What's Wrong With This Speedmaster Pro Cal 321 145.012 ?

MellyVinelli

I've kinda found these special editions to be kind of gimmicky as their limited numbers are simply due to their decision to produce that many. That's just my opinion though so no offense to anybody here who feels otherwise.

Now the hard to find vintages that are completely original and hard to find due to service centers progressively replacing original worn parts for service replacements makes it become naturally limited which is what I like. Again, comes down to opinion.

This is what I have also found.
You see a deal here and a deal there but no matter what the deal doesn't make it a cheap acquisition. After a couple purchases you would end up with enough money to potentially get a grail watch.

It's totally up to you. Yes it's a good deal as I was offered one at full price lol, but since you recently returned a watch you seemed to really like and now talking about a limited non-vintage, I feel you should wait out any disappointment, watch, learn, prowl, and then pounce on one you really like.

Forgive me if I completely came out of left field!

MellyVinelli

I've kinda found these special editions to be kind of gimmicky as their limited numbers are simply due to their decision to produce that many. That's just my opinion though so no offense to anybody here who feels otherwise.

Now the hard to find vintages that are completely original and hard to find due to service centers progressively replacing original worn parts for service replacements makes it become naturally limited which is what I like. Again, comes down to opinion.

This is what I have also found.
You see a deal here and a deal there but no matter what the deal doesn't make it a cheap acquisition. After a couple purchases you would end up with enough money to potentially get a grail watch.

It's totally up to you. Yes it's a good deal as I was offered one at full price lol, but since you recently returned a watch you seemed to really like and now talking about a limited non-vintage, I feel you should wait out any disappointment, watch, learn, prowl, and then pounce on one you really like.

Forgive me if I completely came out of left field!

MSNWatch

I understand where you are coming from. Manufactured collectibles hold no appeal to me. Would rather hunt for the best example of the real deal vintage piece.

SpaceCowboy

Thought I should share my experiences:

I feel the prices fluctuate quite a bit when it comes to pre-moon Speedies. $5,000 is way beyond if you ask me.

I found an all original 105.012-66 (N. Armstrong reference) on a 1039 bracelet for $2,800. It has an inscription on the case back which brought the prize down. But then again: It is the name of the only owner of the watch. I have a letter from him stating that together with the inscription. So I let it pass. Different folks, different strokes. Some of you would maybe not have accepted that.

Although I was lucky (and above all patient) I think it should be pretty easy to find a piece for around $3,500, given proper due dilligence.

Here is a picture to give you an idea of the condition:



When it comes to service, I pay the same for all my Speedies (321, 861, 1861). I might have to pay a little bit more should I need parts for my 321 but the main cost would be labor anyway, so I guess it would not be that much expensive. Maybe you guys have other experiences.

Limited editions? They abound. And that's kinda funny cause they're limited. To buy one new I personally would not do. Many of them sell for approximately the same price as regular ones in the second hand market, except for the popular ones (quite naturally). Personally I fell in love with one of the more expensive ones, unfortunately (the 35th Anniversary Apollo XI).

Guess it would be unfair to talk about the watch without a picture. 😉




I also have a 145.022-69 with new hands, use this as a daily beater. Three Speedies? My family think I'm totally bonkers... 😉