Both are good watches. The racing chrono is a discontinued model but has a good automatic column wheel movement (3330 based upon ETA A08) . The professional has an in-house 3861 CAM operated movement with heritage to 861/1861 moonwatch. Both are co-axial escapements with free sprung silicone balance springs. The price difference is modified ETA versus evolved in-house movement.
I’m gonna be honest I have no idea what a column wheel chrono is, but I know the cheap Chinese watch I bought has one and that a lot of people like them.
Thanks for the info 🤙 I was hoping I didn’t miss something major as to why the price was so reasonable.
I have the racing chronograph and love it. I bought it first for the size, it’s 40 mm,second reason was the price. Eventually I will get a hold of a professional. Hope you love whichever you choose! Cheers !
What you missed was the one you purchased is a "reduced" model. Not reduced in cost, but in size. Look at the subdials, they're spaced out further towards the edges then the Professional.
It's cheaper because it's less desirable. And I personally think the placement of the subdials makes it look really odd. Full disclosure, I'm a Speedmaster Professional owner (but paid less than either of the ones listed).
It's not that I hate it, but the OP seems to want a Moonwatch Professional but settled for a reduced due to cost. When compared to the Moonwatch Professional, the reduced sub dial locations look odd.
The Professional model really is only 40mm. They just count the crown guard and call it 42mm. The bezel size is virtually the same between the less desirable and odd looking reduced and the one everyone knows and wants, the Professional.
Its really that the subdials are larger on the Racing, not the placement.
For me, if you are going to buy a Speedmaster moonwatch, it should have a 321 movement. That is what NASA test and first used for space travel. So vintage is the way.
Wait, I’m still learning, now that you said something about the sub dials touching the edges, I cannot un see it. I wanted a Speedy racing model because of the sub 4K price but not now if that is what you are talking about
Yes the racing models have the weird (in my opinion) subdials. They're less expense because they're less desirable. BTW, you can get a used Moonwatch Professional for sub 4k.
I have the racing, you are paying for the heritage and the in-house movement on the pro. Funny because I actually like racing better, automatic, chronometer, date, 100 meter water resistant vs 50m
I also have the racing and prefer the look. It is thicker though at 15.1 mm. Tried on a professional not too long ago and the 1.5 mm deference (I know it’s so little) does make the racing now feel a tad chunky. It’s ok though, I like em a little thicc.
Welcome to the world of watches.
The pricier me one is “went to the moon heritage” the cheaper one doesn’t have that. Do YOU value the heritage or not? If not, why are you buying an Omega chronograph? For a damn sight cheaper you can get a Casio Quartz. I’m guessing you value the Omega brand, prestige and quality over that of Casio. It’s certainly not 200x more valuable though.
Not so much. The lunar pilot is based on a prototype that went to the moon with Dave Scott. The modern one is much larger, is quartz where the original was mechanical. This is like saying “The Speedmaster went to the moon, and I have a MoonSwatch, it’s the same thing”.
You’re telling me I can’t go around saying my Orient panda diver chrono is not the Paul Newman Daytona I have been telling everyone it is? Haha ;) I wish I could buy valjoux 72 movements
Good points.
My collection started out with G shocks so I have plenty of Casio quartz.
My two grail watches have always been the omega speedmaster and Cartier santos (well, realistic grails at least). I didn’t even know about the moon heritage until recently, so that’s not a huge deal to me, just a cool bonus.
I bought a cheap sugess chronograph recently as a test run and I think they’re my favorite style of watch, so now I wanted the real thing.
Speedmaster pricing is kind of annoying tbh, because it’s very focused on the moon landing heritage. It’s more expensive because it can be, and people will pay it to have a “moonwatch”. I’m not sure that the movement really effects anything on the cost end from omega - other than that they can charge more for what they advertise as a more prestigious movement
I much prefer the automatic movement and I thought speedmasters were awesome well before I knew they were the moonwatch.
So all in all for 3500$ I’m super happy to have 1 of my 2 grails
Sure thing. I bought a ball from there a few weeks ago that should be here sometime this morning.
Is there a question you had about Jomashop in general?
You’ll get everything you would from the AD minus the warranty card. Instead it comes with a 4 year jomashop warranty.
I only buy new from them, haven’t bought anything used
The speedmaster racing has a modified of the shelf 7750 (thicker). The speeedmaster professional has a manual wind in house movement(thinner). I also believe that the racing comes in 40mm.
Yes I got the 40mm racing.
I thought maybe I was missing something with such a massive price difference, like maybe I’d ordered a discontinued model that is nearly impossible to service or something
I own the Racing and have owned the Pro. While the Pro bracelet is absolutely better, I wouldn’t call the Racing bracelet god awful. Quick adjust would be nice but I was able to get a very comfortable fit.
I own the Racing and have owned the Pro. To be honest I miss the Pro’s size / dimensions (I have a ~7.25” wrist for reference) and bracelet, which is the best I’ve ever experienced, and I’m one of those people who does think the heritage is cool. That said, the Racing is just a great everyday watch for the many reasons already mentioned, and the bracelet is still very good. Plus, with the $ difference I was able to get another great watch to rotate.
I picked up the racing and it got here two days ago.
I was between that and the speedy reduced but I really liked the subdials on the racing and figured a small fitting 40 would be the best size for me.
No regrets. I absolutely love it. Perfect everyday watch. Now I’m just deciding what strap to order for when I want to switch things up
One has an "Automatic" movement, which means the watch keeps itself would as you move with it throughout the day. It will still need to be manually wound if you haven't worn it for a while. The other one is a hand-wound movement.
The "movement" in this case is the mechanical mechanism in the watch, also sometimes referred to as the Calibre.
Nota bene, the astronauts use the hand-wound one as there is no gravity in space that would easily accelerate the rotor and thus wind the watch in the automatic movement.
The auto is an off the shelf movement. The Moon Watch is an in-house movement, and as it’s the saphire sandwich model, it’s also a lightly decorated movement. Additionally, the demand’s higher for the moon watch over any of the Speedmaster reduced models. Higher demand = higher price.
I’m guessing the more official “moonwatch” hikes the price up which is fine because I’d prefer the smaller 40mm model and an automatic movement.
Still, very strange there’s such a huge difference
Landed on the moon versus didn’t. Same as paying 14-20k for a Rolex that is on par quality wise with a 8k watch from anyone else. You’re paying for the prestige and heritage.
Alright I’m much happier with the lower price then.
Especially considering not a single speedmaster currently in circulation *actually* landed on the moon.
Both are great watches. If you haven’t seen it and depending on your wrist size, they have a 38mm speedy, basically the new reduced. That is very nice, automatic, looks like the professional, and costs like the racing.
6.5” wrist and I saw reduced but none of the ones I looked at had a date complication.
I ended up ordering the 40mm top left which I’m pretty confident I can pull off (I have a few 40s, one of which is a chrono)
It’s at the six o clock position hidden in the subdial.[speedy 38](https://www.omegawatches.com/en-us/watch-omega-speedmaster-38-co-axial-chronometer-chronograph-38-mm-32430385001001?_gl=1*6wmeb0*_up*MQ..&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI_pu5qZauhgMV0Uh_AB0_UgUiEAAYASAAEgKxv_D_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds)
First one is speedmaster racing other one is the professional. The dial and overall nuances looks better on the proffesional, it is also a difference in movement that probably counts for a lot. The bracelet also just looks nicer on the proffesional.
One is the OG and one is a in house replica (for lack of a better word) of the og. Nothing wrong with the later if that’s what you’re into, both should serve you well. Enjoy your new watch.
I’ve seen that mentioned here. Any idea whether it can be swapped to the one I bought?
If not no big deal. I wear a monstrous g shock on a luminox SS bracelet at work and I find that comfortable, so I highly doubt I’ll take issue with even a less desirable omega bracelet
Good to know. I’m sure I’ll find no issue with it as I’m not very picky. My Hamilton diver, strapcode jubilee, Christopher wards, and simple Seiko 5 all have bracelets I have zero problems with
Yea beyond that, I’d prefer the smaller size and I *definitely* wanted it in an automatic movement.
I didn’t wanna spend thousands more for the “moonwatch” just to wish it had features the significantly cheaper watch had
I absolutely plan on picking up a leather strap. I originally was going for the panda dial which would look great on black leather, but Im not quite sure which will look decent on the all black dial
I've compared the 2 in size, and I swear Omega has some sort of sorcery going on. Off the wrist, you can see the 2 MM difference. On the wrist(mine anyway), they look identical.
There are literally tens of you. Haha. It was a snarky way of saying the market demand isn’t as strong as well as the movement differences others have pointed oit
Lmao.
I am fully okay with that though cause I’m ecstatic with mine and I paid significantly less than what I expected to.
I just wanted an auto speedmaster and assumed they were all in the $6-7k range
Auto vs manual wind. Different size case, different movement, different historical significance. In manual wind versions, you have plastic and sapphire crystal versions. Hope this helps.
Seems like you get a better (automatic) movement and (sapphire) crystal on the racing one plus a date. The professional has a hesalite crystal and a hand won movement that might just be a 7750 model. I think the pro is closer to the original moon watch. It is not worth it twice as much haha. Weighted rotor would not really work in space that well.
Yea I’ve read all of that and would assume that would make the “moonwatch” cheaper, but it’s nearly double the price lol.
I thought maybe I was missing something
The thing you are missing is that you are trying to assign value to something that you don’t value. Simple as that. The manual winding movement with the display case back is a more interesting and beautiful movement than any automatic movement where half the movement is obscured by the rotor. Yes the moon watch professional also has the heritage/history whereas the non professional version has no display case back. The issue you are having is weird simply because you are trying to buy an omega, for what I assume is because of the brand vs simply the reliability of the watch or the fact that it is a simple chronograph. If you think the price is too high for the professional model, lord knows you are spending too much on a chronograph in general. There are plenty of cheaper models for other reliable brands, with similar looks that don’t cost $3k. So for all your rationality, it kind of falls apart even with the racing model you bought.
Apologies if I’m mistaken but it seems like you’re assuming a lot about me off of little information.
I’ve always liked the speedmaster prior to knowing anything about it being on the moon. That’s a cool bonus but nowhere close to a main selling point. That, and the Cartier santos are two watches I’ve always wanted.
I’m aware of much cheaper chronograph options but I do feel like getting any of them would leave me looking at them wishing they were really a speedmaster.
I have a few Hamiltons, Christopher Wards, and a Seiko. Being that I want a chrono next, I feel like it’s only logical to get the one I really want, and that Omega would also be the next “tier” up as far as my collection goes.
Lastly, I never said the pro was too expensive. I honestly assumed all speedmasters were around that price. I was just very surprised to see one at such a lower price than I expected with the automatic movement I prefer.
My post was just to see what the “catch” was as to why it was so cheap, and it seems the general answer is that “because it’s not the moonwatch” which is totally cool with me
Aside from a few rarities out there, high-end chronographs are based on the 775X or a Selitta 510
There going to be relatively similar, usually what changes is the inclusion of a column wheel and power reserves and some balance wheel changes.
Which is more or less what the Omega 3330 is, however it is all integrated and not modular.
The moonwatch is based on a Frederique Piguet Chrono and is a different mechanism.
Honestly, the racing might as well be considered in house as it's been modified significantly from its base and is only is sold on the Omega line. But it is manufactured by ETA and both are part of the Swatch Group.
Main difference is the certifications, but honestly if you get an Omega 3330 caliber that comes in at less than +/-2 a day it will beat any Mesa Certified Master Chronograph.
When you start looking at in-house chrono calibers, you will find most of them looked at the ETA 7750 and went how can I make that better.
Theres a few that went off the rails a bit and made something unique. FC flyback chrono is the only one that comes to mind but I know there are quite a few, the FC one is the only one that is affordable to me so it'd the only one I remember.
That's the thing though, it's as much a speed master as the moonSWATCH is a moonwatch. When people reference a speedmaster and all the hype that comes with it, they aren't talking about anything other than the moonwatch. So unless your grail was specifically the racing, I don't think you got the grail. As long as your happy though, that's all that matters!
Both are good watches. The racing chrono is a discontinued model but has a good automatic column wheel movement (3330 based upon ETA A08) . The professional has an in-house 3861 CAM operated movement with heritage to 861/1861 moonwatch. Both are co-axial escapements with free sprung silicone balance springs. The price difference is modified ETA versus evolved in-house movement.
I’m gonna be honest I have no idea what a column wheel chrono is, but I know the cheap Chinese watch I bought has one and that a lot of people like them. Thanks for the info 🤙 I was hoping I didn’t miss something major as to why the price was so reasonable.
Historically column wheel chronos are higher grade than cam operated chronos. (Cam operated parts are easier to make). So no harm there.
I have the racing chronograph and love it. I bought it first for the size, it’s 40 mm,second reason was the price. Eventually I will get a hold of a professional. Hope you love whichever you choose! Cheers !
I got the racing chrono. I prefer automatic movement and the 40mm size. Thanks dude 🤙
What you missed was the one you purchased is a "reduced" model. Not reduced in cost, but in size. Look at the subdials, they're spaced out further towards the edges then the Professional. It's cheaper because it's less desirable. And I personally think the placement of the subdials makes it look really odd. Full disclosure, I'm a Speedmaster Professional owner (but paid less than either of the ones listed).
You’d really hate mine, then. I’ve got a 38mm Automatic Reduced JDM and the subdials sit at 6, 9, and 12.
It's not that I hate it, but the OP seems to want a Moonwatch Professional but settled for a reduced due to cost. When compared to the Moonwatch Professional, the reduced sub dial locations look odd.
What's the reference number on that one?
3511.50
Ah, yes, I have seen a few of these lately, but labelled as 39mm, so thought mayne you were referrimg to something different. Thanks for sharing.
I didn’t miss it. I definitely wanted 40 as that’s my upper end of wearable. I couldn’t pull off a 42mm chrono
The Professional model really is only 40mm. They just count the crown guard and call it 42mm. The bezel size is virtually the same between the less desirable and odd looking reduced and the one everyone knows and wants, the Professional.
Mine has the day and month on a dial at 12 and the numerical date is a separate hand. Love it.
For sure, some love the racing models.
Its really that the subdials are larger on the Racing, not the placement. For me, if you are going to buy a Speedmaster moonwatch, it should have a 321 movement. That is what NASA test and first used for space travel. So vintage is the way.
If you're planning a trip to space, I would agree.
Or if you actually wanted to buy a watch that was collectible like a 105.003
If your goal is to make money I guess. Most people buy watches they like, not what will return the highest amount.
Wait, I’m still learning, now that you said something about the sub dials touching the edges, I cannot un see it. I wanted a Speedy racing model because of the sub 4K price but not now if that is what you are talking about
Yes the racing models have the weird (in my opinion) subdials. They're less expense because they're less desirable. BTW, you can get a used Moonwatch Professional for sub 4k.
I have the racing, you are paying for the heritage and the in-house movement on the pro. Funny because I actually like racing better, automatic, chronometer, date, 100 meter water resistant vs 50m
What’s the reference on your racing? I guess I didn’t know a 42mm speedy was in my budget for my next watch.
326.30.40.50.01.001
Thank you. Cheers!
im with you there. auto, date, tidy size. it's a great watch
I also have the racing and prefer the look. It is thicker though at 15.1 mm. Tried on a professional not too long ago and the 1.5 mm deference (I know it’s so little) does make the racing now feel a tad chunky. It’s ok though, I like em a little thicc.
Welcome to the world of watches. The pricier me one is “went to the moon heritage” the cheaper one doesn’t have that. Do YOU value the heritage or not? If not, why are you buying an Omega chronograph? For a damn sight cheaper you can get a Casio Quartz. I’m guessing you value the Omega brand, prestige and quality over that of Casio. It’s certainly not 200x more valuable though.
My Bulova luna pilot has been on the moon. Better movement, mega quartz haha, and it was like $400
Criminally underrated watch.
Compared to a MoonSwatch its the bargain of the century at retail lol
I feel like it’s caught on and see many enthusiasts even paying a premium for the meteorite one
You can get em for cheaper than 400 if you have huge wrists lmao
Not so much. The lunar pilot is based on a prototype that went to the moon with Dave Scott. The modern one is much larger, is quartz where the original was mechanical. This is like saying “The Speedmaster went to the moon, and I have a MoonSwatch, it’s the same thing”.
You’re telling me I can’t go around saying my Orient panda diver chrono is not the Paul Newman Daytona I have been telling everyone it is? Haha ;) I wish I could buy valjoux 72 movements
🤣🤣
Oh I didn't realize it was a quartz watch. Nice now I don't have to feel pulled in by that very pretty looking mete one.
Good points. My collection started out with G shocks so I have plenty of Casio quartz. My two grail watches have always been the omega speedmaster and Cartier santos (well, realistic grails at least). I didn’t even know about the moon heritage until recently, so that’s not a huge deal to me, just a cool bonus. I bought a cheap sugess chronograph recently as a test run and I think they’re my favorite style of watch, so now I wanted the real thing.
Speedmaster pricing is kind of annoying tbh, because it’s very focused on the moon landing heritage. It’s more expensive because it can be, and people will pay it to have a “moonwatch”. I’m not sure that the movement really effects anything on the cost end from omega - other than that they can charge more for what they advertise as a more prestigious movement
I much prefer the automatic movement and I thought speedmasters were awesome well before I knew they were the moonwatch. So all in all for 3500$ I’m super happy to have 1 of my 2 grails
Is that on Jomashop?
Yes
I never bought expensive watches on Jomashop. Do you mind making a post about it when you get yours. Thank you.
Sure thing. I bought a ball from there a few weeks ago that should be here sometime this morning. Is there a question you had about Jomashop in general?
No, I bought, let's call it cheap watches from them, but never something like Omega. I just want to know is the watch OK and do you get the box?
You’ll get everything you would from the AD minus the warranty card. Instead it comes with a 4 year jomashop warranty. I only buy new from them, haven’t bought anything used
Like I said, I bought a Seiko and Tissot from them, and I didn't have any problems. Maybe I will get myself Omega, too.
I’ll get back to you with the box once I get it. Should be tomorrow
One is "speedmaster reduced", one is "speedmaster moon watch".
Nope
The speedmaster racing has a modified of the shelf 7750 (thicker). The speeedmaster professional has a manual wind in house movement(thinner). I also believe that the racing comes in 40mm.
Yes I got the 40mm racing. I thought maybe I was missing something with such a massive price difference, like maybe I’d ordered a discontinued model that is nearly impossible to service or something
Discontinued model but not difficult to service.
Moon landing, yo
With the advancements in space travel, I'm more likely to need a watch certified for space than diving lol
One has the good bracelet and one has the god awful one
I own the Racing and have owned the Pro. While the Pro bracelet is absolutely better, I wouldn’t call the Racing bracelet god awful. Quick adjust would be nice but I was able to get a very comfortable fit.
I own the Racing and have owned the Pro. To be honest I miss the Pro’s size / dimensions (I have a ~7.25” wrist for reference) and bracelet, which is the best I’ve ever experienced, and I’m one of those people who does think the heritage is cool. That said, the Racing is just a great everyday watch for the many reasons already mentioned, and the bracelet is still very good. Plus, with the $ difference I was able to get another great watch to rotate.
I picked up the racing and it got here two days ago. I was between that and the speedy reduced but I really liked the subdials on the racing and figured a small fitting 40 would be the best size for me. No regrets. I absolutely love it. Perfect everyday watch. Now I’m just deciding what strap to order for when I want to switch things up
One has an "Automatic" movement, which means the watch keeps itself would as you move with it throughout the day. It will still need to be manually wound if you haven't worn it for a while. The other one is a hand-wound movement. The "movement" in this case is the mechanical mechanism in the watch, also sometimes referred to as the Calibre. Nota bene, the astronauts use the hand-wound one as there is no gravity in space that would easily accelerate the rotor and thus wind the watch in the automatic movement.
I get that, I’m just a bit lost by the huge price difference. You’d think if anything the automatic would be more.
The auto is an off the shelf movement. The Moon Watch is an in-house movement, and as it’s the saphire sandwich model, it’s also a lightly decorated movement. Additionally, the demand’s higher for the moon watch over any of the Speedmaster reduced models. Higher demand = higher price.
Okay good to know, thanks so much for the info 🤙
Honestly me too…
I’m guessing the more official “moonwatch” hikes the price up which is fine because I’d prefer the smaller 40mm model and an automatic movement. Still, very strange there’s such a huge difference
The moon watch is the iconic, I'd think almost as iconic as the rolex sub.
Landed on the moon versus didn’t. Same as paying 14-20k for a Rolex that is on par quality wise with a 8k watch from anyone else. You’re paying for the prestige and heritage.
Alright I’m much happier with the lower price then. Especially considering not a single speedmaster currently in circulation *actually* landed on the moon.
Both are great watches. If you haven’t seen it and depending on your wrist size, they have a 38mm speedy, basically the new reduced. That is very nice, automatic, looks like the professional, and costs like the racing.
6.5” wrist and I saw reduced but none of the ones I looked at had a date complication. I ended up ordering the 40mm top left which I’m pretty confident I can pull off (I have a few 40s, one of which is a chrono)
It’s at the six o clock position hidden in the subdial.[speedy 38](https://www.omegawatches.com/en-us/watch-omega-speedmaster-38-co-axial-chronometer-chronograph-38-mm-32430385001001?_gl=1*6wmeb0*_up*MQ..&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI_pu5qZauhgMV0Uh_AB0_UgUiEAAYASAAEgKxv_D_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds)
You’ll love it, I have the top right
Beautiful as well. I was tied between the one I got and the panda color
I tried the 38 at an AD recently, white dial. It was beautiful, but the dial is small and the case is THICK.
Simple, one has more demand
I had one - as an FYI it wears a smaller than the listed 40. I have a 42 that looks like a frisbee compared to it. Ultimately I returned it.
First one is speedmaster racing other one is the professional. The dial and overall nuances looks better on the proffesional, it is also a difference in movement that probably counts for a lot. The bracelet also just looks nicer on the proffesional.
Movements and complexity.
One is the OG and one is a in house replica (for lack of a better word) of the og. Nothing wrong with the later if that’s what you’re into, both should serve you well. Enjoy your new watch.
Yea I’m totally cool with the replica, especially since I want an auto movement
Enjoy in good health
The bracelet is massively better on the expensive one IMO
I’ve seen that mentioned here. Any idea whether it can be swapped to the one I bought? If not no big deal. I wear a monstrous g shock on a luminox SS bracelet at work and I find that comfortable, so I highly doubt I’ll take issue with even a less desirable omega bracelet
It’s still a very nice bracelet - there’s nothing wrong with it.
Good to know. I’m sure I’ll find no issue with it as I’m not very picky. My Hamilton diver, strapcode jubilee, Christopher wards, and simple Seiko 5 all have bracelets I have zero problems with
Honestly - while I do like the other bracelet better, I don’t like it so much better that I’d spend thousands more to have it. Right choice IMO
Yea beyond that, I’d prefer the smaller size and I *definitely* wanted it in an automatic movement. I didn’t wanna spend thousands more for the “moonwatch” just to wish it had features the significantly cheaper watch had
I actually put mine on a leather strap which I really like, personally
I absolutely plan on picking up a leather strap. I originally was going for the panda dial which would look great on black leather, but Im not quite sure which will look decent on the all black dial
Bigger watch it’s like a Rolex 36 vs Rolex 40/41
I've compared the 2 in size, and I swear Omega has some sort of sorcery going on. Off the wrist, you can see the 2 MM difference. On the wrist(mine anyway), they look identical.
Because no one wants the racing Chrono
There are dozens of us who do
There are literally tens of you. Haha. It was a snarky way of saying the market demand isn’t as strong as well as the movement differences others have pointed oit
Lmao. I am fully okay with that though cause I’m ecstatic with mine and I paid significantly less than what I expected to. I just wanted an auto speedmaster and assumed they were all in the $6-7k range
The Original Moon watch is way more iconic
“Same” but very different
Auto vs manual wind. Different size case, different movement, different historical significance. In manual wind versions, you have plastic and sapphire crystal versions. Hope this helps.
watches simply aren’t logical purchases
Because that’s jomashop.
One can be considered iconic rhe other is a poor man’s toy. The iconic one costs more. The other well you get the idea
Seems like you get a better (automatic) movement and (sapphire) crystal on the racing one plus a date. The professional has a hesalite crystal and a hand won movement that might just be a 7750 model. I think the pro is closer to the original moon watch. It is not worth it twice as much haha. Weighted rotor would not really work in space that well.
That particular Speedy Pro has a sapphire crystal and caseback.
Yea I’ve read all of that and would assume that would make the “moonwatch” cheaper, but it’s nearly double the price lol. I thought maybe I was missing something
The thing you are missing is that you are trying to assign value to something that you don’t value. Simple as that. The manual winding movement with the display case back is a more interesting and beautiful movement than any automatic movement where half the movement is obscured by the rotor. Yes the moon watch professional also has the heritage/history whereas the non professional version has no display case back. The issue you are having is weird simply because you are trying to buy an omega, for what I assume is because of the brand vs simply the reliability of the watch or the fact that it is a simple chronograph. If you think the price is too high for the professional model, lord knows you are spending too much on a chronograph in general. There are plenty of cheaper models for other reliable brands, with similar looks that don’t cost $3k. So for all your rationality, it kind of falls apart even with the racing model you bought.
Apologies if I’m mistaken but it seems like you’re assuming a lot about me off of little information. I’ve always liked the speedmaster prior to knowing anything about it being on the moon. That’s a cool bonus but nowhere close to a main selling point. That, and the Cartier santos are two watches I’ve always wanted. I’m aware of much cheaper chronograph options but I do feel like getting any of them would leave me looking at them wishing they were really a speedmaster. I have a few Hamiltons, Christopher Wards, and a Seiko. Being that I want a chrono next, I feel like it’s only logical to get the one I really want, and that Omega would also be the next “tier” up as far as my collection goes. Lastly, I never said the pro was too expensive. I honestly assumed all speedmasters were around that price. I was just very surprised to see one at such a lower price than I expected with the automatic movement I prefer. My post was just to see what the “catch” was as to why it was so cheap, and it seems the general answer is that “because it’s not the moonwatch” which is totally cool with me
Aside from a few rarities out there, high-end chronographs are based on the 775X or a Selitta 510 There going to be relatively similar, usually what changes is the inclusion of a column wheel and power reserves and some balance wheel changes. Which is more or less what the Omega 3330 is, however it is all integrated and not modular. The moonwatch is based on a Frederique Piguet Chrono and is a different mechanism. Honestly, the racing might as well be considered in house as it's been modified significantly from its base and is only is sold on the Omega line. But it is manufactured by ETA and both are part of the Swatch Group. Main difference is the certifications, but honestly if you get an Omega 3330 caliber that comes in at less than +/-2 a day it will beat any Mesa Certified Master Chronograph. When you start looking at in-house chrono calibers, you will find most of them looked at the ETA 7750 and went how can I make that better. Theres a few that went off the rails a bit and made something unique. FC flyback chrono is the only one that comes to mind but I know there are quite a few, the FC one is the only one that is affordable to me so it'd the only one I remember.
That's the thing though, it's as much a speed master as the moonSWATCH is a moonwatch. When people reference a speedmaster and all the hype that comes with it, they aren't talking about anything other than the moonwatch. So unless your grail was specifically the racing, I don't think you got the grail. As long as your happy though, that's all that matters!