A few years ago (three to be exact), I purchased a 145.0012 321 Speedmaster Pro with the original 145.012 case components, subdial hands and dial with the expectation of getting a 321 movement, older hour, minute and chrono hands, swapping the movements to make the 145.012 right and make the 145.0012 my own little Franken that I can wear daily without worrying about it too much. Over the years, I always found something else I wanted to purchase, I even purchased a 145.006 Seamaster with the intention of pulling the movement but didn't, I liked the watch too much. I see 321 movements, either on their own or in a Seamaster or De Ville on eBay periodically, but keep passing thinking I will do it later. Hands are a little tougher to find, but they have popped up from time to time. So back to my question in the subject, how long do/have you kept a watch project going, even if the part(s) you are looking for are easily obtainable? I know most will say to swap the movement back into the original case, but I like wearing the watch without worrying about water or busting up an original part. I do have another 145.012 Speedmaster, which is another reason for not needing/wanting to do it. With the prices of original dials, DON bezels and even original crowns going crazy, I am tempted to sell while the prices are high, but I am sure I will regret that someday.
Sounds like you're heart's not in it on this one. Pass it on, recoup some $$ and spend it on stuff you really like and want to wear and care for. Edit: I'm sure someone else would love the chance. Look how stolen @dougiedude is with his most recent addition.
10+ years for me. I make notes in my containers of what I am looking for. Prices have gone crazy. I can't afford to buy from the old sources without running the price of the watch above the market. Dashto.com is a great place to start, btw. Lots of stuff and great prices. I hit the flea markets and look for watchmaker estates. Sadly, the watchmakers are thinning. Still a ton out there to be found. I relate the mechanical watch craze to the Harley Davidson situation. All the factories were on the edge of extinction. People realized that they aren't just to tell time but to make a statement and started buying again. I live to find the basket case classic, go through the parts bin, get it running and wear it with pride. Your watch is very special with a low production number. Good luck. If you run out of patience, people will line up to take it on.
I'm still working on my Omega 166.091 (seamaster 200 from 1970s). Actually got an email from Watchado in AUS and they seemed to think they can source me a dial by February. I hope the can. This project started in October.
I believe you are right with this one. I just hate the idea of keeping things "just in case", I feel like I am turning into my dad who kept everything.
I know the rule, threads are worthless without pictures. I know it isn't everyone's cup of tea, but I do enjoy having a 321 Speedy on my wrist without a worry (for the most part).
1 year and counting for me. Short of a bezel and crystal. Crystal is an easy find. Unfortunately, it's a bezel for the SM big blue...
I have plenty of project watches and parts, but only a couple of Omega's waiting for that elusive part but I dont tend to sell them on unless someone really wanted the parts. flightmaster currently coming together after several months waiting to find the right parts
And that is exactly what I am afraid of... Move the project on to someone else, find a movement at the "right" price...