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

Ploprof's a bit big for this guy
But he likes it so much, he doesn't care...

I am in the market for a Omega Speedmaster Automatic #3510.50
I really like the Reduced 38mm size because I have very skinny wrists. I have about $1000 saved up for my next watch (I was saving for a 16610 sub) but i got the itch for a OMega. I love watches but my collection consists of 4 watches right now a MOvado Sport, a Rado Jubilee, a Buam n mercier Capeland S, and a Rolex Datejust. I think the speedmaster would be aq nice addition to my collection and was looking around at E-bay and found alot of japan sellers selling Omega. Has anyone bought a omega off ebay from Japan?What should I expect to pay for Omega Speedmaster Automatic #3510.50 in mint condition with box and papers and one without box and papers?I belive that this watch is no longer produced so what years was this watch produced? What should I expect to pay for service to service this watch when I get it , and how often does it need to be serviced. Thank you for all your help.

PAM 111 and my pooch...
Waiting for the wifey while she was shopping. :)Untitled by j c, on Flickr

Which ones to keep?
I have been mostly a lurker on these forums and have accumulated a decent collection of PAMs. I am looking to diversify my watch collection as it is very PAM heavy now. I have a 292 and 359 that I wear in rotation which I don't plan to sell. I also have 372, 390, 417, 448, and 587 that I haven't worn and just sitting in the safe.My rationale is that I will keep two of the 47MM which will be 587 and 372 and the two that I have in rotation. In this option, I will sell the 390, 417 and 448. 292 is my first PAM and holds some value to me. 359 I just really love the look and wear it often. The reason I am finally posting is I would like to hear your thought process on what you will likely keep and why. Perhaps there may be a reason that I am not thinking of. I was a die hard PAM fan but interest has been waning a bit. Thanks in advance for the discussion.