Omega Speedmaster Reduced vs Speedmaster 38 || Which small Speedmaster is the BEST?

In this video Chris reviews the Speedmaster Reduced and newer 38mm to see who takes the throne in the small Speedy race.

[@yogzm5645]

I tried the speedy 38 yesterday at omega and absolutely loved it and my friend couldn’t stop commenting on how nice it looked. That was despite trying on the seamasters and other speedy moonwatches alongside it. I agree that the 38 is thicker but it wasn’t noticeably thicker. It really is a beautiful watch

[@emierti5041]

Same for me ! I want to buy it after wearing it.

[@jimmylee1408]

I got the beautiful Orbis Edition, love the blue dial.

[@josedecardenasbelmont6742]

I have the Speedmaster 38 in the black dial (same as the video), great watch, but agree it's a little thick. I wasn't comfortable buying a reduced just because I couldn't find it pre-owned in Mexico (from a reputable source). The bracelet is a little difficult to size (I'm in between links and it doesn't have a micro adjustment like the reduced), but put it on a nato strap and looks amazing, more for an everyday look. Great video!

[@TheWatchScientists]

Thanks for sharing!

[@davidinda5922]

Buying ore-owned in Mexico is almost imposible :( . Es complicado.

[@emierti5041]

I have this watch. The thikness is not a problem and proportion are so good !

[@chipnerd]

Thanks a lot for this detailed comparison, very clear in highlighting all the important little differences.

[@TheWatchScientists]

You are very welcome!

[@Weisnet1995]

Couldn't agree more - I do own a '91 Speedy Reduced with beautiful custard tritium lume and out of all my chronographs it is the most flattering on my wrist; I think the proportions are spot on! Great comparison none the less :)

[@TheWatchScientists]

Thank you! :) Oh man I do love the mint look of mine but some tritium patina sure does sound great too.

[@Wet_Electronics]

I didn't know about the increased height! That's a dealbreaker for me so big thanks for pointing that out.

[@TheWatchScientists]

Definitely a deal breaker especially because it is a smallish watch so that throws off the proportions

[@behonestwithyourself3718]

I like the applied indices and the date. I wish they made a 40mm of that size. Id like to try on a 38. Nice looking watch!

[@TheWatchScientists]

I agree with the date especially nicely hidden at 6 o’clock.

[@chrisbarbz9238]

Love the in-depth look and awesome contrast of the different Speedies. Well done!

[@TheWatchScientists]

Thank you! Are you looking to buy a Speedmaster?

[@chrisbarbz9238]

@@TheWatchScientists In fact I am!

[@TheWatchScientists]

Which one are you inclined to get? :)

[@chrisbarbz9238]

@@TheWatchScientists I'm eyeing the Pro model actually. 🤩 Might even go for the hesalite cause I'm romantic like that.. 🤪 But I realized what I really want right now is a Seamaster specifically the vintage one, which is the main reason I fell inlove with the Speedy because of that case. But the Speedy is definitely in the top 5 of my list.

[@Watchmade]

The 38mm are very much welcome. Had the Reduced before, feels more original.

[@TheWatchScientists]

Thanks for the comment:)

[@eyebidder]

The butterfly closure is very difficult to open so be aware! I'm going to change out the bracelet to something with a more user friendly clasp.

[@Rich-fv5ey]

Great side-by-side comparision. Thank you.

[@TheWatchScientists]

You are very welcome :)

[@Professional_Youtube_Commenter]

i like the subdial detail on the 38, and bezel of the reduced.

[@TheWatchScientists]

The 38 has some very nice designs (especially if you want something that’s not too close to the professional) but the thickness really throws me off

[@TheWatchScientists]

Great username btw 😂

[@kjeldpedersen666]

I would never get rid of my beloved Reduced. Perfect dimensions for me, and it really looks much as the original Moon Watch. But it’s worth considering that the Reduced model is expensive to get serviced. Because of the sandwich movement it’s difficult for watchmakers to adjust it precisely. My watchmaker, although an earlier AD, had to send it to the Swatch Group. It ticks wonderfully now an probably will for years. But this fact is worth taking into consideration, as the 38 model is more expensive but also has longer service intervals...

[@TerrySteiner]

Everyone forgets about the 40mm Racing models. The most under rated modern Speedy. I know it is discounted but so is the reduced. It has the same movement as the new 38mm.

[@TheWatchScientists]

Definitely I just wanted to showcase the small size Speedys because I love my reduced. And i always had a problem with the Racing models due to the thickness

[@07truth]

It’s even thicker than the 38..

[@keefw361]

It's the same thickness as the racing but as the racing is 40mm it looks better as spread out more across the case. The 38mm looks like a mini hamburger on the wrist and I wouldn't touch it for this reason ​@@07truth

[@h0llyw00dhoward7]

Definitely the 38mm. This might sound weird but I feel like the 38 is it’s own Speedmaster and on top of that it has qualities (parts) that the reduced doesn’t have. If I’m going to get the Moon Watch then that’s what I’m getting.

[@SavageKillaBees]

My reasons for choosing the Speedmaster 38: 1) I like the simplified and updated Tach, the grooves are modern, and sporty 2} Omega 3330 movement co-axial - on paper is the better movement 3) New movement design implies less needs for servicing 4) Inclusion of the date function 5) click and go date manipulation is quirky but modern 6) all the good things to go with a new and modern watch 7) enhanced water resistance rating 8) Can't help but give this one a point for bling factor I understand the watch is thicker, but the thickness is on the bottom of the watch that you don't really see, so optically it sits fine its a non issue.

[@TheWatchScientists]

More than enough reasons to go for it 😅

[@cosmodoc]

I totally fancy the 38!

[@gsvrey]

What do you think of the differences between the reduced versions? The “newer” one has a deploying clasp, no numbers for the seconds, etc

[@TheWatchScientists]

As you say it is newer, has the updated clasp, no numbers and importantly a sapphire crystal. So it is an improvement over the older version but probably also more expensive

[@NOTAMV]

You didn’t really address the problems with the reduced’s movement. The one thing many reduced owners tell me the movement is garbage and will cause endless problems. Many aren’t even serviceable and end up scrapped. Which is a shame because i would really like as I have smol wrists. :(

[@TheWatchScientists]

The movement is definitely not garbage, the base caliber is a very sturdy movement. The only issue is with the module, which is still high quality (although ugly as hell). It is serviceable but many just replace the whole thing (the module) since it can be more economical .

[@keithchegwin1222]

I think the light blue one is my favourite

[@TheWatchScientists]

It's lovely

[@mkwon7047]

Informative and very easy to listen to.

[@TheWatchScientists]

Thank you! :)

[@nele9378]

very informative video! The 38mm just doesn't do it for me, the reduced is a much better iteration imo

[@TheWatchScientists]

Thanks I agree ;)

[@truxton1000]

I like both, but the price of the new one?! I think this just shows that Speedmasters are really good value on the second hand market, I would never fork out 5600 on the new one though….

[@TheWatchScientists]

Yeah at that point it’s worth going for the Professional imo (Nele)

[@MrBarbarouse]

Does the reduced has more presence due to that extra 1mm and the plain black bezel?

[@TheWatchScientists]

I think it looks a bit more broad because it sits flat and seems wider

[@macarenacarrillo1076]

Do you know if speed master reduced bracelets would fit the speed master 38 model? Aside from the clasp, are the lug holes the same?

[@TheWatchScientists]

I would guess no, since these watches are almost a decade apart. Also websites like Uncle Straps, which sell bracelets for the reduced don’t mention that it fits on the 38 (i think they would if it did)

[@drummerboy1390]

The Reduced and the 38 both have 18mm lug widths so why wouldn’t the Reduced bracelet fit the 38?

[@macarenacarrillo1076]

@@TheWatchScientists yeah you are correct even though they are the same lug width they don’t fit

[@macarenacarrillo1076]

@@drummerboy1390 that’s what I thought but the bracelets are not the same and a reduced bracelet will not fit a 38

[@omizzy]

What about the servicing issues of the reduced?

[@TheWatchScientists]

Can be difficult to service but generally Omega charges based on the fact that it’s a chronograph. So might be no different to other chronographs from Omega.

[@ChrisKuiperBelt]

There is so much misinformation about water resistance in the watch community, I honestly don't know where it is all coming from. If a watch has a 30M resistance rating and it's from a reputable brand, they have actually tested it at 30M pressure. No not that 'exact' watch probably unless it is a 'divers resistance', where they test your exact watch. Regardless, 30M resistance is ok for EVERYTHING so long as you don't dive down near 30M. Pressure is pressure, it doesn't matter where it is coming from or what is causing it, air or water. If the water coming out of your shower head was anywhere near the pressure at 30M, it would literally rip your skin off. Obviously for serious diving, get a dive watch with a screw down crown. The screwing down of the crown does NOT improve the water seal itself unless there is a second gasket on the underside of the crown, which there may or may not be depending on the design. The screw down crown prevents a 'slipping seal' from occurring, which can lower the effective pressure resistance of a seal. My credentials are as a mechanical engineer, and if you don't believe me then go buy a 30M cheap Seiko off Amazon and go swimming, even free diving with it. Someone did a good post of water resistance myths here: www.reddit.com/r/Watches/comments/zw86rq/myth_busting_i_talked_to_my_watchmaker_about/

[@TheWatchScientists]

I don’t think it has so much to do with misinformation, we’re very aware that it could take it but just overly cautious because of the prices of these watches. So from a psychological perspective we prefer to have a bigger buffer to feel like nothing’s going to happen. At least that’s the case for me. Then with Chrono’s I’m even more cautious because of the pushers. That’s why for myself as a rule, I don’t go swimming with watches that aren’t at least 100m WR even if this is being overly cautious (Nele)

[@ChrisKuiperBelt]

@@TheWatchScientists To each their own, I'd just be more worried about accidently hitting your watch on some hard object and taking a chunk out of the bezel instead of if it will survive a swim or not.

[@larsson1899]

Immer gute Videos , weiter so. Von wann ist Deine Speedmaster Reduced ? Schaut echt noch klasse aus , schon eine Revision in der Vergangenheit gemacht ? Wenn Speedy , dann auch nur die Reduced, ,mit den 39mm und dem Automatikwerk die Perfekte Uhr.

[@TheWatchScientists]

Vielen Dank! Sie ist von 1999 aber wurde erst 2003 verkauft. Ich habe sie als „mint“ gekauft und sie war wirklich perfekt. Die Service Geschichte ist leider nicht bekannt, allerdings läuft sie perfekt +- 3 bis 4 Sekunden. Auf meinem Handgelenk sitzt sie auch perfekt 😊

[@larsson1899]

@@TheWatchScientists , klingt gut. Bei den Gangwerten ist dann allerdings keine Revision nötig, top Werte 👍. Schon echt Wahnsinn wie die Preise bei der Reduced angezogen haben. Ich bin auf der Suche nach einer, sollte dann aber eine Revision in naher Vergangenheit bekommen haben. Leider gibt's auch viel Mist bei dem Modell, oftmals total runter poliert. Viele Grüße

[@TheWatchScientists]

Ja das ist schade, vor allem weil der Kontrast zwischen poliert und gebürstet sehr schön auf diesem Gehäuse ist. Viele Grüße!

[@64Sq]

vintage always

[@TheWatchScientists]

I agree 😉

[@mariangroeneveld7401]

Thank you, very helpful!

[@TheWatchScientists]

You are welcome

[@manojabraham9546]

38 mm size is definitely better if you have a small wrist like 6.5 inch wrist ,Black is definitely good

[@keefw361]

Speedmaster racing over these two

[@JudasIscariot81]

Would it look too small on a 7.5-inch wrist?

[@TheWatchScientists]

I would say yes but it depends on your preference. My wrist in the video is 18cm (7.1 inch). If you consider getting one try to get you hands on one and see for yourself

[@JudasIscariot81]

@@TheWatchScientists makes sense. I will try just that. Thanks!

[@Professional_Youtube_Commenter]

ruduce subdial spacing is way better. on the 42mm it looks too close together and they made the indices longer to fill the outside space.

[@TheWatchScientists]

I agree the spacing looks nice. Just to clarify the video shows the 38 versus the reduced. The reduced is 39,5mm

[@cebb-gj6wi]

Useful! What size is your wrist? :) Will be helpful for me to know, so I can compare.

[@TheWatchScientists]

Thanks! 18cm as stated in the video :)

[@cebb-gj6wi]

Thanks for a response. Did you really say so? I must have missed it. You have 18cm but the reduce looks perfect on you! I have about 16,5 cm, and I think it looks kinda small on me in certain instances.. weird how that works

[@TheWatchScientists]

I didn’t say it but i wrote it on the wristshot. It also depends on the shape of your wrist and at the end of the day also your preferences.

[@TheKillWizard]

Reduced looks better, by a lot.

[@SavageKillaBees]

No no no no please guys, do NOT go swimming with your chronographs!

[@TheWatchScientists]

Definitely risky, i would recommend swimming from 50m but only if it has a screw down crown. My father used to take his Breitling chronograph into the waves 😂

[@SavageKillaBees]

​@TheWatchScientists it's never a good idea with a chrono. You only need to press a button by accident to get water into the watch, it's too risky. If you had to wear a watch by the pool, there's plenty of Seamasters that can do that. Speedmasters are not a water friendly watch, and that's okay! Totally normal to remove any chrono before swimming.

[@MrBarbarouse]

I prefer the reduced but last version with sapphire glass and updated clasp. I would prefer the 38 if it was thinner. That 14,7mm is too thick!

[@TheWatchScientists]

I don’t have an issue with the hesalite crystal but a better clasp would be great. The 38 is way too thick, i don’t understand how they can’t get it thinner than the modular movement

[@JamesAlexander14]

Both of them are too small for me. I’d stick with the Moonwatch!

[@TheWatchScientists]

Sure this is mainly for people that are already looking for a smaller and/or automatic version of the Moonwatch. Thanks for watching anyway!

[@stellarboy78]

Wish they did the 38 without the calendar. Would reduce the thickness, plus I won’t wear it every day, which makes the calendar function annoying to keep having to update it every time I take it out and put it on.

[@TheWatchScientists]

Go for a reduced in that case!

[@h0llyw00dhoward7]

I got the light blue dial with the navy bezel.

[@TheWatchScientists]

How are you enjoying the watch?

[@h0llyw00dhoward7]

@@TheWatchScientists I love it! I’m going to give that one to my oldest son when he graduate High School and when I get the 300m (green) that’s going to my youngest. I love Omega.

[@ivanmirones9220]

Copied the placement of the three dials from the B. Lunar Pilot.

[@TheWatchScientists]

The theee subdials, now referred to as tri-compax, has existed long before the Lunar Pilot. It’s like saying it stole the round dial from the Rolex Submariner

[@ivanmirones9220]

@@TheWatchScientists I'm referring to the position of the three dials, they are spaced out as oposed to the original Speedmaster. This configuration is similar as the one used on the original Lunar Pilot worn by Dave Scott (1971)and reisued by Bulova and by the way ,Omega is also using the "Butterfly" clasp used on the Lunar P.

[@ivanmirones9220]

@@TheWatchScientists Compare the position of the three dials among the Original Speedy, Reduced Speedy and Lunar Pilot and you'll see.

[@TheWatchScientists]

The subdials are smore spaced out that is true but this is not designed by Omega but a consequence of the Dubois Depraz chronograph module. Also to me none of these things are „copying“, a butterfly clasp is used by countless watches (vintage Reduced does not btw). I doubt that Bulova invented it.

[@ivanmirones9220]

@@TheWatchScientists Exactly ,the reduced resembles the LP and on top use the BF. clasp.

[@joerichardson6107]

Best small speedy is the racing. Better movement also.

[@TheWatchScientists]

That is a really cool looking piece

[@maxinahunt8652]

As a woman I only like the original black style. All the others are too foo foo. Don’t ruin a good watch like that. Get a Cartier instead if you want that kind of watch.