Greetings all - as a multiple-Ω321 Speedy owner, I wanted to respectfully offer a thought to all, and that's to consider resisting the inclination to hoard parts. As we've established, some calibre 321 parts are quite plentiful - such as mainsprings, dials, hands, crystals, even cases. Along with movement parts remain common to the c861 and 1861 movements. Others may be harder to come by such as the balance discussed above. The parts aren't impossible to get although they may take more effort than a quick visit to ofrei.com, and experienced independent watchmakers we trust, such as Al - and others - know who to check with within the industry, to buy, trade, and barter parts. If conserved intelligently and only utilized when required, I can imagine that the parts line would remain relatively accessible to all of us when required. Additionally, parts are relatively consolidated at a handful of well-established warehouses, parts houses, and other industry sources.
If however, an artificially-induced demand is placed on the remaining parts lines by each of us as we "hoard" spare parts, three problems happen quickly: [1] parts become unavailable to everybody, especially when needed. [2] calibre 321 movements begin dying off as people can't service or take care of them (which also would ultimately reduce value of the watches, as they become unserviceable due to obsolescence). [3] all this happens while multiple quantities of a needed part (e.g., balance wheel. . .hour recorder runner. . .etc) are sitting in someone's drawer, who doesn't need them. . .and who may even be willing to share, yet doesn't know that somebody does need them, because nobody knows he has them.
In short - I'd encourage everyone to consider the implications of hoarding too many parts before making a run on parts houses. You'll be ok, and by standing pat here, you will keep the 321 calibre serviceable, desirable, and available to us and those who come after us, for years to come. And hopefully, to the time (hopefully soon) where the 321 calibre reenters production.
So in a way, we're each taking care of ourselves, and each other here.
best,
Mark
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