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Ed White: no longer in demand?

M'Bob
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ndgal ndgal
Ed White is the Speedy reference I have most requests for at the moment

This in itself is interesting, and the "why" behind it. One would suspect that those that can afford a prime Ed example can probably bump up to a nice 2998; or is the 105.003 price point at a financial sweet spot?

On the other hand, is it reflective of this sentiment: while many appreciate the rarity and desirability of the earlier, flat-lug references, a large number of collectors actually like the Ed White best, and think the reference exemplifies the perfect combination of Speedmaster qualities.
 
BatDad
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M'Bob M'Bob
This in itself is interesting, and the "why" behind it. One would suspect that those that can afford a prime Ed example can probably bump up to a nice 2998; or is the 105.003 price point at a financial sweet spot?

On the other hand, is it reflective of this sentiment: while many appreciate the rarity and desirability of the earlier, flat-lug references, a large number of collectors actually like the Ed White best, and think the reference exemplifies the perfect combination of Speedmaster qualities.
Your first point is most compelling for me. I’d try and argue that it’s really the only real viable option for many folks who want a straight lug and would feel little remorse in wearing it semi-regularly.

For a 2998 - who here isn’t very careful around doorways when wearing one? (Although I will fess up - that I’m becoming increasing cautious with my Ed)
 
pdxleaf
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M'Bob M'Bob
This in itself is interesting, and the "why" behind it. One would suspect that those that can afford a prime Ed example can probably bump up to a nice 2998; or is the 105.003 price point at a financial sweet spot?

On the other hand, is it reflective of this sentiment: while many appreciate the rarity and desirability of the earlier, flat-lug references, a large number of collectors actually like the Ed White best, and think the reference exemplifies the perfect combination of Speedmaster qualities.

Yes and yes.

History: 105.003 tested for space; Ed White a historic figure himself, a first in space and first in the speedmaster connection. Magnetic attraction.

Unique: straight lugs and double beveled back herald to earlier SM but the dial is similar to the moonwatch.

Best features: applied omega, step, long plots. Of course 321.

Availability: still possible (getting harder) to find nice examples for sale at the price of a decent used car as opposed to a brand new landrover.

My name is on the long list of people waiting to get their hands on one.
 
M'Bob
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pdxleaf pdxleaf
Yes and yes.

History: 105.003 tested for space; Ed White a historic figure himself, a first in space and first in the speedmaster connection. Magnetic attraction.

Unique: straight lugs and double beveled back herald to earlier SM but the dial is similar to the moonwatch.

Best features: applied omega, step, long plots. Of course 321.

Availability: still possible (getting harder) to find nice examples for sale at the price of a decent used car as opposed to a brand new landrover.

My name is on the long list of people waiting to get their hands on one.

And another: the white baton hands are so much more legible, in any light condition, than the 2998 hands.
 
jhross98
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2,300
M'Bob M'Bob
Unusually shiny rehut...😀

Ha. Maybe polished once lightly. Or not at all...

What I always say is the very very very best vintage examples glow. You won't know it until you see it.. But once you see it you can't unsee it

This one qualifies
 
BatDad
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2,607
Are you sure you don’t have a 105.002?


Edit - wait- I think I see the Ts.
Edited:
 
Taddyangle
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31,871
Of all my Speedmasters, I least like my Ed White. I really thought I would love it given all the history, but it just doesn't gel with me compared to my other Speedmaster watches.

Three of my favorites.

Screenshot_20200421-083138.png
 
pdxleaf
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21,284
Taddyangle Taddyangle
Of all my Speedmasters, I least like my Ed White...

Screenshot_20200421-083138.png

You should sell it. 😗

Love the modern ck2998s.
 
ndgal
Posts
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5,703
M'Bob M'Bob
This in itself is interesting, and the "why" behind it.
pdxleaf pdxleaf
Yes and yes.

History: 105.003 tested for space; Ed White a historic figure himself, a first in space and first in the speedmaster connection. Magnetic attraction.

Unique: straight lugs and double beveled back herald to earlier SM but the dial is similar to the moonwatch.

Best features: applied omega, step, long plots. Of course 321.

Availability: still possible (getting harder) to find nice examples for sale at the price of a decent used car as opposed to a brand new landrover.
What he said ^
M'Bob M'Bob
And another: the white baton hands are so much more legible, in any light condition, than the 2998 hands.
And that too ^
 
Toishome
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9,679
Mine came back with a very shiny rehaut after service. I am very pleased with it🥰
I hope no one calls this a "Rough Rider" 😁
 
IMG_4504.jpg
Thommas
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917
This was not an Ed White but the following reference, and in very desirable condition.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/392826069952

Don't see any reason to believe the market if softening in any way. At least not for fine examples.

upload_2020-6-14_23-10-20.png
 
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harrymai86
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2,736
Thommas Thommas
This was not an Ed White but the following reference, and in very desirable condition.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/392826069952

Don't see any reason to believe the market if softening in any way. At least not for fine examples.

upload_2020-6-14_23-10-20.png
Wow that is a very strong result.
 
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airansun
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17,832
Taddyangle Taddyangle
Of all my Speedmasters, I least like my Ed White. I really thought I would love it given all the history, but it just doesn't gel with me compared to my other Speedmaster watches.

Three of my favorites.

Screenshot_20200421-083138.png

Well, I’m the opposite. Despite a few fine 861 limited editions, my favorite Speedmasters are Ed Whites.

A68770E2-833C-4857-9D55-7AA000CA9C73.jpeg


As others have observed, less-than-really-nice pieces have dropped in value and are harder to move. The really nice pieces are trading for higher, frequently behind the scenes.

BTW, am I the only one who’s noticed a decrease in the quality of watches available at auction? Even the big house rarely have unproblematic pieces these days, it seems.
Edited:
 
pascs
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5,913
I think they are still the classic Speedmaster look that the majority of people like, the straight lugs, the simpler dial, the very clear and classic hands. I just wish I had bought a nice one when the prices were less, I now have too many Speedmasters and cant justify another 🙁
 
Stripey
Posts
572
Likes
754
airansun airansun
Well, I’m the opposite. Despite a few fine 861 limited editions, my favorite Speedmasters are Ed Whites.

A68770E2-833C-4857-9D55-7AA000CA9C73.jpeg


As others have observed, less-than-really-nice pieces have dropped in value and are harder to move. The really nice pieces are trading for higher, frequently behind the scenes.

BTW, am I the only one who’s noticed a decrease in the quality of watches available at auction? Even the big house rarely have unproblematic pieces these days, it seems.
I wonder if it's just that the market is getting to a developed stage where people who acquire the good pieces acquire them for the love (they have to at these prices) and so hang on to them longer, and so we're now on to the stage where a lot of what is actually available is tat that people are clearing out of their attics? There is certainly a lot of tat for sale.
 
crl848
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976
I've gone back and forth over the years but now prefer a good professional over straight lugs.
 
harrymai86
Posts
1,258
Likes
2,736
airansun airansun
Well, I’m the opposite. Despite a few fine 861 limited editions, my favorite Speedmasters are Ed Whites.

A68770E2-833C-4857-9D55-7AA000CA9C73.jpeg


As others have observed, less-than-really-nice pieces have dropped in value and are harder to move. The really nice pieces are trading for higher, frequently behind the scenes.

BTW, am I the only one who’s noticed a decrease in the quality of watches available at auction? Even the big house rarely have unproblematic pieces these days, it seems.
Gald to see another Ed White on bead of rice out there 😜
 
20200229_101514.jpg
eugeneandresson
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5,077
Likes
15,672
BatDad BatDad
Are you sure you don’t have a 105.002?


Edit - wait- I think I see the Ts.

also, t-s or not, the minute markers don’t touch the step 😉
 
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