The problem is perhaps the over use of "grail" and even more so of "holly ( Holy) grail"
These where supposed to be, by definition, a life quest, an almost impossible find or expense. A once in a collection achievement.
Now the average noob will call the new explorer edition a "grail" watch or a seamaster 300 Spectre. Or 19 watches for sale at Chrono.
If you have more than one grail it's not a grail, it's just something you like a lot, or want a lot, or most often something you think others will appreciate a lot and that you will pay a lot for.
If you have "the" one grail then you will wait and search and maybe never find it, or never afford it, but always hope one day it will come your way. Or you will get it and then just relax and enjoy buying other watches that will complement your grail.
I'd suggest that it's because the Grail is one of the first speedmasters you come across that is labelled as something special and desirable when you start researching speedmasters and find all the Chuck Maddox material... and there are a lot of new speedy hunters out there.
After a little more learning, you discover that the real prizes are something else.
I think it's a fine watch, and I've owned a few.. But I'll take a straight lug speedy all day.
The problem is perhaps the over use of "grail" and even more so of "holly grail"
I'm going out on a limb here and saying that "holly grail" is far from overused. Holy grail, on the other hand... To confuse things even more, Holly Holy is a Neil Diamond song, though there's no mention of a grail in it.
I'm going out on a limb here and saying that "holly grail" is far from overused. Holy grail, on the other hand... To confuse things even more, Holly Holy is a Neil Diamond song, though there's no mention of a grail in it.
I'm going out on a limb here and saying that "holly grail" is far from overused. Holy grail, on the other hand... To confuse things even more, Holly Holy is a Neil Diamond song, though there's no mention of a grail in it.
Not to be confused with Holy Holy, an Australian indie rock band, or Holly Holm, who could kick all of our arses (sorry, asses for the Americans in the audience - although why she would be kicking our donkeys is beyond me)
True, but people value historical importance of watches to varying degrees. Personally, it's rather low on my list of what I look for in a watch. Unless it's an important part of my own history, then of course I value it highly
Interesting discussion. I am new to this forum and a vintage watch collector. Most interesting watches I have are a Heuer Monaco 1972 an Omega Seamaster 300 from 1963 with dauphine hands and an Speedmaster holy grail. All 3 watches are original and unmeshed including box and papers.
Personally I believe it all depends on rarity with most watch collectors, more than the complexity of the movement. Fact is that the holy grail was only produced for 2 years with a maximum of 2000 pieces. When wearing the watch it looks cool and it is rather big sized. It is definately a speedmaster. When you want a holy grail in good condition and unmeshed and complete you have a hard job finding it. I bought my first holy grail with English day/date about 10 years ago for € 3.500,- and sold it for the same price later. I always regret that I did not keep it..
Recently I finally found a holy grail as a full set including the original invoice for about 4 times as much. I am very happy that I have a holy grail in my collection again and am sure that within a few years the prices will be more than €20.000,- and still rising.
Because of its rarity in the speedmaster line and the limited production it is a true collectors watch. Just my opinion of course 😀
IMHO, a true limited run does not exceed 500. As @efauser said, if CM didn't make such a big deal about it, it wouldn't be so coveted. There are other Omegas with runs of 2000 or less that don't command that sort of price.