zOwie Omega Discussion Forum

: This is a Speedmaster automatic date. The watch
: contains the automatic chronometer
: chronograph movement the Omega 1164. It's a
: very fine watch, owned by many. The movement
: is outstanding, durable, accurate and
: popular, and is the same movement in the
: Seamaster Professional Chronograph
: Chrono-Diver and similar models.

: I believe the model has been around for years,
: but new variations of the face and hands
: appear almost every year. Some variation of
: this movement has been in an Omega watch
: since the late 1980s.

: Comparison is in the eyes of the beholder, you
: might say.

: This is not a technically a
: "moonwatch", approved for use by
: NASA in space, which is

: 1) a manual wind chronograph
: 2) with a different subdial layout (3, 6, 9
: versus the 3211's 6, 9, 12) and
: 3) without a date.

: The 3211 has a sapphire crystal, which some
: models of the moonwatch don't, and is
: chronometer-tested, which the moonwatch
: isn't.

: I have a similar model 3523 with the full
: calendar complication, which is known as the
: Day-Date. Mine is not a chronometer, which
: was added recently and the model number
: changed.

: The Omega 1164 is a modified ETA/Valjoux 7750
: chronograph movement, meaning that it shares
: a base movement with the majority of
: automatic chronographs sold today: most
: TAG-Heuer, most Breitling, most Hamiltons,
: some IWCs and a host of others.

: Choose, buy and wear what you love . . . .

: Sam aka Hewybaby
Hey thanks Hewybaby, that was just the kind of info I was after! One of the things which confused me was the saleswoman said it had the new co-ax escapement, which is what led me to believe it was a fairly new model. Is this just an upgrade to the 1164 movement in this case then?

Im not too concerned its not classed as a 'moonwatch' but am pleased that this is the basis for the watch, due to the heritage factor and as I wanted a chronograph, its nice thats where its roots lie. Also owning an SMP I dont think I could face buying a watch now which doesnt have the sapphire crystal.

Ive seen this watch retailing for around GBP 1550 in the UK. Would a 20% reduction on this from an authorised dealer be a realistic amount?

Thanks again for you time and knowledge!

Cheers,
Pricey