345.0808 numbered twins

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lando

·Jul 16, 2024

It is some time since i last contributed to the forum, but the recent acquisition of a watch is a good reason to write, today.

Many years ago i bought a 345.0808 numbered, second generation, with the gold plated Cal. 863. Some days ago i had the possibility to get another one and i did.

To me, this version is one of the Speedmaster highlights from the 1980s. Not just because of the beautifully finished movement, the relative rarity of just 1000 pieces and the 1450 bracelet, which is the correct one for this execution.

Some pictures (head only, but i do have the 1450 bracelets needed 😀). On the left the one i bought many years ago, on the right the recent one:

 

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Canuck

·Jul 16, 2024

I had read there were (IIRC) 4,000 345.0808 models produced. I have one. There were 1,000 of them, marked uniquely, produced for Italy.

 

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lando

·Jul 16, 2024

Canuck

I had read there were (IIRC) 4,000 345.0808 models produced. I have one. There were 1,000 of them, marked uniquely, produced for Italy.

Possible, but i do not know the number of pieces of the "Unnumbered Edition". Let's break it down:
- 1000 of the numbered and copper-colored 863 -> "first edition"
- 1000 of the numbered and yellow-plated 863 -> "second edition" (the two above watches are from this edition)
- an unknown quantity of the unnumbered and yellow-plated 863 -> "third edition"

 

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Canuck

·Jul 16, 2024

Then my 345.0808 must be from the third edition, of which (I have read) there were 4,000 produced. How to distinguish which edition these watches came from?

 

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lucian23

·Jul 16, 2024

I think some people will ask why to buy two similar watches.. but i don't. Once i have three similar watches..
Very nice watches
Regards.

 

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lando

·Jul 16, 2024

Canuck

Then my 345.0808 must be from the third edition, of which (I have read) there were 4,000 produced. How to distinguish which edition these watches came from?

The easiest way: Each edition features a different dial.

 

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lando

·Jul 16, 2024

lucian23

I think some people will ask why to buy two similar watches.. but i don't. Once i have three similar watches..
Very nice watches
Regards.

Thank you very much.

Well, it's not the only reference i do own more than one of. ;-)

The main reason i bought the second one was for a physical comparison of the two. I am very happy, the middle cases and casebacks show the same lines. As it often is the case, each one of these two watches does have its strengths and weaknesses. But i do not intend to swap parts between the two, as i do value the originality of each watch more.

Edited: Jul 17, 2024

 

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befobe

·Jul 16, 2024

Canuck

Then my 345.0808 must be from the third edition, of which (I have read) there were 4,000 produced. How to distinguish which edition these watches came from?

Not sure at all it is 4000. (4000 is the production of the unnumbered 20th anniversary Apollo11, which is a totally different watch).
Unnumbered means exactly what it means. IMHO, impossible to give an exact number. Moonwatchonly book says the same thing.

Easy to describe:
First and 2nd edition= case back engraved with LE number. Second with a Axxx.
Third: no engraving
(And as mentioned also, different dials...)(And case engraved between lugs for the 1st)(And specific 863 for the 1st...)

 

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Canuck

·Jul 16, 2024

befobe

Not sure at all it is 4000. (4000 is the production of the unnumbered 20th anniversary Apollo11, which is a totally different watch).
Unnumbered means exactly what it means. IMHO, impossible to give an exact number. Moonwatchonly book says the same thing.

Easy to describe:
First and 2nd edition= case back engraved with LE number. Second with a Axxx.
Third: no engraving
(And as mentioned also, different dials...)(And case engraved between lugs for the 1st)(And specific 863 for the 1st...)

The third edition of the 345.0808 is a totally different watch! Hmmmm! Here is the case back of my 345.0808.

 

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befobe

·Jul 17, 2024

I was talking about the 20th anniversary when I said "totally different watch".