Omega Speedmaster Professional vs. Automatic

Ocwatching shares a deeply personal horological journey, detailing his initial acquisition of an Omega Speedmaster Automatic in 1997 and his subsequent realization that he truly desired the Speedmaster Professional. This narrative explores the evolution of a collector's preferences, the emotional connection to a first 'real watch,' and the eventual decision to 'right a wrong' by trading up to the iconic Moonwatch. The article offers a relatable account of how knowledge and passion can reshape a collection over time.

I started my horological journey in 1997 one year out of school and securing a decent job.  At the end of one year of employment, I wanted to mark the occasion with my first "real watch" purchase.  Mind you, at that time, I was only aware of Rolex and Omega having coming from a family where majority of my elders were wearing vintage Omegas. 

I didn't really know what I am doing and insisted on getting a piece with an automatic movement, using Rolex as the "guide" for a major watch purchase.  At the time, I didn't think I was quite "Rolex" material (great marketing) and wanted something different.  Looked all over the store and settled on this piece at a good price point.  This to me at the time was a large purchase. 

Omega Speedmaster Automatic at 39mm with the jeweled Dubois-Dépraz 2020 chronograph module on a jeweled ETA 2890-A2 movement.  Of course, I found out about all this after going down the rabbit hole that is horology.  I was happy with the piece for the next 10 years.  I wore it for special occasions and actually wooed my wife with this piece on my wrist.  Needless to say, a lot of history with this first piece and I have always felt that this was a true “keeper.” 

As I progress further with my watch collecting, my purchases gotten larger and the Speedy Auto just sat further and further back in the safe.  I even had the piece serviced in 2009 to keep it in good working order. 

The problem is, the more I got into this hobby, the more I regretted not researching and making a better purchase back in 1997.  I realized that I should have gotten the Speedmaster Professional. 

Well, a buyer surfaced and was looking for a good condition Speedy Auto.  I managed to work a deal for the Auto.  Then the hunt was on for a Speedmaster Professional.  After talking about it with the wife, we both felt that I should get an older piece as close to the original 1997 purchase date.  After trolling the ‘bay for a while, I managed to snag a piece that had warranty card dated a few months after my original purchase in 1997.  The Auto I sold had developed some patina on the markers and fortunately, this Pro had the lovely “T Swiss Made T” dial. 

I present the Speedmaster Professional that I “should of” bought back in 1997.  I love the simpler and less crowded dial, the patinaed markers, and of course, the ledgendary 1861 handwound movement. 

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The Great plexi reflection…

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Thanks for reading…

Ocwatching