Can someone please explain what is the difference between a domed and stepped dial. Is one more valuable than the other??
Thanx

 

See photo below, step dial on the right vs domed dial on the left. Note the flange or step at the edge of the minute track. The step dials are found on Speedmasters that are generally worth more for many reasons. The step dials on their own are worth more as well due to the lower number produced. Last fitted to reference 145.022-71.

 

also note however that 2915s and the first few 2998s had domed dials, but the fonts are different. in general, sky is right, the domed dials came later and are not valued as highly, except for cases of the very first few speedmasters, in which case, the value of those rivals the price of a complete and nice Ed White.

 

I don't have any 2915 or early 2998 to take photos of for comparison. Always thought that was very interesting, they went from dome to step then back to dome for the dials. Guess they found the step was too expensive to mass produce and/or took away from the aesthetic they were going for. Guess the found what they were looking for around 1974, as the watch is basically unchanged in appearance since then other than some minor tweaks.

 

Thanx for the info

 

The so-called domed dials of the 2915s and 2998s are more complicated than just the word dome. I don't think it's been documented yet, including MWO.

 

Nice explanation-well done

 

Oh, this is another thread about Speedmasters. For a second I was going to answer in Constellationese.

 

...in combination with a similar (or, as the case may be, higher) demand. The fact that there are fewer wouldn't translate to higher value if noone wanted them.

I know you're aware of this, and it may seem like nitpicking, but I'm only trying to up my post count. No wait, I mean I only want to point out to inexperienced buyers that 'rare' (a subjective term with which damn near every vintage watch is advertised these days) does not necessarily imply 'valuable' (which is certainly what the sellers want you to think).

 

Maybe you still can...