I'm quite a fan of the MK series of Speedmasters... more the 3-4.5 versions - but they don't seem to be all that common, or all that popular.

Is there any particular reason behind this?

Or is the Moonwatch's shadow just a bit too big to get out from under?

 

I know nothing of the Speedmaster Mks, and while they don't appeal to me personally I also don't hate them; but I suppose it's worth noting that they were originally designed to replace the Moonwatch, but were rejected by NASA I believe - in favor of just continuing on with the original.

These are not intended to be fighting words and also may be incorrect (!) but if a degenerate Moonwatch collector like myself has heard this, it may resonate with others.

Also, the '70s-style barrel case has not yet become re-popularized (see Heuer Carreras ref. 110.573 etc) though this may change!

 

I like the mark ii quite a lot.

I've got a 1045-based mark v too which you don't see very often in the wruw thread.

Edit, d'oh! Pics!

 

Not really a fan of that type of case but aside from it, looks beautiful to me. On the other hand, I like the C-case despite its similar in some ways. I prefer a defined/grooved lugs instead of the flat lugs -- If you know what I mean.

 

That's the Teutonic version?

 

Yup

 

Screams big and chunky 1970's a bit too much for me...

Cheers, Al

 

Strangely, the Teutonic Mark V is the only Speedie that appeals to me

 

I've umm-ed and ahh-ed about the Mkii a few times, but never pulled the trigger.

 

I've been close to bidding on a couple of mk2's in the last year or so that finished around or below £1k but when it came down to wearing it, I figured I'd always end up grabbing a mk1.

It's an itch I might need to scratch at some point...

 

I have a MK3 that's having the full spa treatment at STS... it was pretty beaten up... keen to see what comes back.

 

I should be getting my Mark 4.5 back from service later this week....can't wait!

 

Love the Marks and if I move away from the Constellations, it may be to one of those. I want one with a steel bracelet. I think they're really sharp.

Then again *I'm* from the 70s and big and clunky, so.........

 

that's probably one important reason ...

the other seems to be along the lines: "there is only one iconic Porsche sportscar produced today" - and that's a 911 ... all the other "numbers" (920,944,9xx) there were, are now considered LESSER since they didnt quite make it ... of course in this example the 911 would be the speedy ... and the lesser ones the mkII,III, etc... - they just didnt stand the test of time ...


... plus from the wrong angle they were just plain ugly

 

Do you think it's anything to do with the time period in which they were released? Quartz crisis etc...

I can't help but think that the Original Speedmaster has one of the most comprehensive and compelling marketing messages wrapped around it... It's hard to be the next first watch on the moon.

 

yep, I used those pics a couple of times before - but here you go ...

before quartz crisis:



after quartz crisis:




looks like a swan lost its neck ;o)

iirc the cal 1045 is basically a lemania 5100 - which is quite popular, despite having quite a couple of pieces made of plastic ... so it fits right into this comparison ...

 

That thing is definitely the 928 of the Speedmaster family.

 

I just love the overall dial and case combination of the Mk II. The barrel is chunky, but fits right in with the era in which it emerged. And the colors of the racing dial are great! IMHO, makes for a nice match to the TIntin Speedy:


I am on the hunt for a black dial Mk II as well...