I am and always was a big fan of the early Speedmaster models 2915 / 2998. The clean dials, symmetrical cases and early hands have a certain charm that speaks to me whenever I have the opportunity to see one in person. Unfortunately, even years ago I considered them priced too high and always refused to buy when I had the opportunity (we all make mistakes I guess ).

As I saw many watches come and go over the years through buying, selling, repairing or trading, I was fortunate enough to occasionally get my hands on some parts that I considered as relatively rare and valuable. Whenever this was the case, I decided to keep things and hoarded some assets in order to be prepared for potential hard times ahead.

During the annual sort-out routine of my parts drawer, this idea arose and got stuck in the back of my mind. Adding the latest find (nice pair of alpha hands) as another critical part, why not put it all together?

And here comes the mess:
I own most of the parts for years now and as you all know knowledge on vintage Speedmasters was very little and research was not as advanced as it is today. No Moonwatch only book and I didn’t know about speedmaster101 at that time so guess what? The parts don’t really match if you observe the details:

• Dial: applied logo, stepped, low swiss made: ref. 2998-3 to 62
• Crown: NAIAD, 24 teeth: ref 2915-1 to -62
• Hands: straight groove: ref 2998-1 and -2
• Chrono: lollipop: ref 2915-3 to 2998-4
• Sub dial: alpha: ref 2915-1 to 2998-4
• Caliber: 321, serial 16.649.XXX: ref 2915-3
• Bezel: black base 1000: ref 2915-3 to 2998-2

I know that if I proceed at this point and try hunting a case I would be able to complete the watch. Not any watch, my personal grail! A 2998/2915 or whatever in between. But let’s face it. It will be a franken watch and will always remain one. Even if I manage to swap some parts to match a certain reference number or range. I am not sure if this is going to be a deal breaker for me as I certainly care about the provenance of a watch and account originality, as well as transparency when buying or selling. Then again, we all keep an eye on the price increasement of these beauties which reached prohibitively expenses and even some of the nice examples turn out to be franken or in worst cases having fake parts. What is your view on this messy situation I am stuck in?

This turned out to be a longer post than I expected, sorry! I appreciate everyone on this amazing forum who takes the time to read this and shares a perspective.

A picture of the treasure:

 

Wow, nice parts!!

Does your want to wear it and love it outweigh philosophical concerns about 'frankenness'? If so then just find a case and off you go!

I think in any future sale there won't be any problems as long as you're transparent about things.

Personally, I think that at least, finding a case and wearing that result will be much better than all these pretty parts lying around.

 

+1

 

+2.

Just add case...and you will have reason to smile every day. And do post a pic when it’s assembled. Will be a killer piece

 

Thank you! Yes, my major concern is that I would basically build a Franken watch when putting it together which is something I don’t like. But as the prices of 2998 as constantly increasing, it is more and more unrealistic that i could ever afford to buy one.

 

Once built, you will be enjoying it. I doubt you’d sell it anyway.....AND......despite parts from different models, still a valuable piece, still a 321. Just be honest about its provenance when you come here and if you sell.

 

Sell the parts, buy a watch!

 

What an amazing post... and a dilemma, to be sure. To my mind, it's a win-win. You build a wonderful watch, or you sell the parts and buy another wonderful watch. I'd do the latter. But, but... oh... I don't really know. Good luck!

 

I am with you. As I said I always wanted to own a 2998. Never say never but I guess this one would stay with me.
But I guess it would take another lifetime to find a nice case.

 

I see your point. Selling the parts would certainly bring some funds to buy a genuine speedy. But after selling the base 1000 for example, I doubt I could ever find one in the wild again.

 

In my previous comment I posted a link to one currently for sale here for about 1400 euro. It’s for an Ed White, but is quite similar to a 2998 case...

 

I noticed, thank you!
Unfortunately it’s an Ed white with the wrong pushers and the case was filed to an 20mm lug width. Trying to find out the costs to repair this at the moment.

Anyone ever managed to install 2998 pusher on an Ed white case?

 

Pushers will fit just fine, but be aware that there are feet differences across cases and earlier cases have smaller feet. Apparently also very early cases have a slotted line for bezel alignment.

 

And for that very reason you can sell it at a very high price so as to buy an original speedy. Life is compromising.

 

Aaaah missed that. Just hang around, have seen a few in the private sales forums the last few months...@drhex might have one for you.

 

Thanks for pointing out. Unfortunately I’m not able to follow you, what do you mean with case feets? Can you post a comparison picture?

If I am not wrong, the 2998 pushers are screw down and the Ed whites are pressure fit right? So how can these be interchangeable?

Sorry for the dumb questions

 

Wise words. This is definitely considered but I am not in a hurry anyways.
But don’t you agree that it’s very tempting to wear a base 1000 speedy?

 

One of the first pics I did 'right click... save image as ....' on OF: @Barking mad 's legendary pic..

From https://omegaforums.net/threads/speed-105-00x-case.20321/

 

Get an extract. It may give you the guidance that you need. Is the movement a Speedmaster movement?

 

Thanks a lot for sharing this! A lot of new information for me, this forum is an amazing place