Me, too!

 

Previously, there have been some lively discussions on OF with a minoirty, myself among them, who maintain that a few early, early 105.003-63 were made with the Alpha hands.

 

I don't think the speedyorite would cover the cost of a really nice .002 or 2998...

 

Personally, between the two, I'd prefer a full kit 145.022-68 with applied logo/DON bezel. I'm one of very few (possibly the only one to admit it) who prefer the Professional-cased Speedmasters. Further, I prefer the cal. 321 Pro's, but would still rather have the .022-68 (cal. 861) over a straight-lug model.
And I say this having owned a very nice example of the straight-lug!

 

Love to see evidence of that....

I am not so sure anymore that the Swiss were as careless in assembling watches as we talk about. (But really I do not know)

I too have observed 003's with alphas, but nothing to make me think they were original fitment. As I say, its one of those pieces of evidence I am keeping an eye and ear open for

 

that one is 145.012-67 caseback, even though he doesn't show the caseback,
I can tell from the serial.

 

If the condition and price is good on both, get both. Make it happen.

If you absolutely must choose, obviously get the one you prefer. People can only venture their opinion but it's yours that counts here.

Btw, the correct answer is the straight lug .

 

Does that mean "someone", a lot more knowledgeable that I, looked at this one?

 

Q. Hello, OK, what about this one. It's the year and cal. 321 I prefer.
A.This one looks nice and more than fairly priced.

 

Here's a couple of not great pics... waiting for the gooder ones..






Any thoughts on what these would rate on the speedmaster101 scale?

(pics *just arrived)

 

I fully admit to a bias here, but if I can only have one, I go pre-pro every day of the week. If you can find a nice Ed White for a reasonable price (I know how that sounds, but hey, it happens if you're lucky and persistent), you're virtually assured of some very nice value appreciation over time. If you ever decide that it's not for you, there will be plennnnnty of buyers happy to help you out and you can switch back to an 861, of which there's a more readily available supply.

 

+1 for use of the word trepidatiously!

 

Those pics are pretty poor. It looks like the '68 may have a nice dial but possibly new hands. Then again, it could be the White balance on the camera. Also looks like it may have CB case, pushers.

The .003 looks like it might have had a poor service with incorrect pushers and a harsh repolish.

Better pics would reveal a lot.

 

Yeah, working on better pics from each.. I think the hands might be misleading, but as you say, hard to tell from these..

The '68 has original paper work (cost $185 brand new apparently), so i'm hoping the owner knew better than to let the hands go..

We shall see....

 

How important are the box and papers to you?

To me they're a nice addition but in almost all circumstances I would take the watch in slightly better condition, even if that wasn't the one that has matching paperwork. If I own them, the papers will spend almost all their time tucked away where I can't see them, whereas the watch will spend a good amount of time where it should be. On my wrist.

 

Original papers add value and a nice history to the watch. The box is usually a period correct (maybe) box bought on eBay.

 

For me, paper is slightly better.. not a deciding factor though.. just meant to use it as a proxy to show (hope?) that the current owner has a bit of a clue about vintage watches, so hoping that's reflected in the quality of the piece. Not always true I'm sure, but it's one of the better looking transitionals I've found in the last few months..

 

The 105.003 doesn't actually looks as nice as you said in the first post. Maybe to you but not to many for sure with that kinda dark and dirty looking dial. Not sure if better picture would make any difference.

 

Fair. I didn't have great pics when I started the thread, just some crappy cell phone pics, and a description from someone I think is fairly knowledgeable who had handled the watch.

We'll see how it plays out..

 

Are they the same price?