As tittle is this as much sort after as it was several years ago. I don't seem to hear as much about it compared to 321s now. Several years ago it was in several threads a month. Is it just too rare today? picture courtesy of @oddboy in FS thread below. https://omegaforums.net/threads/who...y-grail-omega-speedmaster-ref-376-0822.28038/
This reference is not my cup of tea. Still highly collectable IMO, but has certainly not appreciated as much as 321 Speedmasters have over the past year or two.
I heard many collector saying that was the grail ...but personnaly... never seen any interest in this one...
I've had two. Now I have none. They are awesome for wearing. I don't know if they're still as desirable or collectible.
When Chuck was writing there was no Hodinkee, no Instagram, and in general much less online conversation about vintage watches overall. His enthusiasm for chronographs from the 60s-80s drove certain swaths of the market. Certain pieces, especially the 376.0822, enjoyed a disproportionate run up in price compared to others thanks to his discussion of them. It seems that in the years since he passed the spotlight has moved from the pieces he collected to other areas. I think the rest of the market has had to "catch up" price wise. I think there will always be a certain amount of demand for the 376.0822 thanks to it being the only cal. 1040 or 1045 available in a traditional moonwatch case. But it's place in the Speedmaster hierarchy is more of a niche one these days, and probably rightfully so as it is seperated from the NASA history and manual winding heritage of the original.
No, I don't think it is that sought after. It's not the original moon watch and by adding complications I think it moves away from the simplicity that makes it so beloved. Plus the price is crazy in my opinion.
Someone offered me one of these a couple of months back. Astronomical price. But personally I don't get it.
I like it. The combo of that movement in a professional style and sized case makes a pretty compelling watch. Am I actively looking for one? No, but if the right one came along I would give it serious thought. I think of the basic non moonwarch speedies its high on the list. The reduced/date/racings are a little small for many people . Auto day date chrono at 42mm with moonwatch style... Makes alot of sense.
Not much to say about the watch but I find it nice (for lack of better term) that the Chuck is still being remembered after all those years... and that his knowledge still stands a legacy ...kind of an internet legend- just like the JJ person in the Rolex forum