Where is your money best spent and why?
The automatic 376.0822 "Holy Grail" or a 321 caliber 145.012-67 or 105.012.

 

105.012

Even though it is more common, than a "grail" it is more desired, and I believe that it will always be so

 

Put me in the calibre 321 camp; I'm not a "holy grail" fan. I think just about any good condition 321 Speedmaster would be a great piece to own, wear, and will pay you back in the end. If the holy grail tingles you down deep though, and if the 321's do not, then go with what you love, its not really about making money - there are lots of easier ways (and quicker) to make money.

 

Seems like a lot of 105.012 fans around. Again, from an investment standpoint. Is a 105.012-63 a better investment that a 105.012-66. What about 64 and 65? Different dials. Different cases. Which year went to the moon? Which didn't? How do you value the range of 105.012???

 

I like that advice best.

 

Lots of subtleties to learn, like 105.012-66 in a CB case is more desirable than a case made by HF (if the facets on the lugs haven't been polished), etc.
May I recommend a visit to Speedmaster 101? Or some keyword searches on this forum? Or a copy of the Moonwatch Book? Or visit ChronoMaddox?
Yes, I admit it would be convenient to have all your questions answered here, but the resources are out there, many of which you won't even have to pay for!

 

Investment-wise - (not wearing for pleasure)
They will both do very well in the next 5 years.
For me, to invest in just one, go with the
rarity factor. Grail.

 

The 376 was Chuck Maddoxs's Grail, Its not everyones.
Give me a nice 321 any day of the week.

 

I actually own Moonwatch Only and have studied, very carefully, the sections from 2998 - 145.022. It is an amazing resource that has saved me quite a bit of money in not making mistakes. Best money I could have spent regarding vintage (and later) Speedmasters. Speedmaster101, while not nearly as detailed, is a great resource as well.

That being said, neither source goes into detail regarding the Investment Value of the different years of the 105.012. I'm learning that the reason is because it doesn't really matter. Condition, Condition, Condition seems to rule the day.

Thanks for your thoughts

 

Agree 100% with this sentiment. Why buy what you don't want? And considering all of the time that a lot of people spend on the boards, and the nominal amounts that are likely to be realized from an "investment" in any one watch, IMHO the primary factor should be pursuing the best piece that you can that you also love. Good luck with the search.

 

I enjoy the hunt of the elusive most of all

 

If you really want to make a good watch "investment" then I would first acquire a good crystal ball. Back in 1959 you could have stocked up on 2915-1s etc. and made a killing. In the 60s you could have stocked up on c321 speedys. The only real reason I can think of the consider a vintage watch an "investment" is to convince your spouse or SO that you are not throwing away a good bit of money on something you like, but on something that will be a "good investment". I doubt that Warren Buffet (in whose company I am invested) has many holy grails or c321 speedys in his portfolio. Since you probably can't get hold of a good crystal ball, I think the best way to really make money in watches is to have a store where you can buy wholesale and sell retail. We collectors pretty much buy retail and sell retail. I don't consider any of my watches an investment. When I acquire one, I initially spend $500-$700 getting it serviced. They will need this again in a few years. If you had put money in an Dow Jones index fund in 2010 you would be up 70% today. Now that is the way to invest and make money. Anyway, buy what you like. The satisfaction of owning and wearing the watch is, well, priceless.

 

321 every day.

 

One way to think of it is that it's a way of not spending. See, if you buy a watch, you can always sell it later, and if you buy a good one, probably for at least what you paid, so you can always get your money back.. not spending is a form of investment, isn't it?

 

321 for me. I would like a birth year.

Hard to answer without more context.

I do not buy watches as an "investment", but I do make sure I get great value in the money I do spend on a watch. Value to me is defined in various ways.

I am going to get great value when I am able to gift one or two watches to my boys. I can't put a price on this...

I go with the 321 because I would enjoy wearing it.

 

Your best investment strategy would be to pick any one of the watches you mentioned and corner the market by buying all available examples. Then you can practically control the price of the watch. The key is to Buy low and sell high.