Back in the 1990s I bought a used speedy, from the mid 70s. I knew no better and used it for everything , including swimming, showers etc. Sadly I sold it to finance a planet Ocean , and although I’ve got another speedmaster in my collection now, I’m a bit less cavalier with the water, but I bet it would be fine.Originally Posted by walkerwek1958
Speedie is way more handsome.
Mine was the most accurate mechanical watch I’ve ever owned.
I had it serviced properly and had no issue swimming in it. If I ever reached 30m the watch would be the least of my concerns!
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Great shotsThe 3-6-9 Explorer is a bit boring to my eyes but I appreciate its a classic watch, for the cost of the Explorer you could go vintage Speedy which would be a no brainer for me.
Something from the early/mid 70's with a step dial, sharp case, 1171 bracelet and serviced would be a great buy, probably have change for a beater thats more waterproof.
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If you like the Speedy enough you can accept the minor limitations of the timekeeping, it's a hand-wound watch and it's no chronometer rated. having said that I`ve had good results after careful regulation, but that's based on my 'standard' wear pattern and keeping the watch in a high state of wind by winding twice/day (which I always recommend).
As I said previously, if you like both, buy both.....eventually, and buy a Speedy second-hand.
On reflection, I think both watches are a bit over-rated but that's not to say I don`t like them. A second-hand Zenith El Primero runs rings around the Moonwatch in terms of quality and timekeeping, but that doesn`t make it more desirable to some.
The answer is to build a collection of watches you like over a period of years, buying used when you have the spare money or when opportunities arise. Trust me, it works.
Thankyou for all your opinion, suggestions and advice guys I really appreciate it.
Quick question, where is the best place to buy used?
Speedy, it’s a great watch!
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personally id probably go for the explorer. but the speedy is great too. personal preferance . at the end of the day it doesnt matter what the resale is like or what anyone else thinks if you are wearing a watch you dont like
Good point that.
Here are mine. I love them both but for me the Explorer would be my choice (if I had to pick one). As previous posts, better WR, better bracelet, better lume and a watch that goes with any occasion.
You can’t go wrong with either however!
Definitely needs both, but there’s an ‘ouch ‘ factor with the money involved at current prices.
One reason I sold my Explorer 36 mm last year was the rise in prices, I bought mine used in 2008 and when it was an £1800 watch and I was happy. Once the value went north of £3.5k it made less sense, I’d owned it 10 years, and I decided I wouldn’t miss it.
I’m currently wearing an early 50s steel Omega Seamaster bumper automatic, restored by my good self, it isn’t perfect but I find owning this watch (value around £650) far more appealing than having close to £4k on my wrist.....but I see things differently to many on here.
Last edited by walkerwek1958; 12th October 2019 at 23:38.
i have both, i actually find the explorer dial a bit boring and slightly too shiny (it's better now they've lumed the arabics), whereas the speedy has much more warmth and a beautiful balance in its layout. nevertheless i wear the explorer more, simply because i've started to find 42mm a bit too big on me. I think 39mm is pretty much perfect everyday size.
You’re in Bristol? Which AD did you hear that from? I struck out in Cardiff - “no idea when we last had one in let alone next...”
I want a new 39 explorer!
P.s. work in Cardiff, live in Bristol
Ppl. bought an Everest to satisfy me while I wait!
Goldsmiths, unless he was just lying! But i understand the Explorer is no where near the same wait and demand of other more pricey Rolex steel sports models
If the Explorer was still 36mm I’d say get the Speedie, but at 39mm I’d get the Explorer new first and the Speedie afterwards second hand.
Started out with nothing. Still have most of it left.
I have owned both, had one Explorer and I'm on my sixth Speedy now. Both great watches the speedy edges it though. Such a special watch.
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Get the classic Man on the Moon Speedy Pro now, wait until the steel Rolex bubble bursts and pick up an Explorer from a distressed seller. Also I'd go for the Explorer II 16570 Polar, then you have chrono, GMT and date complications, auto or manual plus a black and white dials to choose between. Perfect two watch collection for sport or work, only falling short for black-tie events.
Then you could expand with a pucka dress watch, SMP 300 diver, Navitimer and a Flieger B-Uhr beater to cover the aero angles.
Last edited by J J Carter; 14th October 2019 at 19:46.
That old bubble again.....
Speedy. If you prefer smaller size, then Explorer.
Just dusted off my explorer after being unworn for a good few months, and I've almost forgotten how svelte the watch is. The dial is larger than the 40mm divers I'm more used to. So for pure legibility alone, I'd recommend it.
Very tough decision. I feel there is a place in a collection for both of these watches together. Although they are obvs very different - they are also quite similar. The Explorer is kinda Rolexs Speedy. It can be dressed up or down and it looks great on most straps.
I've always been a huge fan of the Speedy on a leather strap (not a fan of the bracelet), however I think I'd go with the Explorer because of its cleaner dial and better bracelet - it has a higher quality look about it.
I think that hits the nail on the head for me. I have owned both and personally preferred the size of the Speedmaster. Both are great and very different watches, but the size issue I think dominates personal preference.
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