I'm after an Omega Speedmaster professional. It's a stunner which is not too showy and is also known as "the moon watch" as a certain Mr Armstrong wore one when he went up there!
Incorrect I'm afraid! The first watch on the moon was the one worn by Mr. Aldrin. The electronic timer on the lunar module broke down so Neil Armstrong left his behind as a backup.
Are you wanting a new one or a vintage one? The 105.012 Calibre is no longer made but the new ones are similar in appearance. There is also the special edition to commemorate the 40th anniversary of Apollo 11 with the replica of the mission patch on the dial. The new ones are automatic whereas the original is a manual winder.
One thing to bear in mind with expensive Swiss watches is servicing. My 1120 calibre Seamaster costs £275 for a service by Omega, but the cost goes up depending on the movement type and 'complications'. The recommended service interval is every 4-5 years. I have a had a lot of hassle with mine recently. After 3 years of ownership, the second hand began moving erratically until it stopped completely. I took it to Watches of Switzerland in Manchester and it was sent away for a service at a cost of £200. It came back a couple of months later looking brand new with a 2 year warranty.
After 2 years and 1 month, it began losing time. I took it to WOS and they said they would have a word with Omega to see if it can be repaired FOC as it was only just out of warranty. Omega said no and WOS wanted £300 for a service. I noticed an Omega Boutique had opened in the Trafford Centre so I enquired there - they wanted £275 and say they get priority service over those sent for servicing from independent jewellers.
I didn't make my mind up what to do with it straight away; I continued wearing it as it only seemed to lose time at night when it is not being wound by the automatic mechanism. One weekend my mate had a barbecue and he had one of those swimming pools from Costco in his garden. A few beers later and I ended up in it. When I looked at the watch later, there were droplets of water inside it.
I wrote to Omega who asked to inspect it. They eventually wrote back telling me incorrectly that I must have left the crown unscrewed. Their customer service is appalling but after several months of snotty letters, they eventually agreed to repair it as 'a gesture of goodwill'.
I am told by a number of independent experts that the issues I've had are uncommon.
Since getting it back it is more accurate than ever. Servicing can be done by any decent watchmaker with an Omega parts account so you can get it serviced cheaper. The newer Omegas with the co-axial escapement have 3 year warranties, from new and after services.
