Omega Speedmaster Cal. 321: Six Years of Ownership

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Recently, one of our readers asked me for an update on my ownership of the Omega Speedmaster Calibre 321. He also wanted to know how often I wear it compared with the stainless-steel Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch introduced the following year (2021). They’re fair questions, and I’ll do my best to answer them today. Over […]

Visit The Definitive Modern Speedmaster - Six Years With The Calibre 321 to read the full article.
 
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From your article:

“The downside is that this bracelet doesn’t have a micro-adjustment system in the clasp. Although I don’t need it given the climate where I live, I can imagine it’s a must-have feature for those who live in places with more extreme temperature changes”

A most puzzling design oversight, compounded by stories of owners having to get holes drilled in the clasp to remediate this. At this price point? Seriously?
 
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The FOIS2 has this. Why skimp with the Halo product? I guess they wanted to keep the clasp super slim like the original.

Definitive perhaps, but I would suggest the last thing I'd describe NEW321 as would be modern!
 
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Nice write up. You said, “although some might think it’s the same as the one on the Speedmaster FOiS, let me tell you, it’s not. The bracelet on the 321 has flatter surfaces and a higher-quality finish”. The flat link bracelet is now on the 321, FOiS, and ‘57 models. I had always assumed the micro adjustment was the only difference. So the 321 is a higher quality? How does it compare to the ‘57 bracket, do you know?
 
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I've had my Ed White since March 2022, it's still my go to Speedmaster (had 13 at one time, now down to eight). Super watch. If I put it crown down at night it keeps time within a second a day. I sized the bracelet when I got it and that's it, never have had a need to adjust the bracelet during the day, in summer or winter, it just fits me fine. And I'm in and out of a humid climate and air conditioning, no need to adjust it. Have absolutely no need, or desire, for a bulkier adjustable clasp with 1/2 link adjustment. It's still the best Speedmaster in the current catalogue, or made since the original 321 was cancelled in the late sixties, imo.
Edited:
 
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I've owned the new FOIS and handled a 321 in person. Quality-wise, I genuinely couldn't tell the difference. The bracelet and cases felt exactly the same to me.
 
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Together with the Gold commemorative Apollo 11 Speedmaster, bringing back the 321 movement was a masterstroke by Omega, but at that time vintage 321 were still a bit cheaper !
 
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Great review.
I've had my Ed White since March 2022, it's still my go to Speedmaster (had 13 at one time, now down to eight). Super watch. If I put it crown down at night it keeps time within a second a day. I sized the bracelet when I got it and that's it, never have had a need to adjust the bracelet during the day, in summer or winter, it just fits me fine. And I'm in and out of a humid climate and air conditioning, no need to adjust it. Have absolutely no need, or desire, for a bulkier adjustable clasp with 1/2 link adjustment. It's still the best Speedmaster in the current catalogue, or made since the original 321 was cancelled in the late sixties, imo.
Doesn't everyone put their watches crown down?
 
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The FOIS2 has this. Why skimp with the Halo product? I guess they wanted to keep the clasp super slim like the original.

Definitive perhaps, but I would suggest the last thing I'd describe NEW321 as would be modern!
Just like the 3861 launched without micro adjust, I think they rushed a little with the 321. The Canopus Gold 321 has micro adjust, it was released some time after the Ed White, almost exact same bracelet dimensions, so no sacrifice in thickness by any major degree.

I would really like an on the fly for the Ed White.
 
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Recently, one of our readers asked me for an update on my ownership of the Omega Speedmaster Calibre 321. He also wanted to know how often I wear it compared with the stainless-steel Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch introduced the following year (2021). They’re fair questions, and I’ll do my best to answer them today. Over […]

Visit The Definitive Modern Speedmaster - Six Years With The Calibre 321 to read the full article.
Thanks RJ for sharing your experience. If Omega releases new 321 calibre in steel case of 105.012 and alllow that new one plus the exisiting new 321 models be produced within originally targeted number of units per year, that'd be so nice.
 
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If Omega releases new 321 calibre in steel case of 105.012 and alllow that new one plus the exisiting new 321 models be produced within originally targeted number of units per year, that'd be so nice.
Yes, that would be so cool.