Hands-On: The Omega Speedmaster X-33 Solar Impulse
The Speedmaster Professional has since its introduction in 1957 come in a truly bewildering variety of shapes, sizes, designations and limited editions, but one of the most polarizing models, when it appeared, was the X-33. The X-33 was introduced, in the first version, in 1998; it was the result of an Omega development program designed to (finally) produce a multifunction quartz watch that would be a completely modern successor to the mechanical Speedmaster Professional, and that would meet up to date NASA and ESA requirements for a flight-qualified timepiece. It was an ambitious project, which took place over the course of five years, and prototypes were flight-tested by both American and European astronauts; the first version of the X-33 would go on to be used by U.S., European, and Soviet astronauts on the Space Shuttle, the Mir Space Station, and other missions and it was used by military flight crews as well. Version 2 of the X-33 was introduced in 2001, and for much of its life

ranchero
the dial is refinished... what about the hands?

Would this turn you off?
A Japanese dealer was offering a very good price (about US$3,000) on Chrono24 for a NIB Omega Speedy 3570.50. When pressed on the origin of the AD, he sent me this pic. Not exactly the most reassuring provenance. Would it bother you enough to look elsewhere?

Did You Know: Patek fun fact�� how much are OEM spring bars?
i asked service for for an extra set of spring bars for a custom strap i ordered and was told the price was $75i replied: oh my, that does seem like a lot for a pair of spring barsshe replied: im sorry sir, that is the price for onei felt much better once she explained to me they were made by swedish elves who transmuted the hair of a princess into gold. For a second i thought they might be taking advantage of me. Whew

Contemplating my first....
I've been lurking on the forum for a few weeks but this is my first post. I was attending a wedding a few weeks back and a friend(who is a jeweler) was wearing the SD in YG. I thought it was absolutely beautiful. I began asking questions and doing some research as I have never really paid much attention to Rolex before. I always wear a watch by alternating between 1 of 2 800 series Movados. After learning the price of the Sky D in YG, I quickly came to the conclusion that I could never justify paying that for a watch. As I have been going through looking at different watches, there are a few others that have caught my eye/interest, namely the SD43 and SDDS. For me, I think it's ridiculous to pay this much for a watch(especially since my $1k Movados look great)but there is something that just keeps pulling me back to the Rolex. It's like there is a force pulling me towards it that I can't shake. Can anyone relate? I figure if I just wait it out that it'll go away but it hasn't yet. I k