The Omega Speedmaster Professional. A legend. A moonwatch. A grail watch for many. But for some, the desire goes beyond the standard issue. For those individuals, the allure of a unique, personalized Speedmaster beckons, and among the most sought-after custom configurations is the Mitsukoshi conversion. This article delves into my journey considering, and eventually undertaking, a Mitsukoshi conversion, exploring the process, the considerations, and the ultimate satisfaction (or potential pitfalls) of owning a truly bespoke Speedmaster.
My First Omega: The Mitsukoshi Speedmaster Mod
My watch collecting journey started, as many do, with a fascination for iconic timepieces. The Speedmaster, with its rich history and undeniable cool factor, was always high on my list. However, the price point of a vintage Speedmaster, especially one in pristine condition, was initially prohibitive. Then I discovered the world of watch modding. The idea of taking a readily available, perhaps slightly less desirable, base watch and transforming it into something unique and personal captivated me. This led me down the rabbit hole of researching different Speedmaster modifications, and the Mitsukoshi conversion quickly rose to the top of my list.
The Mitsukoshi conversion gets its name from the Japanese department store, Mitsukoshi, which, for a period, offered custom-dial Speedmasters. These weren't factory-made modifications; rather, they involved replacing the standard Speedmaster dial and hands with unique alternatives. These dials often featured subtle differences from the standard issue, such as different fonts, slightly altered sub-dial layouts, or unique color schemes. The rarity and subtle elegance of these modifications are what make them so desirable.
My journey began with acquiring a suitable donor watch. I opted for a relatively affordable, but well-maintained, pre-owned Omega Speedmaster Professional. It wasn't perfect; it had some minor scratches on the case, and the bracelet showed signs of wear. But the movement was running perfectly, and the overall condition was sound enough to serve as a solid base for my Mitsukoshi-inspired project. Finding the right donor watch is crucial. You need to carefully assess the condition of the movement, the case, and the bracelet. A faulty movement can make the entire project a costly endeavor. I spent weeks scouring online forums, marketplaces, and auction sites, meticulously examining photographs and descriptions before finally settling on my perfect candidate.
The next step was sourcing the dial and handset. This proved to be the most challenging aspect of the entire process. Authentic Mitsukoshi dials are extremely rare and command high prices. I opted for a reproduction dial, meticulously crafted to replicate the aesthetic of the original Mitsukoshi dials. This was a conscious decision; the cost of an authentic dial would have significantly increased the overall project budget. However, I ensured the reproduction was of high quality, using reputable suppliers known for their attention to detail and accuracy. The handset followed a similar path; I chose a reproduction set that matched the style and proportions of the original Mitsukoshi hands.
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