Hi guys. I want to get some thoughts on this... I very much want to add a 321 to my collection, but I am not really into the vintage look. I was thinking of swaping the dial and hands, plexi, and possibly bezel, to NOS original parts. Is this just a terrible idea? Would a NOS proper bezel, hands, and dial be easy to find? Thank you.
If you are able to source such parts NOS, you are a very lucky guy (and they will probably cost you an arm and a leg). As long as you keep the "old" parts, so they can be swapped back, this should not be an issue from a collectors point of view.
What do you mean by "NOS parts"? Some places (Watchco is the biggest offender that I have seen) call new parts that were made recently, like within the last year, "NOS parts". This is incorrect in my view, and has somewhat muddied what NOS means on some forums. Parts made recently, but made for a vintage watch are not NOS, but new parts, and getting new parts would not be a problem. True NOS parts (New OLD Stock) that were made decades ago and have been sitting on a shelf somewhere will be difficult to find as noted. Cheers, Al
If you want NOS watch then stick with a modern piece since you don't like the look. As for a perfect restoration with original parts....good luck.
I have a couple of 321's in my collection and it is the fact that each one is individual that makes it so special. Each one has its own characteristics that can only be achieved by the passing of time.
You are not going to find NOS original parts, you will only find modern service replacement parts, in which case, please don't take a 321 and put modern replacement parts on it.
OK, this demonstrates the genius that is Barking Mad... you don't amass a world class collection of 321 Speedy's like his, without having the right opportunistic mindset. Bravo.
just out of curiosity, why get a 321 if you don't like the vintage look? there are some fine looking modern speedies that don't come with the "hassles" of a real vintage watch. why not just get one like that? like the First Omega in Space (a re-issue, updated, but pays reverence to the original)? http://www.omegawatches.com/collection/speedmaster/moonwatch/numbered-edition-397-mm/31132403001001
Then again, if you know you're happy with a modern service dial, bezel and hands, you could look for one that is somewhat knackered, as only the case and movement are of use to you. That way you get the watch you want at a relatively good price and no decent 321's would be ruined in the making of your watch. You'd still need to be carefull as some of the things that would damage the pieces you don't beed, such as the dial and bezel, would also damage the pieces you do need (impact would damage both the bezel and case, water ingress could damage both the dial and movement etc)
I thought there were difficulties in fitting dials to 321 movements if they weren't specifically made for the 321 ?
Because I want a 321 just like Buzz's, but do not appreciate the vintage look. the hassels are of no concern. i just don't like the beat up look. correction - i do like the beat up look if I am the one to beat it up. I'm gonna put a 321 in a new case with a sapphire back. whoever wants the overpriced dirty "bits" can have them for the right price. i have zero appreciation for them. I'll keep this thread going with updates.
So your going to pay minimum of $3000 for a 321 speedy, probably more than $1200 for a new case, bezel and hand set, and end up with a watch worth $2500, IF you can find a buyer when you want to sell it.
Well the total cost would be offset by selling off the 'dirty parts'. If you go ahead with this scheme, my suggestion is that you keep the 'dirty parts', and then put them back on when/if you decide to sell. Otherwise, as noted above, selling a butchered watch is likely going to be difficult without losing $$$. My personal view is that from 1970 to current day, the speedmaster design ain't changed that much, so why not save yourself hassle and $$ and simply buy a contemporary watch in the desired condition.