The 105.002-62 is a transitional Speedmaster mainly regarding the hands. Movement number below 20xxxxxx are the last Speedies with Alpha hands. Above 20xxxxxx are the first with Baton hands. Assuming the dial is the same (2998-3 to 105.002), is there a difference in value?? Speedmaster101.com value chart does not differentiate. Do you? Opinions?
I like the alpha hands much better than the baton. Is there a value difference? I don't know, but given my preference i'd pay more for the alphas (and do).
I'm certain the alpha are worth more, and are more desirable. And I used to like them better. But when I started really looking at the Ed White more closely, from a design standpoint, I started thinking the baton hands were more in keeping with the overall design element, regardless of the fact that they came later.
I love the alpha hands in pics, but prefer the batons for ease of reading. As for value, I think a 105.002 that originally came with alphas would be worth a little more than the baton ones if only because they look like 2998s.
I think as the 105.002 in good condition is anyway very hard to find it does not make a big difference which hands are on it.
I only have one in my collection and wish it was an earlier one with alpha hands but one does not always get what one wishes or hopes for so baton hands it is:
As a rule, it seems the earlier for each particular speedy model is worth more. So, would guess the alpha variant should sell at small premium. Would kill for either .002!, but one of each even better
Interesting because the .002 with alpha hands is inidistinguishable from the 2998 other than serial number. On the other hand (no pun intended) the .002 with batons looks more "transitional" with it's silver rehut and lack of T's.
With Alpha, pricing should be more in line with 2998s. With batons it should be aligned more with the 003.
Not for me. I don't like the alpha hands. Sold my 2998 for that reason. Now, the task is to find a nice Ed White again.
I bought a 2998-62 specifically FOR the Alpha hands, so yeah, I'd say quite a few people find the Alpha .002's to be more desirable
One can argue which looks better but the alpha hands version is more valuable because it's earlier and for cal. 321 speedmasters the value goes up the earlier the version is condition being equal of course.
Agree. Whichever hands preference is really in the eyes of the beholder. (Just ask a few non watch collector, seems like the white hands gets the vote) but to us collectors, the alpha is more valuable due to the rarity AND adding to the romance; earlier period it's being made.
