1 dimensional. For a group of Speedmaster enthusiasts who think it's the greatest watch in the world, I'm sure they could talk hours just about the Speedmaster and that's great. But, for probably many others, it would be more interesting to talk about other watches besides a Speedmaster.. well, at least in addition to. Additionally, between the Speedmaster, Rolex Submariner and GMT Master, I find less homages to that watch than the Sub and GMT Master. which doesn't help me getting a bit tired of seeing them.. homage or real deal, it's just the general look and design. It's great, but I personally feel played out and not exciting as they once were. Going back on a positive note. Would I want to own a Speedmaster someday? Hell yes! Out of the 3 mentioned, the Speedmaster has a certain "je ne sais quoi" which works with just about anything. All 3 above do, BUT, the Speedmaster is the most attractive to me and probably the least expensive of the 3, as well It's a great enough watch to set aside the gripes and enjoy the watch still. I think it will always be special, but I also feel there are other watches which I would hold closer to the heart than a Speedmaster in my own personal watch collection.

I think your perspective as someone in the industry might be skewed on a couple of points. The bracelet is solid, hefty, with a nice drape. And very comfortable. The box, which you find excessive? This was my grail watch, I don't have a closet full of watch boxes, so it isn't an issue. All that extra stuff you might have found cumbersome? It is because you have a ridiculous number of watches for anyone who is not making their living in horology. Also, is the Speedy really so ubiquitous? In your world, possibly. Not for someone who doesn't live in NYC or another urban center. To me the Speedy's popularity lends it a fraternal warmth online for people who aren't in glamor hubs. The one thing that we agree on is the winding. For a manually wound watch, and winding the thing is something I do love, it is tough. I am kinda 'sausage' myself, but my fingers are not, and even for me it is tough. A more prominent or knurled crown, or less prominent guards between what is already protected by the other pushers, seems reasonable.

Hi Federico.. are you italyano?

I completely agree with the huge box problem

I like the box 😊

This was a tool watch when it was designed. Now it's a luxury product and people want glass back and decorated movement

Possibly my next watch

PREACH, Federico!

how did the astronauts wind the watch in space with their gloves on ? i always wondered

I love the box

The winding issue is one of the biggest reasons I won´t own one and from every watchmaker I have ever talked to with manual wind watches best practice is to wind the watch every day for best accuracy. The second reason as well I am with you on. This and the Sub bore me to death. How many black dial black bezel watches are there out there! Everyone and his uncle wear the things which really puts me off the most, I don´t want to be a sheep! I do love the dial though.

The only thing I hate about the speedmaster is that I dont have one :D

Get the Mark 2 in vintage. The same inside and the dial, but with a less ubiquitous standing. I've seen a few people with a Moonwatch, but none with a Mark 2. The used prices are very favourable too in comparison the the original Speedmaster. I have both which seems a bit stupid but I'd cash the Moonnwatch in and keep the Mark 2 Speedy if I had to choose. That is mainly due to it being a bit more unique.

Speedy to popular Federico? Get the speedmaster moonphase 3876.50.31 same cool watch with a unique beautiful touch to it

I dislike that they don't currently make a hesalite crystal with the sapphire caseback and 1863 movement. I want to eat my cake and have it too. I'd pay a small premium over the sapphire sandwich for that.

I love the Speedmaster Professional and have had many of them from all eras but I do not like the fact that the chronograph minute recorder moves over when the central chronograph seconds hand passes over somewhere between 59 seconds on the dial and 12 O Clock meaning a recording of say 59.6 seconds will indicate 1 minute 59.6 seconds. It is not particularly accurate at over +10 seconds a day. The central seconds chronograph hand on many examples is erratic. It doesn't hack and a big negative is no date. Omega Service in UK is not the best. The box and its contents are a complete waste. It should come with a standard Omega box with a lower price. It's overpriced as many watches are. The bracelet on the latest version with the screws is of very high quality. All said, I love this beautiful watch and will no doubt have another one to add to the Speedmaster 9300 that I have now, which is a fabulous watch.

I love the box, hate the angle of the lugs when they meet the bracelet. It totally ruins the look of the bracelet.

Still love to hate your intro lol. But still love your channel. Fed has kept it real since day one let's hope it stays that way .

What about chronograph reliability????