Cal. 321 balance conundrum…

I have a Speedmaster ref. 105.012 at the watchmaker’s, thus, unfortunately, no pictures.

The watch does not get anyone too excited: the case back and sides have been over-polished, the bezel is original but fair, the dial plots are white and have lost their luminous, and the hands have been replaced.

So the watchmaker calls today, and say the hairspring collet broke at the hole, and could be repaired, although he can’t do it. So he did a glue job, and it’s running close to spec.

Here are the options I’m struggling with, and would welcome any insights or opinions:

1) Leave it as is. It’s pretty much a beater, so enjoy it and if it breaks again, deal with it at that time.

2) I have a NOS Lemania balance complete that I bought years ago, and could be substituted. Use that, even though it’s nickel-plated and thus the wrong color compared to an original Omega 321 balance.

3) Go hunting for an original 321 Omega balance complete, to the tune of $600 USD or more.

Thanks

Option 1 and 3 in parallel.

That is the same as the OP option 2. Hairsprings are statistically matched to the balance.



Personally I would do option 1 and 2 (when needed.) while seeing if option 3 makes economic sense.

The repair probably just involves replacing the collet which is tricky as there is a taper pin filed off which has to be pressed out without distorting the spring. The books show this being done. That probably works on pocket watches such which used traditional materials. When one gets into the 'space age' alloys all bets are off.

Is number 2 and try to get the original repaired an option?

I hear both your watchmaker and sheepdoll saying its possible, though difficult, which probably also means expensive, assuming you could even find someone.

Are we seeing here the future world of collecting?

This is exactly what my watchmaker said. He’s done it on many pocket watches.