Opinion with photo for easy reference... and eye candy.
I've owned both Speedy Date (old model 39mm) and Speedy Pro (not the original "Moon Watch"), and I have 6.7" wrist. Both are great watch! As expected, many will tell you to skip the Date and go for the classic and evergreen the Pro. Same goes with me..
In term of size, I think 42mm of Speedy Pro do not wear big. In fact, my 41mm SMP wear bigger than the 42mm Speedy Pro. After some time, or after the Panerai bug, the 39mm Speedy Date seems too small for my wrist.
At first, I also like you - need auto watch, so no need to wind... need date and sapphire. But, after a while, winding the Speedy Pro have become some sort like bonding moment for me, with a buttery smooth crown wind. It's fun, really! As for the lack of date, I can always refer to my handphone calendar. (Yeah, you can also tell time from handphone, but that is different issue).
I love the warm and calm light reflection on the hesalite crystal as compared to sapphire. Hesalite crystal is not that easy to scratch. If it does catch some hairline scratches, there's a product to use to wipe it out or if you happen walk near the Omega boutique, just give it to them and they will do it for you for free.
The buckle variance also play the role for me in selecting the watch. I would prefer the bold buckle of the Pro as compared to smaller buckle of the Date (not sure about the buckle of the new Date).
The Pro buckle on the right.
The Date buckle on the left.
Now, back to your question.
The Cal. 1164 is a modified Valjoux 7750 movement with rhodium finish, adjusted to chronometer standards and powered the old style Speedy Date where the date window is at 3 o'clock position. While, Cal. 3304 is also a modified Valjoux movement, but a 7753, which is variant of the 7750 with rhodium finish adjusted to chronometer standards and use to power the new style of the Date with the tri-compax dial layout and date window at 4.30 o'clock position.
I can not say which one is better. Basically, they are both same base Valjoux movements with different dial layouts that have been adjusted by Omega, and the Cal. 1164 has been around a few years longer than the cal. 3304. One major technical difference is the date on Cal. 3304 is adjusted using a push button at the 10 o'clock position, while the Cal. 1164 use the regular crown adjustment. It is a matter of preference.
About the look of both model, the 323.30 - with some play of red color splash and sunburst dial, look more sporty and youthful. While, 3210.50 still maintain the DNA of the old Date and look more classic.
The choice is yours!
