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Speedmaster EW321 as a daily?

RevZMan123
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S Space22
I have worn the 321 as a daily for the last 12 months. Since I got it it hasn't stopped running. Wind it everyday, wear it every day. Occasionally a mid-day switch to something else, then back to the Ed White. I will bring the PloProf on my upcoming dive holiday, so the 321 will have a small break as well. The sapphire and the ceramic look like new. Case as well. Bracelet got some scratches though. The watch comes to life. I would wear a diver at the beach, and I take ithe 321 off when doing serious construction work. Other then that, just wear it eveyday and be proud. The case can definitely handle it, and I'm sure the movement will be just fine as well. Keep in mind it's not anti-magnetic though.

I think I'd have to be this way with the Speedy as well. Seriously, it costs enough, it's made hardily enough, so wear it every day and damn the rest of the collection lol
 
FSG
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321 is plenty enough of a toolwatch for daily use… but if you want the best for daily usage just go for a 3861 an call it a day.
 
Indices
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Zman4eva Zman4eva
Great discussion on vintage vs modern 321. I learn something new on this forum every day.

I think most modern watches would work for a daily. They're just made so much more durable compared to vintage pieces.

Modern machining has leapt leagues ahead of the capability of when these calibres were first birthed in the early 40’s as the Lemania Chro c12. I find it amazing that so many of the original 321’s are still out there and more than capable of daily use.

Now that we have the new 321 with higher levels of fit and finish it’s a clear signal as to how tough and reliable these movements are over decades of use (with a little servicing).

One of the reasons I really like Omega as a brand is their movement toughness. The fact that they resubmitted their calibre 3861 to the same NASA tests that made the 321 legendary is a bit of a flex on their part. It’s an incredible sign of how confident they are in their movement manufacture.

There would have been significant reputational damage had they failed. Many of those NASA tests would kill a human, so you can be quite sure that their watches can go many places that you cannot; and still be ticking.
 
FSG
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Indices Indices
Modern machining has leapt leagues ahead of the capability of when these calibres were first birthed in the early 40’s as the Lemania Chro c12. I find it amazing that so many of the original 321’s are still out there and more than capable of daily use.

Now that we have the new 321 with higher levels of fit and finish it’s a clear signal as to how tough and reliable these movements are over decades of use (with a little servicing).

One of the reasons I really like Omega as a brand is their movement toughness. The fact that they resubmitted their calibre 3861 to the same NASA tests that made the 321 legendary is a bit of a flex on their part. It’s an incredible sign of how confident they are in their movement manufacture.

There would have been significant reputational damage had they failed. Many of those NASA tests would kill a human, so you can be quite sure that their watches can go many places that you cannot; and still be ticking.
That’s the whole point of their space marketing, and they are right to do so.
 
S
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I wear mine in rotation, and always look forward to wearing it for the day. As others have said, it is a robust movement that has the benefit of being manufactured with modern tooling and materials.
Edited:
 
Faz
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noelekal noelekal
You can even wear it while mowing.
Or, for some, you can never wear it while mowing….shower? Don’t even think aboudit…
 
Faz
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airansun airansun
I wear some of my 321 chronographs routinely.

Here are a few that I wear in rotation on a regular basis:

IMG_0222.jpeg IMG_1516.jpeg IMG_1213.jpeg IMG_3424.jpeg


Personally, I don’t see the point of owning them if I don’t get to wear and enjoy them.

Of course, I’m an idiot and don’t know any better.
In my line of work, which is also a huge part of my lifestyle, my choice of modern iterations of vintage classics makes sense to me. I would never dare wear an Uber valuable vintage Speedmaster just to bang it up…I simply couldn’t afford it. 😉
 
watchyouwant
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M'Bob M'Bob
It’s been said many times that there’s nothing special about this movement, nor is it difficult for any competent watchmaker to service.

That said: I’ve sent three different vintage cal. 321’s to three different independent watchmakers, and it was nothing but a quagmire getting them to run correctly, and finding out what the relevant issues were that were causing the problems. In light of that, I would sooner use a cal. 861 as a daily. Just my experience…

So, Time for a better Watchmaker . Never, ever had a problem with servicing Cal. 321. An older, experienced Watchmaker might help ....
 
demchocholips
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No concerns with wearing mine daily. It feels really solid. If you don’t mind collecting light scratches on the bracelet clasp, it’s a fine choice for regular wear.
 
Omega-Q
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I wear mine in rotation with my other watches. I don't treat it other than a watch to wear. It feels comfortable & solid. Like others said...I buy watches to wear...not put in a vault. 😀
 
Foo2rama
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I’m surprised that no one’s commented on the fact that someone said we are better at machining the parts of a 321 now then we were then.

🍿
 
FSG
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Foo2rama Foo2rama
I’m surprised that no one’s commented on the fact that someone said we are better at machining the parts of a 321 now then we were then.

🍿
It’s like being able to send men on the Moon… we were far more advanced and ready for it 60 years ago, despite the old technology… crazy modern society 😗
 
J
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Sorry late to the conversation, looking to pick a 321 up next week.. Omega state you can indeed swim with it (same with any of their Speedmasters), but really could / would you with the 321??
 
Foo2rama
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J Johnyax
Sorry late to the conversation, looking to pick a 321 up next week.. Omega state you can indeed swim with it (same with any of their Speedmasters), but really could / would you with the 321??

As I think @Archer stated "A watch is only water resistant until it isn't"

IMHO, with the risk of ther pushers getting compromised by getting caught on clothing or something else and reducing the WR on the pushers would not on a speed maser or similar chrono that doesn't have pushers made for diving.
 
Cougar1968
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IMHO, with the risk of ther pushers getting compromised by getting caught on clothing or something else and reducing the WR on the pushers would not on a speed maser or similar chrono that doesn't have pushers made for diving.[/QUOTE]

Agreed, maybe if I was just hanging around the pool I wouldn’t worry about it. However, swimming and playing with kids makes me nervous that a pusher will get caught. So I just wear my Seamaster in the pool these days.
 
Evitzee
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How many owners of ANY chronograph have ever had a start/stop button inadvertently activated while wearing it? I've worn chronographs of all kinds for over 50 years and have never had a button accidentally pushed. It's a scenario we have convinced ourselves is real threat when, in fact, it's an almost zero threat.

If you are convinced of your chrono's WR wear it without worry that a button will be accidentally pushed. Personally, unless a watch is specifically designed and built for water activity, like a Sub, I don't mix watches and water. Seals will eventually fail.
Edited:
 
ErichPryde
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I would daily a modern EW in a heartbeat without concern about some minor water exposure and shallow swimming. I'd draw the line at exposure to seawater.

I see the Ed White as a true enthusiast piece. I know that some of these will be worn with great infrequency and maintain a sort of Museum quality and likely be collector items, but if I owned one I simply wouldn't ever consider reselling it. That being the case whatever sentimental value it would gain would be a function of the experiences and events it was worn through.
 
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