I purchased my first racing dial Speedmaster about 5 years ago. They were easy to find and still affordable. It's my favorite watch and probably the watch I wear most. It's a true 3570.40 Japan racing limited edition (not a recent mod). About 3 years ago, I was very lucky and found one of the few 145.022-69 with a racing dial. It was produced in may 1970, and had all white chrono hands. It took me all that time to source an original set of 3 orange hands. They now look like mother and daughter !
A great duo to own. I have recently sold my Japan Racing just because I didn't wear it enough. Don't know why maybe a bit too colorful to be worn daily in a business context or maybe I just had enough and wanted to move to something else... sure will regret one day The 145.022-69 Racing is a grail watch for me. It just has everything I love and has the strongest connection with the automotive world which is another passion for me.
What about the black racing ? Credit pic: www.speedmaster101.com http://speedmaster101.com/blog/a-black-racing-dial-one-owner/ http://speedmaster101.com/blog/black-racing/
They are far less attractive to me. Looks like a standard black dial with red nail varnish on half of the index. a pre-pro version does exist too (Moonwatch only picture)
Never actively searched for one but when I impulse-bought a 3570.40 a few weeks ago I was shocked at how attractive it is. Definitely one of the most fun Speedmasters to wear IMO
Great thread and some very nice pics - thanks. My 3570.40's dial looks rather pale in this particular light, but I think I like the greys better than the black versions, though I find that it's the black dial that is one of my favourite elements of the Speedmaster generally - odd ain't it - or should I say I?
Not that I'm anywhere near feeling any desire to join the Speedy club, but if I ever have a "road to Damascus" moment, I suspect one of these would be responsible .
I'm also a big fan of the racing dial. I have a Michael Schumacher 2000 Speedy reduced that has a really gorgeous racing style dial.