Omega Speedmaster Caliber 321 Acquisition

diamondjim · 2010-03-27T15:48:55Z

diamondjim shares his Omega Speedmaster Caliber 321 acquisition. Discover insights on its authenticity, condition, and historical significance.

diamondjim

WPS member · Omega forum

20 replies2503 views7 photos

diamondjim recounts his extensive search for a Caliber 321 Speedmaster, a quest inspired by a community roll-call. His post celebrates the successful acquisition of a vintage piece and invites fellow collectors to offer an honest critique, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and condition in vintage collecting.

Several weeks ago Graham posted a Speedmaster roll-call, again the feeling of being the bridesmaid overwhelmed me. I have only collected Omegas for a few years and I had always wanted a Speedmaster and researched and determined that for my first one it had to be a cal 321. I looked at hundreds and they were usually above my limited means or if affordable just too beat or of dubious authenticity. After looking at the various examples presented in the roll-call I doubled down on my search and at one point I almost pulled the trigger on a cal 861. Yesterday all the stars aligned perfectly and I found finally what I could afford and in suitable condition for a light restoration. People refer to a great weight being lifted but in this case more like a late Christmas...it's all Grahams fault and the bridesmaid handle has finally been lifted. I've included photos and if anyone spots a discrepancy with this watch, please chime in with an honest critique so I may remedy the problem. Thanks, Jim

Key Points from the Discussion

The acquired Caliber 321 Speedmaster is praised for its excellent condition, beautiful dial, appropriate lume aging, and sharp case edges, indicating minimal polishing.
The 105.012 reference is specifically noted as the version that flew on Gemini missions and to the moon, adding to its historical significance.
The caseback, despite minor imperfections from attempted polishing, is deemed acceptable as the logo remains intact and it's not visible when worn.
The choice of a Caliber 321 is highlighted as ideal, balancing affordability and historical significance compared to earlier, more expensive models or later Caliber 861 versions.
The discussion extends to bracelet options, with the 1171 being a common and well-regarded choice for its vintage look and comfort, while mesh bracelets are also considered.
A key difference between Caliber 321 and Caliber 861 Speedmasters is the Omega logo: applied for the 321 and printed for the 861, along with the movement itself.

The Discussion

amanico

Mar 27, 2010

Nice pick! Superb patina, and great condition. Huge congrats. Best, Nicolas

flamenco

Mar 27, 2010

to my wife's disdain............. I have began my own search (ongoing) for a 321 No thanks in part to Graham ............... untill then, me wife's has to hear me ramblings HAGWE !!

G99

Mar 28, 2010

all i did was ask people who owned a speedy to show it, i didnt imply that everyone should go out and buy up all the superb examples such as this is well done Jim, it looks to be excellent, lovely patina on the indices and hand lume. i'd like to see a clearer pic of the caseback. it is probably reflection, but it looks like its got a wavy polished edge. i think you picked the right piece Jim, a few years earlier and your getting into unaffordable and a few years later your into the 861 calibre.

FanFrancisco

Mar 28, 2010

... i also recently got my first speedy, party because of Graham's roll call. i said "party" because i also have some intention to hunt for such classic model for some time. his roll call did a push factor for me to hunt for one earlier than what i expected. anyway, after having this classic, i am getting like it more and more! by the way, congrats. on your nice cal.321. stefan

diamondjim

Mar 28, 2010

Graham, I didn't really notice it myself until I had already posted the photos and saw the enlargement, lets just say that I might have been too excited by first the find and second the price, I committed to purchase before I even did a thorough inspection! The area to the left and another spot on the lower right have a small area that seems to be little dents, maybe they tried to polish them out but the engraving is still in pretty condition and hasn't been polished out too much. I debated abou

G99

Mar 28, 2010

dents are part of the ageing process Jim and someone trying to polish them out is natural. the important bit is the logo which is fine so your right to leave it as it is. best Graham

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