Back in the Saddle, and a 321 Ed White Question...

Posts
1,954
Likes
5,908
First off, hello everyone...

it's been a long while since I was regularly posting here ~ life, ups and downs, also: staying away somewhat reduced the endless pit of watch purchasing possibilities.

That said, I have been experiencing that itch to purchase a watch that I've wanted for a while but have always talked myself out of for two distinct reasons -

Price (isn't it usually that?)
and,
L2L (I tend to be quite OCD about lug to lug with 46.xx being my sweet spot and 48 being my absolute limit).

Finally the damn question...

I am strongly considering the hand-assembled 321 Ed White, and while I've finally braved up to the price of admission (pre-owned of course) I am still continually climbing back on the fence because of the 48mm L2L.
I own a couple Omega LE Heritage models, the Seamaster and the Railmaster, love them both but generally don't wear them because of the faux-tina but especially because of the classic lugs.
They fit me per se but they don't have that X factor like my other Omegas that feature lyre lugs.

So, for any current owners of the new Ed White...

1. Have you had any "adaptability" issues with the classic lug style on your wrist -- or was it just easy sailing and love at first sight?

2. If these same owners could chime in on also owning a Speedmaster with the lyre lugs and how the two different Speedmaster cases (321 Ed White & Professional models) suit them with regard to the lug styling & lug to lug length differences I'd appreciate it?

Thanks much 👍
 
Posts
3,198
Likes
33,351
Welcome back. If you alter your title to “321 Ed White question” you may get some pretty good advice.

Glad you’re doing well.
 
Posts
869
Likes
3,632
I wish I had the new Ed White to help you with the decision, but I'm sure someone with deeper pockets will chime in shortly.

Welcome back! I hope to see @JwRosenthal back from his hibernation one of these days, too.
 
Posts
1,954
Likes
5,908
Welcome back. If you alter your title to “321 Ed White question” you may get some pretty good advice.

Glad you’re doing well.
Done, thanks!
 
Posts
1,981
Likes
2,147
First off, hello everyone...

it's been a long while since I was regularly posting here ~ life, ups and downs, also: staying away somewhat reduced the endless pit of watch purchasing possibilities.

That said, I have been experiencing that itch to purchase a watch that I've wanted for a while but have always talked myself out of for two distinct reasons -

Price (isn't it usually that?)
and,
L2L (I tend to be quite OCD about lug to lug with 46.xx being my sweet spot and 48 being my absolute limit).

Finally the damn question...

I am strongly considering the hand-assembled 321 Ed White, and while I've finally braved up to the price of admission (pre-owned of course) I am still continually climbing back on the fence because of the 48mm L2L.
I own a couple Omega LE Heritage models, the Seamaster and the Railmaster, love them both but generally don't wear them because of the faux-tina but especially because of the classic lugs.
They fit me per se but they don't have that X factor like my other Omegas that feature lyre lugs.

So, for any current owners of the new Ed White...

1. Have you had any "adaptability" issues with the classic lug style on your wrist -- or was it just easy sailing and love at first sight?
None whatsoever. I have a pretty small wrist (6.25"), but it doesn't fit any different than my other moonwatches. It sits perhaps a little 'flatter' in that it hugs the top of my wrist like 10% less.

2. If these same owners could chime in on also owning a Speedmaster with the lyre lugs and how the two different Speedmaster cases (321 Ed White & Professional models) suit them with regard to the lug styling & lug to lug length differences I'd appreciate it?

Thanks much 👍

I've not really noticed ANY differences really. They wear basically the same.
 
Posts
1,954
Likes
5,908
None whatsoever. I have a pretty small wrist (6.25"), but it doesn't fit any different than my other moonwatches. It sits perhaps a little 'flatter' in that it hugs the top of my wrist like 10% less.



I've not really noticed ANY differences really. They wear basically the same.
Good to know... could I get a couple wrist shots - as we share the same wrist size?
 
Posts
1,981
Likes
2,147
Good to know... could I get a couple wrist shots - as we share the same wrist size?
Wearing it right now, so snapped a few for ya 😀 Just a cell camera though. Pardon the dirty crystal, my kid had a PB&J sandwich and I clearly didn't clean my watch since 😁

 
Posts
334
Likes
277
Pardon the dirty crystal, my kid had a PB&J sandwich and I clearly didn't clean my watch since

Waiting for the “can I make my kid’s lunch while wearing a Speedmaster?” thread …
 
Posts
1,954
Likes
5,908
Wearing it right now, so snapped a few for ya 😀 Just a cell camera though. Pardon the dirty crystal, my kid had a PB&J sandwich and I clearly didn't clean my watch since 😁

Looks great, even with PB&J on it. 👊🏼👊🏼
 
Posts
1,954
Likes
5,908
Yet another question -

within the pre-owned, excellent condition, category for the 321 Ed White what would be considered an "average" to "great" price?
 
Posts
1,078
Likes
1,098
Yet another question -

within the pre-owned, excellent condition, category for the 321 Ed White what would be considered an "average" to "great" price?

What country are you in? If the USA, I would check Watchrecon, Chrono24 (filter for US sellers), Watch Charts, and ebay active and sold listings to get an idea of asking prices--which may be higher than selling prices. Only the ebay sold feature will let you know the actual selling price (although not exactly if a best offer was accepted).

But my advice would be to not buy unless you can try it first. That's a lot of money to shell out if you are lug to lug sensitive. I realize it may be hard to find one to try on, but I would try. You might put it on and instantly realize it's too big for you. I've done that before for watches that I could not return and it's not a great feeling.
 
Posts
1,954
Likes
5,908
What country are you in? If the USA, I would check Watchrecon, Chrono24 (filter for US sellers), Watch Charts, and ebay active and sold listings to get an idea of asking prices--which may be higher than selling prices. Only the ebay sold feature will let you know the actual selling price (although not exactly if a best offer was accepted).

But my advice would be to not buy unless you can try it first. That's a lot of money to shell out if you are lug to lug sensitive. I realize it may be hard to find one to try on, but I would try. You might put it on and instantly realize it's too big for you. I've done that before for watches that I could not return and it's not a great feeling.
Yep, I've definitely had that same experience... one of the downsides to living here (southern New Mexico) is an absolute drought to finding other watch nerds to hang out with (and occasionally trying something on before buying).
 
Posts
7,680
Likes
14,204
Have had mine for four years now, absolutely the easiest Speedmaster to wear. Never even thought about the lug to lug distance. I've got a 7 3/8" wrist, fits great. As far as price, C24 shows about eight used ones in the US from $16,600 to $18,600 (with box and papers). You can discount those prices a bit, but when you add state sales tax in it is usually pretty close. Shoot for $16,000 as an excellent price, that would be a complete one (box and papers) in excellent to great condition. And about $18,000 for a BNIB example. They still hold their prices well.
 
Posts
1,078
Likes
1,098
I would not buy one without box and cards. Saving some money on the front end will cost you on the back end if you ever decide to sell. I'm not big on box and cards/papers myself (you don't wear the box) but for a limited edition or special edition watch I would never forgo them. Unless the watch was from the 90's or before when the vast majority of box/cards/papers are long gone.
 
Posts
53
Likes
146
I wear my Ed White and two 3861 Speedy Pros interchangeably and I have a flat 6.3 inches wrist. While the Ed White is clearly the superior watch, I do think the 3861 Pro models wear better (feels flatter and more compact) as they have a slightly shorter 47.5mm L2L and a more conforming lug shape. The Ed White on the other hand, simply sits taller on the wrist, looks and feels larger.

Personally I think the Speedy Pro with lyre lugs is the better and more mature design, but modern Ed White with its 321 movement as well as a noticeably higher standard of fit and finish makes me willing to ignore its shortcoming in wearing experience. That said, this is by no means in saying Ed White doesn't wear well, it's all relatively speaking. Sometimes I think the taller and bigger wearing experience of EW is a reminder that I have something special on my wrist. Plus, the straight lugs design is a subtle differentiation from the sea of lyre lug Speedy Pros out there.
 
Posts
1,954
Likes
5,908
Welcome back!
Thank you... feels good to be back around and see what everyone has been up to -- not too mention all the usual temptations!
 
Posts
164
Likes
395
Welcome back SC1. Owning Trilogy models, the 3861 professional and the Ed White- the 3861 is the easiest wearing on my smaller wrist.

I sold both heritage models of the Seamaster 300 as they were just on the longer side, especially the 2014 iteration.

The Ed White fits much better than those models, similarly to the Trilogy model you mentioned. If you like those you’ll wear the Ed White very well.

The watch is well worth the price of admission, and if you are anything like me you probably overthink an issue that does not actually matter or exist. Go for it. I’d happily keep just the Ed White over the others.

My wrist is 6.5 inches or thereabouts.

 
Posts
1,954
Likes
5,908
Welcome back SC1. Owning Trilogy models, the 3861 professional and the Ed White- the 3861 is the easiest wearing on my smaller wrist.

I sold both heritage models of the Seamaster 300 as they were just on the longer side, especially the 2014 iteration.

The Ed White fits much better than those models, similarly to the Trilogy model you mentioned. If you like those you’ll wear the Ed White very well.

The watch is well worth the price of admission, and if you are anything like me you probably overthink an issue that does not actually matter or exist. Go for it. I’d happily keep just the Ed White over the others.

My wrist is 6.5 inches or thereabouts.

Looks fantastic on you, thank you for sharing. 👊🏼👊🏼
 
Posts
3,616
Likes
24,371
Welcome back! I have missed having your point of view around here.

I can't help with your question, but I can relate a bit: straight lugs bug me too. Maybe it's my wrist shape, but lyre lugs just seem to work better for me.