Omega

Echi
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Sad to see this one go..

But it was time.

I've had this one for 15 years. I thought it was going to be one of those pieces that I'd never sell. It is a moonwatch after all. Halfway through the ownership phase, I noticed that I wasn't wearing it as much. But I never really thought of selling it because it has all those qualities of a versatile, daily wearer (ironically). Sort of like a nice crisp white shirt. I don't really wear one but it's supposed to be a staple, yes? And that is what the moonwatch turned out to be for me. It was something that I wore regularly which then drifted into becoming a "staple". A collection just needs to have one whether you wear it or not.

My first bit of ownership doubt came when I had to service the watch after 7 years. Yes, had to as opposed to just wanting to as it really needed to get checked. It just stopped one day and I was unable to turn the crown to power it. Off it went to Omega service and was promptly slapped with a bill that cost half the price I paid for the watch.. because it was a chronograph, and an "1861" at that.. of course they had a price table and all that so it was all above board but still. I went through the service justifying that it was a "keeper".

Another 6 or so years go by and I encountered problems with it. Same problems more or less. Off it went but this time to a watchmaker that I came across the boards for half the cost. I figure another 7 years and it's going to be really funny right?

But the market for these things weren't so good. I can probably get back what I paid for it back in '03 but I just thought that it was just too much watch for what the market was willing to pay for it. So it stayed.

A few weeks ago I was in conversation with a friend who casually mentioned that it was one his "grail" pieces. So I offered to sell him mine.

I got a good price for it. Even made a few bucks off the sale covering even all the service costs that I had done to it. It was the right time to let go.

Or was it.

The next fews days I was thinking about the sale. I did well but why did I feel like it left a hole somewhere in my own personal journey.

I even came to the conclusion that even at the price that I sold it versus current price for a brand new one, that moonwatches in general are still undervalued. It just made me realize that the moonwatch even at current retail is still one of the best deals out there. It is a LOT of watch for the price. It's a really really good watch. Who else has a long uninterrupted history of selling the same movement and case from way back with a ton of arguable marketing history to go with it

Do I feel that there's a hole somewhere? Yes. Did I come out on top? Arguably yes. Was it a 100% feel good transaction? Not exactly but I comfort myself with the fact that it went to a good friend.

Am I going to get another?

Now THAT is the question.

The question is WHAT as there are a ton of choices out there. Lots of speedmaster noise.

I'll bide my time on this one. For now, a speedmaster 60th is on the list. And maybe a FOIS re-issue. Who knows. Maybe I stay off it for good. Maybe not.

One thing is for sure, letting go is a good way to gauge love. i'm not sure yet about love but this one made me think quite a bit.

It was a good journey. Maybe again, one day. For now, I enjoy the memories. Best, Echi