And then it's gone gone next time I look.The latest, but not the only, example...

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Guess I will have to pull the trigger faster (which is not my nature) or wait for some luck. This one was nice, but I didn't think it'd go so fast at that price (And I assume at a premium to list).

Some have gone so fast I only see them after they're sold.

Just how big is demand? Makes me think the higher pricing may be here to stay...not a bad thing in the long run.

 

Hesitation loses watches. What you should do is set parameters for the Top X (5, 10, whatever) must-have exact reference(s) you want, what condition you're looking for, and what replacement parts you can live with. Then figure out a realistic budget and set aside the cash. When a watch comes along that meets or exceeds your standards JUMP ON IT.

 

More and more transaction before bidding end for nice watches in eBay. Well, I've done my share once........

 

Meh. You'll find a better one. No movement shot, replacement hands, poor description and "a family heirloom".

 

Forgot to mention, "and you'll be just one of the many who want it."

Here's a thought I'll share (even if we're in the same shameful pool of Speedy lust):

Search the HECK out of all the Speedy posts here. And there (other "lesser" sites ). Make notes. Memorize the Speedy book when it materializes. Be prepared to answer your own questions about: hands/dials/bezels/pushers/crowns/lugs/case backs/serial numbers, etc.

When you see an example that checks all your boxes, jump. Jump high. Be politely aggressive and get the watch before I or someone else gets it.

The 321 Speedy is red hot at this moment, and not likely to cool off (unsupported opinion). The transitional 861 is heating up fast. Soon I think the 145.022 will start developing nuances (how about step-dial or pre-Delrin brake as sub-categories?)

Sometimes waiting for the great deal pays off. I don't think it will here, now. Look for the satisfactory example (however "right" or "original" or "mint" that example has to be for YOU). Do the extensive research now to know what's right or wrong about a watch without stalling for answers here. And set your expenditure limit, but be realistic about what it will take. Otherwise, as my retired colleague was fond of saying, "you'll have hope in one hand and shit in the other."

 

That's my favourite one...."family heirloom" why on earth would you sell it then!!?? I have to admit, despite me loving speedies I think the hype is going a little OTT at the moment, there I've said it. You can chastise me later

Edit: just to confirm, I'm not out the game. I have a 105.002 in my sights

 

I remember a time when not many talked speedies on here. That was less than 2 years ago and the flavour of the day was Connies and then deluxe connies. Taste and collecting patterns changes all the time.

 

Me too, and I agree that at that time people were saying they were sick of connie talk as well. I don't think it takes many people intent on finding something uncommon to drive desire and prices up!

edit: I think a huge factor in the speedies, for me anyway, is the fact that I don't worry about wearing it, and don't think about it too much once its on my wrist, whereas with a deluxe, I wouldn't be able to live with a large ding!

 

That's very true. Speedy is a very wearable vintage watch. The fact that almost none is in NOS or very mint, as well as less penalty for small scratch and ding also really help.

 

According to information I got, there seems to be a parallel universe out there with people that wear quartz watches or no watches at all. ;-)

 

You're right about that... another one will come along, and may already have (fingers crossed).

Continue my education on the hands please, if you would be so kind...

I realize the chrono hand on this one is straight, but from all I've read, the angled chrono was not a certainty in late production 321's. Of course without the movement number we don't know when this particular example was produced.

Speaking broadly however, for later 321 examples, couldn't a watch have left the factory when the straight chrono was already in use. It is well accepted that transitional 821's (one of which I own) can have the applied logo, so it seems more than reasonable to me that other similarly interchangeable parts could swap the other way too, during the period of overlapping inventories.

 

Regarding the highlighted comment below:

The fascinating thing is that this is a pattern that repeats itself. Over the years we have seen this happen over and over again with various models such as Ploprofs, Speedmaster Grails and other models. Demand is driven high by a limited number of individuals, based on the perception of limited supply (sometimes this perception might even be correct ) and prices go up. It takes time, but prices invariably calm down, the rate being dependent on supply obviously. I personally know of individuals who paid 16,000$ for a Speedmaster grail and 10,000$ for a ploprof. This was probably 5-6 years ago. They are still waiting for values to catch up to what they paid. You might say they simply bought too early.... maybe 20 years too early...

 

The most daft thing to buy right now is a 321 Speedmaster, just because there currently is a feeding frenzy. A bit like the classic car frenzy of the early '90s, when folks paid insane amounts for very ordinary E-Type Jags. And then lived to regret it, as their "investment" depreciated in short order.

 

A 321 Speedmaster is the 2nd most crazy purchase now. A $50,000 stainless steel Sub from the 50's is the 1st.

 

Interesting considering this is a collectors take and not an investment viewpoint.