The One That Got Away - Speedmaster Mark II

[carl]

Although I don't often mention my many watches that I have flipped over time, there is a one and only Omega that I really do regret letting go. In 2014, when the Mark II was re-introduced, I thought it was one of the most beautiful, robust, accurate models that Omega made. I jumped on it right away, and also thought it was darn good value. I still feel that way. The 861 movment, based on the ETA Valjoux 7750 is one of the best chronograph movements ever made.

The watch has so many amazing attributes. I even like the quick change date, operated by a button at 10 o'clock. Omega provides a stylus to push in the button. And the lume Tachymetre is itself a work of art. It is also the first Omega to have had the adjustable bracelet. I don't think I have ever seen a watch, which originally did not have a date. where they got the date absolutely perfect. 

I often wonder why I don't see many of these on various watch forums. Hopefully one day I will again have it in my collection.



There are only two watches that I regret selling: Explorer I 36mm and the Speedmaster Mark II. Oddly enough, although I really love smaller watches, the Speedmaster Mark II is the one I miss more.

Cheers,
Carl

[Baco Noir]

I get it. The Mark II wasn’t even on my radar until you got it. I really grew to like it - very unique style.

There are only a few watches I regret flipping with the primary one being the Omega Seamaster GMT aka Great White. The wave dial and sword hands were spectacular.

[CHIP]

Perhaps you’ll enjoy this, a true feel good story from my good friend Matt.

[carl]

Mar 17, 2018 23:59:43 GMT -6 Baco Noir said:

I get it. The Mark II wasn’t even on my radar until you got it. I really grew to like it - very unique style.

There are only a few watches I regret flipping with the primary one being the Omega Seamaster GMT aka Great White. The wave dial and sword hands were spectacular.

The other part about the style that really got to me is that it is so close to the original. I still see the odd photo of the vintage model on some of the forums, and at first glance think it is the new edition.

That Great White really was a beauty. And I hope that one day Omega will bring back that wave dial as well. Perhaps on the 300M Diver series, there is a lot of speculation that it will be updated, especially being the last series that hasn't got the new anti-magnetic 8000 series movement.

[carl]

Mar 18, 2018 0:19:37 GMT -6 CHIP said:

Perhaps you’ll enjoy this, a true feel good story from my good friend Matt.

Wow! That story brought tears to my eyes as well. That is really a treasure. I bet he is just out of his mind with this. And to think it will get passed on to the next generation. Original box and all!! Thanks for sharing this one, Chip.

[carl]

Even these photos, although a Mark IV and not Mark II, show how amazingly close in detail the new Mark II is.

[CHIP]

Mar 18, 2018 0:29:58 GMT -6 carl said:

Mar 18, 2018 0:19:37 GMT -6 CHIP said:

Perhaps you’ll enjoy this, a true feel good story from my good friend Matt.

Wow! That story brought tears to my eyes as well. That is really a treasure. I bet he is just out of his mind with this. And to think it will get passed on to the next generation. Original box and all!! Thanks for sharing this one, Chip.

He deserves it.
Genuinely a great guy, he was going to accompany Robb and I on our Baselworld adventure next week, but work got in the way.
He lives not too far from me and I got to see that Speedy in person this last Tuesday. It was beautiful.

[carl]

I had to drop by the Omega Boutique and try it on today. Memories! It felt like it never left my wrist. And I tried to think back to what made me sell it. Definitely a model that has got everything right. Looks and feels just like it did before:





No decisions before Basel 2018, and that is only a few hours away!