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Breaking Story - Omega Caliber 321 Is Back In Production!
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64Wing
·Hello Everyone,
*** insert generic sentence about first post- long time lurker***
I have been eyeing the Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch for quite some time now. I am prepared to buy one. I am not too picky on how close I can get to original in regards to movement and crystal but I do prefer the look of the standard moonwatch ( i.e. .005 ) I am currently in Japan on work and will be here for a few more months and I have sourced a couple places where the Moonwatch can be purchased for a significantly lower price then back in the states from an OB, AD, and even private sellers. I have waited until I am here to buy it for that specific reason.
Now here is my slight dilemma. With the recent price increases and release/talk of new movements I am wondering if waiting would be a wiser choice. Is it the general consensus that Omega will be replacing the movement in their standard moonwatch? Once the rerun of 321 is on the streets what will happen to the 1861? Will that be discontinued for something newer? And if so, would we expect a large price increase of the moonwatch? I wouldn't want to purchase a new .005 and then have it be outdated in a few months for something better. I do expect people to tell me that it is ultimately my choice and preference and I have to decide which watch I want. I understand that. However, an informed decision is best. What do the kind folks on OmegaForums think? Pick up the .005 for an outstanding price and enjoy my quality watch or wait for who knows how long and get a revamped version of the Moonwatch?
Thank you for your input.
V/r,
Carter
I was in this boat last fall since I just knew in my gut that the 321 was coming back. In fact, I held off on a purchase of the 60th anniversary "Trilogy" Speedy hoping that this summer would reveal a 321 reissue or anniversary addition. I'm still holding out hope for that. However, what I did do was purchase the .005 to hold me over. I don't regret that decision at all.
Think of it this way: people will always love watches and someday, some truly wonderful young person, though rare as he or she may be, will be on the hunt for a Speedmaster from the year they were born.
Even beyond that, there will be someone that will appreciate that watch if/when you decide you're done with it.
But my honest opinion is that if you buy one, you'll hold onto it. It's just a really great piece for so many reasons.
Please keep us abreast of your decision and good luck!
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jpjsavage
·If there are only going to be c.500 pieces with the .321 movement then the idea that these will be available 'on the street' is wishful thinking. Is the thinking that this will still be in a platinum case?
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Aludic
··@SpeedyBirthYearHi @rohnin
Quite briefly put; No. Jean-Claude was really clear on this last Tuesday; the first 321 equipped Speedmaster will be a precious metal one. Later on, the 321 will be come part of the core collection, albeit in a limited number per year due to production volume limitations. He did clearly hint upon that version to be a metal one.
[Speculation mode on]
Given all the clues presented so far, I would not be surprised if that future version will look a lot like a 105.012 (so, applied metal logo, lower pusher caps, perhaps even a flatfoot crown and a DON). This is based upon:
- The SpeedyTuesday gift handed out to those present at the event in Frankfurt, which is based upon a print of the 105.012, including an applied metal logo and printed DON
- The revival of the lower pusher caps on the new Apollo 11 50th edition
- The fact that Omega has lately been experimenting with different crowns (on - among others - ST1 and ST2), and
- The commonly surfacing DON on several special editions (ST2, both the steel as well as the gold Apollo 11 50th LEs)
[Speculation mode off]
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stuart70
·Hi @rohnin
Quite briefly put; No. Jean-Claude was really clear on this last Tuesday; the first 321 equipped Speedmaster will be a precious metal one. Later on, the 321 will be come part of the core collection, albeit in a limited number per year due to production volume limitations. He did clearly hint upon that version to be a metal one.
[Speculation mode on]
Given all the clues presented so far, I would not be surprised if that future version will look a lot like a 105.012 (so, applied metal logo, lower pusher caps, perhaps even a flatfoot crown and a DON). This is based upon:
- The SpeedyTuesday gift handed out to those present at the event in Frankfurt, which is based upon a print of the 105.012, including an applied metal logo and printed DON
- The revival of the lower pusher caps on the new Apollo 11 50th edition
- The fact that Omega has lately been experimenting with different crowns (on - among others - ST1 and ST2), and
- The commonly surfacing DON on several special editions (ST2, both the steel as well as the gold Apollo 11 50th LEs)
[Speculation mode off]
On the upside with movement parts hopefully ‘being interchangeable’, this should mean that some watches that were beyond economic restoration could be brought back into use.
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jpjsavage
·Hi @rohnin
Quite briefly put; No. Jean-Claude was really clear on this last Tuesday; the first 321 equipped Speedmaster will be a precious metal one. Later on, the 321 will be come part of the core collection, albeit in a limited number per year due to production volume limitations. He did clearly hint upon that version to be a metal one.
[Speculation mode on]
Given all the clues presented so far, I would not be surprised if that future version will look a lot like a 105.012 (so, applied metal logo, lower pusher caps, perhaps even a flatfoot crown and a DON). This is based upon:
- The SpeedyTuesday gift handed out to those present at the event in Frankfurt, which is based upon a print of the 105.012, including an applied metal logo and printed DON
- The revival of the lower pusher caps on the new Apollo 11 50th edition
- The fact that Omega has lately been experimenting with different crowns (on - among others - ST1 and ST2), and
- The commonly surfacing DON on several special editions (ST2, both the steel as well as the gold Apollo 11 50th LEs)
[Speculation mode off]
'Precious metal' = platinum?
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drhex
·Should be a platinum on leather and a steel one announced second half of this year for delivery first half 2020.
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CactusSpine
·Thanks for the replies. As nice as the 321 would be to have I will be going with my initial desire. I’m headed to Tokyo tomorrow for a week and will be looking around in a few watch shops. I’ll be taking photos and could post some in a different thread if people are interested.
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Pun
·My guess is that it might come with the last iteration of SpeedyTuesday ST3 Watch.
That would be a grand finale for RJ!
Hope he is reading this thread.....
That would be a grand finale for RJ!
Hope he is reading this thread.....
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MrJKLFoams
·50 pcs in platinum with 321 mvt. Unfortunately
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Om3ga321
·321 pieces would be a coincidence.
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AriTheWatchmaker
·Omega specifically stated a limited run of 500 pieces. The likelihood is that they make 5000 plates & bridges, and build 500 movements for limited edition models, then later another 500 etc. Parts are cheap for them and CNC machines do the hard work.
321's on the street again? Believe it when I see it!
Ari
321's on the street again? Believe it when I see it!
Ari
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SpeedyPhill
·🍿
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whyboddau
·500 pieces with a 321 movement sounds about right. Since 50th is a gold anniversary, would it make sense that they be in gold as well? How about white gold? Im expecting a partial or full skeleton to display the movement, whatever metal they choose.
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elmar2001
·Still wondering which watch will be next with the 321. Not the golden, not the 50th anniversary.
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