Hey gang,

I've been hunting lately and it may soon be decision time.. pics may follow if things progress positively.

I was curious about opinions on a '68 transitional (with all the properties you'd expect on one) with box and papers vs a nice 105.003, but just the head, no bracelet, no box, no papers.

I know it mainly comes down to condition, but if both are in 'Good' condition, is one more desirable than the other from a collection standpoint?

I'm really starting to pine for a pre-pro, but a full kit transitional is also very appealing.

Opinions and thoughts greatly appreciated!

Thx,

J

 

Personally I'm not crazy on 105.003's, I like the earlier hands.
Hard to say but I think I'd go for a full boat transitional.
I think they are gaining in value all the time.
Just Imo of course!

 

Both, and swallow the pain...

 

I would say if you have the funds, go with the pre-pro, they are more distinct with the different case and lack of "pro" on the dial.
I say that based on my own reconciliation: I originally set my sights on a 105.003 because of the lack of crown guards, rarity, and cleaner/more classic appearance (IMO) but with their rising prices and comparing a current pro with the FOIS on the wrist (and finding the lack of crown guards didn't wear that much differently) I decided to open the floodgates to the professionals. From there, I decided if I was going to get a professional case, the transitional was the best compromise with the AML, 321 dial, but 861 serviceability.
So, long story short, my $.02 is that even within the watch world, many outside of our obsessive community here and other Omega enthusiasts, won't be able to discern the various Professional models, and there have been a lot of them! Whereas many a watch collector can immediately pickup on the difference between a Pro and a pre-pro.

 

I would trepidatiously suggest the '68 transitional is rarer.
Go for that one.

 

I like the '68 for those reasons (easier to service, but with the looks of the 321). If I were to go for a 321, I think I'd really like something like an. 002 or a 2998, but I think prices may exceed my reach.

Thanks for the feedback guys!

 

I do agree with this, but assuming they are both in "good condition" as OP states, would you still take the transitional?

I'm guessing by sheer production numbers, the 68 is more rare, but there's something special about a pre-pro. I fight myself back and forth on this one as well, and these are actually the two speedy's I have narrowed down my realistic search to.

 

I would need to see pics of both but if similar conditions would choose the older one

 

Pics would help. It also comes down to what you value. From a looks standpoint, I like the 105.003 Love the case size & straight lugs. From an investment standpoint, I'll differ to the experts...

 

I recently picked up a 105.003 to compliment a 10 yr old 3570.50. If I didn't have the modern Speedy, it would have been a tougher decision. A nice transitional with box & papers would be very hard to resist, but I don't think you would ever regret a solid 105.003. I wouldn't want to have to make that choice though, tough one.

 

I think you already know my take on this, but here it is:

I'd much rather have the 105.003 if it's in good condition, mainly because of its historical significance, being the first space-walk watch, and the model that was actually submitted and selected by NASA over all of the others. I also think they are more likely to raise in value over time, too, for the same reason.

Good condition Ed White's seem harder to find...let me know if you don't get it, but maybe you should get both!

 

105.003 was not the first moonwalk watch.
105.012 or 145.012 depending on which info that's out
there you believe.

 

Oops, yes, I meant 'spacewalk'! Corrected, thanks!

 

Of course with a name and avatar as mine, I'm partial to the 105.003.

First get a 321, second get a 861 and lastly get the transitional between them.

 

You guy's are killin' me with all this '68 talk. I'm sure I posted this before, but just in case...
http://forums.timezone.com/index.php?t=rview&th=2116649&rid=111692
This was most desired by me as it was a birth year watch for my son-in-law.
Dummy me didn't pull the trigger in time

 

agree Gemini4, but for me, i'm leaning away from the 105.003... ideally a 105.002 or 2998 - i *love* those Alpha hands and pre-pro dial.

i've got an 861 (Mark II), and an 1861 (speedyorite), and a 1045 (holy grail). now i need to settle on a proper vintage speedy... i think - based on price of a .002 or 2998 alone being out of reach for me - I'm hedging towards the transitional.

 

You did post this before

LET IT GO INDIANA

 

I think I have the solution...

...and you won't even have to worry about which one to buy!

Sell ME the Speedyorite, and then you'll have enough cashola for BOTH!