Community Stories

Breaking News: The New Steel Speedmaster With Caliber 321 “Ed White”

STANDY
Posts
16,741
Likes
47,365
kelsey kelsey
I think there’s a chance it’s a better build then the FOIS, I’d have to hold both to know though, I love the FOIS (see my display pic) it’s one of my fave watches.
You’re saying though a watch built on a production line as a tool watch and then decay for 50 years is more valuable then a brand new watch built as a luxury watch assembled by a single watchmaker? Interesting....

Every watch I have ever had serviced has been assembled by a single watchmaker 😗
 
padders
Posts
9,723
Likes
15,317
kelsey kelsey
I think there’s a chance it’s a better build then the FOIS, I’d have to hold both to know though, I love the FOIS (see my display pic) it’s one of my fave watches.
You’re saying though a watch built on a production line as a tool watch and then decay for 50 years is more valuable then a brand new watch built as a luxury watch assembled by a single watchmaker? Interesting....
No I can't see where I said that, do show me, however you might be right in that I think that for the right watch. I do recall saying that the 321 premium in the new models was eye watering and difficulty to justify. Had there been no FOIS or any other straight lug reboot, comparisons like this wouldn't be possible, but with those models, particularly the Trilogy Speedmaster, Omega have given themselves a marketing headache so a lot of single watchmaker fairy dust has been utilised. Would I like a new EW, you bet, can I in isolation justify the price to myself, not so much, whereas with the rarity and charm of the originals there is more justification, though that is of course subjective.
 
kelsey
Posts
360
Likes
367
STANDY STANDY
Every watch I have ever had serviced has been assembled by a single watchmaker 😗
Think we know that by now, it’s been repeated a zillion times on this very forum 😉
 
padders
Posts
9,723
Likes
15,317
kelsey kelsey
Think we know that by now, it’s been repeated a zillion times on this very forum 😉
So why are you using it as a justification above?
 
kelsey
Posts
360
Likes
367
padders padders
No I can't see where I said that, do show me, however you might be right in that I think that for the right watch. I do recall saying that the 321 premium in the new models was eye watering and difficulty to justify. Had there been no FOIS or any other straight lug reboot, comparisons like this wouldn't be possible, but with those models, particularly the Trilogy Speedmaster, Omega have given themselves a marketing headache so a lot of single watchmaker fairy dust has been utilised. Would I like a new EW, you bet, can I in isolation justify the price to myself, not so much, whereas with the rarity and charm of the originals there is more justification, though that is of course subjective.
Yes btw there is no right or wrong answer in who values which the old all the new it’s all personal preference.
Admittedly one of the reasons I’m on the fence with purchasing the new 321 is I already have the FIOS and I wonder if this is doing different enough to justify the purchase. Had I not bought the FIOS I probably wouldn’t hesitate.
 
kelsey
Posts
360
Likes
367
padders padders
So why are you using it as a justification above?
Because I don’t see it the same way, and repeating it over and over won’t change that 😀
 
Nobel Prize
Posts
6,832
Likes
13,793
s2000_driver s2000_driver
Unfortunately unless you are the original owner, there's no way to know the service history of vintage watches. Most watch makers who service vintage watches won't guarantee water resistance, right? Especially ones that still have original crowns and chrono pushers. Why take the risk? That's just my opinion.
Easy solution to this one. Buy it, take it to a watchmaker to evaluate and if need service it. Then you’ll know exactly it’s service history.
 
I
Posts
67
Likes
58
I dont see the need in this bickering.
Think fratello said it best:
“When you are seeking a vintage Speedmaster, then (perhaps) this watch is not for you. But for those who appreciate the look of the original 105.003, its history and the caliber 321 movement, and want to wear it daily, this is a no-brainer.”

You either want the original, or youll want the reedition. No reason to put either watch- and by extension- party down because you disagree with someone’s priorities
 
Archer
Posts
27,680
Likes
70,342
I Icnbne
I dont see the need in this bickering.
Think fratello said it best:
“When you are seeking a vintage Speedmaster, then (perhaps) this watch is not for you. But for those who appreciate the look of the original 105.003, its history and the caliber 321 movement, and want to wear it daily, this is a no-brainer.”

You either want the original, or youll want the reedition. No reason to put either watch- and by extension- party down because you disagree with someone’s priorities

I think the idea that an original could not be worn daily is a bit of a stretch. Most days I wear a vintage watch, as do many who are on this forum - too much is made of the inability to wear vintage watches, "necessitating" a new version for regular use. This idea certainly helps sales though...
 
I
Posts
67
Likes
58
Archer Archer
I think the idea that an original could not be worn daily is a bit of a stretch. Most days I wear a vintage watch, as do many who are on this forum - too much is made of the inability to wear vintage watches, "necessitating" a new version for regular use. This idea certainly helps sales though...
And thats fine that you feel this way, however there are others like me who own vintage and dont feel too comfortable wearing it daily, regardless of its capability or value.

again to each his own
 
Archer
Posts
27,680
Likes
70,342
I Icnbne
And thats fine that you feel this way, however there are others like me who own vintage and dont feel too comfortable wearing it daily, regardless of its capability or value.

again to each his own

Can I ask why you don't feel comfortable wearing a vintage watch daily?

Genuinely curious why that would be so.
 
kelsey
Posts
360
Likes
367
Hope people don’t perceive this discussion as bickering 😀 I don’t feel I’m attacking or being attacked.
I’m Aussie even if I say something blunt or harsh it’s all partly in jest....I 100% have a smile on my face when someone has a good rebuttal 😀
I think there’s a valid argument for vintage or this new 321.
I don’t necessarily think anyone’s been conned by marketing if they buy the new 321 at retail. Or you could equally say people overpay for vintage due to hype.
At the end of the day it’s your hard earned money if you spend it on your wrist and looking down you’re content with your purchase then it’s worth it for you.
 
I
Posts
67
Likes
58
Archer Archer
Can I ask why you don't feel comfortable wearing a vintage watch daily?

Genuinely curious why that would be so.
Because if i ding it, parts aren't readily avaliable

because parts like the stem or the rotor etc which are engaged everyday wear out, and those parts arent always available either

because even if its serviced im not certain its waterproof and if water gets in or even condensation from getting off a plane even (happened) its left bugging me until i get it to a watchmaker

I enjoy babying my vintage watches, and a big part of the joy is in preserving it, with a new or modern watch, they arent rare (and getting rarer by the year) parts are easily replaced and after a service, im guaranteed itll work as well as when i bought it
 
STANDY
Posts
16,741
Likes
47,365
I think the new 321 is the easy way out to get a 321 without the minefield of vintage which can take a lot of time to learn and navigate.

But I’m with Al on the latest Internet watch world urban myth forming that vintage watches can not be worn daily. As many here wear vintage watches daily without issue.
 
Archer
Posts
27,680
Likes
70,342
kelsey kelsey
I don’t necessarily think anyone’s been conned by marketing if they buy the new 321 at retail.

I don't think anyone has said that, at least that I've seen. I only point out that this "one watchmaker" approach really isn't the thing it's being hyped up to be.
 
Archer
Posts
27,680
Likes
70,342
I Icnbne
Because if i ding it, parts aren't readily avaliable

because parts like the stem or the rotor etc which are engaged everyday wear out, and those parts arent always available either

because even if its serviced im not certain its waterproof and if water gets in or even condensation from getting off a plane even (happened) its left bugging me until i get it to a watchmaker

I enjoy babying my vintage watches, and a big part of the joy is in preserving it, with a new or modern watch, they arent rare (and getting rarer by the year) parts are easily replaced and after a service, im guaranteed itll work as well as when i bought it

The points above being true are largely dependent on what watches you buy. There are plenty of vintage watches that all parts can be had for - I repair them virtually every day with those parts. Not arguing your personal way of collecting watches, just saying that what you base it on is not necessarily the case for all vintage watches.
 
I
Posts
67
Likes
58
Archer Archer
The points above being true are largely dependent on what watches you buy. There are plenty of vintage watches that all parts can be had for - I repair them virtually every day with those parts. Not arguing your personal way of collecting watches, just saying that what you base it on is not necessarily the case for all vintage watches.
100%, however i found the reassurance reason enough to warrant choosing the reissue instead of hunting for a clean vintage with all original parts (which would be a task in itself, and presents its own set of risks)

i guess another reason for me is the value, not the dollar amount being spent, but more so finding out the hard way that the watch i bought wasnt ‘worth’ what i thought it was because the dial/hands/pushers etc were service parts or knockoffs and not in keeping with the manufacture period. I understand the learning experience is half the fun in collecting vintage for alot of people, so i attribute this as a character flaw of mine, but nonetheless, a big reason the reissues have been so appealing to me recently
 
Archer
Posts
27,680
Likes
70,342
I Icnbne
100%, however i found the reassurance reason enough to warrant choosing the reissue instead of hunting for a clean vintage with all original parts (which would be a task in itself, and presents its own set of risks)

i guess another reason for me is the value, not the dollar amount being spent, but more so finding out the hard way that the watch i bought wasnt ‘worth’ what i thought it was because the dial/hands/pushers etc were service parts or knockoffs and not in keeping with the manufacture period. I understand the learning experience is half the fun in collecting vintage for alot of people, so i attribute this as a character flaw of mine, but nonetheless, a big reason the reissues have been so appealing to me recently

No I get that it's a lot of work to be an educated vintage collector. Even if you look at the guys here who are very knowledgeable on vintage, they tend to specialize a little. So there's some who focus on Constellations, some on early wrist watches, some on the 30 mm movement watches, some on Seamasters, and several on Speedmasters. No one knows them all, and if your tastes are varied, it would be a lot to fully research each model you end up wanting to the fullest extent. But again, that's why others here are so quick to assist.
 
I
Posts
67
Likes
58
Archer Archer
No I get that it's a lot of work to be an educated vintage collector. Even if you look at the guys here who are very knowledgeable on vintage, they tend to specialize a little. So there's some who focus on Constellations, some on early wrist watches, some on the 30 mm movement watches, some on Seamasters, and several on Speedmasters. No one knows them all, and if your tastes are varied, it would be a lot to fully research each model you end up wanting to the fullest extent. But again, that's why others here are so quick to assist.
Haha yep, i come from a seiko background, and consider myself fairly knowledgeable in that area (took alot of mistakes), but im still learning the ropes on speedmasters- will get there someday haha

The only point i wanted to make is that neither side of this discussion is necessarily right or wrong, and both sides have merit depending on the individual
 
1235 More Posts...
Sign up or log in to reply...

Similar threads

Omegafanman

Caliber 321"Ed White" 311.30.40.30.01.001 Speedmaster thread

Omegafanman Modern Omega Watches
Omegafanman
Omegafanman
Posts
11
Views
7K
Robert-Jan

Hands-On With The New Omega Speedmaster Calibre 321 In Canopus Gold (Live Pictures)

Robert-Jan Modern Omega Watches
Trog
Trog
Posts
40
Views
11K
Travelller

Speedmaster Caliber 321 "Ed White" - A Pictorial Review

Travelller Omega Watch Reviews
Evitzee
Evitzee
Posts
122
Views
52K
cvalue13

Hot Takes: Speedmaster Moonwatch 321 “Ed White”/“Cernan” in Stainless Steel (2020) Review

cvalue13 Omega Watch Reviews
frazierspa
frazierspa
Posts
43
Views
38K