Omega

   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

Nice pick!

Superb patina, and great condition.

Huge congrats.

Best,

Nicolas

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 !!

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.

Nicolas really 'needs' one, he knows he does, but he's in denial. his time will come.

very nice purchase

best

Graham, who admits no liability whatsoever.

. . . failing ;-) . . .

     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 about a search for a new back-cover but I think I'll just keep it as is, I just wish people would not try to open the case-backs without the proper tools.
At least whomever didn't completely mangle the back and stopped as soon as the initial damage was done, I've seen far worse!  Thanks, Jim

Hi

First off that is a great example.  The dial is beautiful and the age to the lum is just right!! The case edges look nice are sharp ( very little polishing!!)  The  caseback is the worse part and you dont see it when its on the wrist.   The 105-012 is the version that flew on Gemini and then to the moon.   My 105 012 ( that my parents bought new for my brother ) one of the pushers failed!! So its at the shop...  BUT ITS says hi!!

Congrats


Bill Sohne

... 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

  The main reason for my post (besides showing it off) was to get feedback for any problems with the watch that some keen eye might catch. I was quite literally reading each response while holding my breath....my god what if this was a frankenwatch or even a frankenmovement? After hearing so many positive statements I can now rest easy and concentrate on maybe a bracelet and a few new straps, does anyone have any suggestions? I prefer a good leather strap maybe a Nato also.
    Stefan, have you posted any photos of your new purchase?    Thanks again, Jim

Jim, i did post one pic of my Speedy cal.861 in the WristScan last Friday.

in fact, i also wanted to hunt for a cal.321, but after some searching and studying, the cal.321 was out of my budget because i have recently bought few watches already. to my knowledge, the main difference between cal.321 and cal.861 is of course the movement itself, other difference is the Omega logo, the former is applied, the latter is printed. other than these, it looks like the same i think.

anyway, i attach it here again especially for you!.

stefan

This message has been edited by Stefan on 2010-03-29 06:51:54

  Stefan, your watch is in such fine condition, the hands,bezel are in mint condition. It's funny that anyone would worry about the logo, most of the time people don't use the chrono function and it is hidden anyway! Which bracelet do you have?  I have already researched the bracelet histories and the pros&cons of the 1506,1039,1171,1450 and 1479. The 1171 is easy to find and there are many for sale on line. I would like to keep the vintage look but I would also like something practical and comfortable. I have also always had a fondness for a good heavy mesh bracelet, has anyone tried the 20mm, 1380? It has unfinished ends and I guess it was meant for more of a hidden lug but I would be interested in seeing a photo of a matched pair. I also think it wouldn't be too hard to have an straight end-piece fabricated and welded.    Stefan wear your watch in good health!
                                                                                                                                  Regards, Jim

...Jim, am glad to hear you also like the watch.

the bracelet for my watch is 1171. although it is a bit common, i find it matching well the watch and my wrist as well.

you are very right, in fact i had already anticipated that the chrono function will not be used very often. that's why i said this is my ever first mechanical chronograph. i have delayed and delayed again in hunting for a chrono because i know the usefulness of watch of this kind at the end.

i bought this first mechanical chrono simply because i like the dial looks very cool indeed. maybe i need a change!

stefan

ps: because i said this is my first mechanical chrono because i have one quartz chrono that i bought many years ago when i started working.

            Graham, the wrist shot is great, but laying flat it does look a little awkward, I have almost the same bracelet on a vintage bumper 30.10 and it works very well and it's the most comfortable combo I own. I do think the larger links would make for a bolder statement with the complicated dial of Speedmasters, I might just order one and if it doesn't work it can join the rest of my bracelets and straps in my now dedicated drawer of my desk! It looks to be 10-1 ratio favoring bracelets and straps as opposed to watches. My wife can't help but to bring it up when she shops for bags and matching shoes (no comment)                Take care, Jim

and i know .. it's all Grahams fault .... i was once having a skype-conversation with him and in the mean time i bought my Speedmaster on fleabay ... .

Definetively Grahams fault .... ..... ... yes really ... for sure ..... absolutely ... definetely ... yep ..... eeerrrr ... .

Filip

  Curious indeed... as to how many members relate so well to the title of the original post!     My apologies Graham, I think?!