Sold my Speedy cal.321 and bought a FOIS...

W Wax Lyrical

As a counter-point to all the gushing over the Speedy 321 (2020 re-issue), after 3 years of owning one, I frankly got tired of re-setting the watch every couple of days. Apparently losing 15 seconds a day is acceptable.

The cal 321 movement is really not that special (apart from being pretty and being associated with Ed White) - and it's time-keeping is atrocious. I'm in the UK.

It's a nice watch and very comfortable but just not worth the list price - a case of marketing over substance and the 'hand-made/one watchmaker' mythology.

Anyway, I'm happy with the second FOIS re-issue and have even gotten used to the slightly orange lume colour. It's also a very comfortable watch.

Faz

Interesting set of posts here.
The EW can certainly pull on an enthusiasts heart strings. It’s a fabulous looking watch and a great reissued piece. But one must say, the 3861 movement has got some serious mojo going for it. It performs flawlessly and has a high degree of accuracy. I would be disappointed to discover that, after plunking down huge $$$$ for the EW, that the accuracy of a storied movement like the 321 would have made zero progress or very little progress performance wise. Certainly not the case with the progression the venerable 861 has made. Couldn’t have Omega considered making a master chronometer version of the cal. 321? One has to wonder.

Evitzee

You probably aren't going to make a Master Chronometer out of a 321

ErichKeane

They DID just that, its called the 3861.

Faz

The debate isn’t so much performance but value. Some value the nostalgia above all and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that. I think that if you’re going to charge close to double the price of a FOIS for a piece of nostalgia, why not go the extra length and make those “serious upgrades” as you say. I think Omega is quite capable of doing just that. As much as I love the EW, I wouldn’t spend that kind of money for one. That’s my personal choice based on bang for the buck. It seems many feel the same way. It is clear that for those enthusiasts who value performance above everything else, the EW is certainly a no starter.

Evitzee

Because those "serious upgrades" to make it a Master Chronometer would change the 321 to the point that it wouldn't be a 321 any longer. Buyers don't want those changes, they want nostalgia, they want the movement to be as close to an original 321 as possible. Omega tweaked the finish and put in a longer mainspring for added run time, but otherwise the movement is pretty faithful to the original. Once you start putting in silicon hairsprings, free sprung balance and other things to increase the performance you ruin the market for that watch. Who is going to spend $17k for an 'Ed White' with a movement that isn't faithful to the original? There would be very few buyers. Omega walked a tightrope for this watch, the movement is faithful but the case, dial, bezel and bracelet have been modernized, but it all hangs together as a package. If performance is the goal buy the FOIS at half the retail price, and convince yourself 'it's close enough to an Ed White for me'. I think some are doing that, and if that works for you, fine.