Hey gang, I'm considering a traditional speedy. I'm trying to decide between an early 861, like a '68 transitional, or a later 321, like a 145.012 (as they seem a little easier to find than a 105.x). The 321s scare me a bit in terms of parts availability.. the 861 seems to be easier to service... Any input that would help me zero in on a decision would be greatly appreciated. Cheers, and thanks! J
If you don't feel strongly for the 321 and would be just as happy with an 861, definitely go with the 861. I think you'll feel better knowing you can get parts at a reasonable price if you need them.
I have always preferred the 321 column wheel chronographs for their aesthetic beauty (subjective) and operation. However, ask a watch maker and they'll point you to the 861 cam-lever chronos for their improved reliability and relative ease of repair. I think a correct 861 pre-moon is on the brink of becoming even more desirable than it already is. Looks like a 321, performance, reliability and serviceability of the 861. So where do I stand? I'll take a 145.012-67, have it serviced for peace of mind, and cap it with a display back for me to worship the column wheel. I don't expose my watches to volatile environments so I'm not really worried about performance. And I can't live in fear of serviceability concerns. I like that a 321 is rarer, and I like the moon connection (no 861 issued by NASA was on the moon's surface). That said, I would not kick a 145.022-68 to the curb...
I've never paid more to service my 321s than my 861s. I have not however, had one serviced in the past 3 years and my watchmaker sold his shop to Govberg. I wear my 321s a lot, particularly my 105.012-66s. Mesh in the summer, alligator in the winter. I think all of the movements in the family 321/861/864/1861 are all quite robust. The two I wear the least are my straight lug ones. They both have pristine cases and I don't won't to add any wabi sabi to them. I would keep my eye out for a pre moon 861 or a 105.012 or 145.012 and buy the first one that fits the bill and the budget.
I would really take a hard look at continuing your quest for the elusive 861 transitional piece even thought it may be a long pain staking process. The transitional pieces are a rock solid investment in terms of desirability continuing forward. Since the production of the transitional pieces was such a small sliver of the Speedmaster pie it's becoming tougher to find nice condition transitionals than it is to find comparable condition 145.012's, and the prices transitionals command are approaching parity as well. I do not own a 321 and can't speak to the long term availability of parts and individuals competent to work on them. Most likely servicing a 321 will be fine but at a real premium. There are plenty of threads arguing both ways. I do know that I wear my '68-861 daily and I have never lost a minute of sleep over concern about tracking down parts or a service provider in the future. In the immortal words of Sammy Hagar. You get the best of both worlds. Stunning good looks of the 321 and the lack of sleepless nights if for some reason you need to have the watch serviced. I know you have been looking for a transitional for a few weeks now. If it is really what you want don't settle just because a 145.012 may be a bit easier to source.
I think that you question is only a rethorical question, the starting point of your quest will be the nice, original and not to expensive Speedmaster you will find. It is not like going to the supermarket and choosing between Coca Zero and Coca Light. Once you find it maybe you will find another one. So, in the end it is the watch that will choose you, so be ready and prepare the money.
reading this previous thread might be of help to you: http://omegaforums.net/threads/speedmaster-calibers-321-vs-861-vs-1861.6563/