And also new to the forum, though I've lurked intermittently for a while. I recently had the opportunity to purchase a Speedy c. 321; what I didn't know until after it arrived -- and after I did some research -- was that it's the identical model that Neil Armstrong wore to the moon (and its serial number is less than 10,000 away for his). While I started collecting a couple of years ago now, mostly '50s-era Omegas, this is my first acquisition that one could genuinely classify as a "grail purchase." I was hoping you guys could provide some info/feedback I haven't been able to find on my own.

I'm on assignment for several months and thus can't take the Speedy in for my watch specialist to inspect, but I've gathered the following about it: I'm fairly certain all of its parts are original, including its 1506/16 bracelet and crown, and they definitely all function properly, although I don't know the watch's last service date. (My only question would be about the pushers - do they *look* correct? I know they're supposed to be 5mm x 3mm.) The watch seems to keep near-perfect time. The bezel has the expected dot over the "0" in "90." If the watch has ever been polished, which I doubt, it was almost certainly a long time ago. The crystal has some normal wear-and-tear, but nothing a bit of PolyWatch can't take out. The caseback inside has the original Huguenin Frères stamp. Finally, the dial appears untouched, including its aged and no longer visible-at-night lume.

What I could use some feedback from you guys on is where exactly my watch fits in the "Speedy hierarchy." I know the basics, e.g. the difference between a c.321 and c.861, but how does it stack up against, say, a pre-Professional 105.002? Is the fact that it's an identical model and year to the watches worn by Armstrong and most of the other Apollo astronauts *that* big of a differentiator? Thanks in advance for any feedback!

 

i like that, congrats. seems all the original parts are there. just a service is pretty much all it needs. I wouldn't polish that case either, and maybe a gentle polish of the crystal is all it needs? congrats on a nice find.

 

Looks great, nice find.

As for hierarchy, generally, vintage Speedys -

these have straight lugs
2915
2998
105.002
105.003
these have twisted lugs
105.012
145.012
145.022

 

An overview here

www.speedmaster101.com