talk me out of it or into it

[mel]

I've found a rather special watch, it's a 1969 speedie pro in near original and good condition (if you know where it's advertised please don't link to it as I'd be gutted to lose it while I dither) it's an 861 but from not only the year of the moon landing but also my birth year and is up for £1750, this seems steep for a vintage speedie but does the year make that much difference? It would be a keeper as it's a birth year watch but I just want to gauge if the price is right or heavy due to the hype around the 40th anniversary etc, as I haven't found any before that fitted the bill as the perfect watch. Right now I'd be stretching myself to just buy it but could if I set my heart on it without borrowing anything always working on the logic that if times were hard I could sell it again (reality being I probably never would) but should I?

[deejuic]

I saw one on another site for 1650, so the price isn't too steep. If you like it, go for it!

[Strangely Brown]

If you're going to spend that sort of money on a vintage Speedmaster, I'd spend a little more and go for a c321 model. Either a 105.012 or a 145.012 pre-moon models with applied metal logo.

ETA: Personally, I wouldn't spend that sort of money on an 861 but I can't vote because there isn't an appropriate option.

Edited by Strangely Brown on Friday 24th July 18:20

[MarkoTVR]

I love the fact that the 'Do you really need another watch?' option has 0%!!!

FYI, I suggested you do it. You big girl.

[HereBeMonsters]

Sounds good, but please don't buy it because it's "The Moon Watch". Buy it because you like it, will wear it and it makes you happy - in the knowledge that 99% of the general public won't have a sodding clue what it is.

[Athlon]

If you like it, buy it, I love my Speedy and will never part with it, the one you mention would be my birth watch as well, I would not hesitate to buy it to be honest

[anonymous-user]

Is the movement from your birth year or the case?

If it's in excellent condition, you should buy it. RIGHT NOW.

I assume you've been looking for a good condition one for a while? They don't come up from reputable dealers that often do they?

ETA if it's the watch I saw it looks like a bloody great watch. The case is 1969 and the movement looks like 1970 based on speedy movement production tables.

It's easy to get new late 60/70s 1171 bracelets/pins/spring bars/links and the 1171 clasp has lots of small adjustment holes that later straps sadly lack.

As strangely says, the c321 movements are generally viewed as being the movements that were tested by NASA but in reality people don't actually know which movements went to the moon other than the 321. As the 321 watches stopped being in production early into the Apollo missions. The original 321 watches were bought for the Mercury missions. NASA re qualified the speedy in 1972 after the switch to the 861 but nobody seems to know if these were just the same 321 watches being re checked.

I wouldn't be too swayed by the 321/861 issue myself but I would expect the 321 to be worth more in the long run as it is known to have been worn on the moon.

Edited by el stovey on Friday 24th July 20:50

[leginigel]

look out!some ones wilf is on here voting "do you need another watch"it,s on 10%

[Stuart]

Using my moderator powers I am sorely tempted to remove the second two options from this poll, for there can be only one correct response.


Do it, and do it now. If you can't prove within 24 hours that you've done it, I will ban you from this forum.

[anonymous-user]

I think I might buy it.

[CmdrBond]

Just cast my vote and I am waiting for my 50th Anniversary Patch edition to arrive at my local Ernest Jones and can't wait for it to get here.

You should get it and enjoy the knowledge that you are wearing a watch which is going to give you pleasure and is a part of history

[andy_s]

I think it's always a question of 'need' rather than 'want'; you need it...

[Stuart]

CmdrBond said:

Just cast my vote and I am waiting for my 50th Anniversary Patch edition to arrive at my local Ernest Jones and can't wait for it to get here.

You should get it and enjoy the knowledge that you are wearing a watch which is going to give you pleasure and is a part of history

Of all the commemorative reissues, I really like the 50th. Nice subtle treatment of the sub-dial and, let's face it, 50th anniversary of the moon walk is rather more special than "23rd anniversary of the second canadian in space" which they were in danger of straying into with all the reissues.

I'm not sure I'd want to stomach the premium though. Mind me asking (ball park) what you paid and what it comes with?

[Strangely Brown]

Stuart said:

CmdrBond said:

Just cast my vote and I am waiting for my 50th Anniversary Patch edition to arrive at my local Ernest Jones and can't wait for it to get here.

You should get it and enjoy the knowledge that you are wearing a watch which is going to give you pleasure and is a part of history

Of all the commemorative reissues, I really like the 50th. Nice subtle treatment of the sub-dial and, let's face it, 50th anniversary of the moon walk is rather more special than "23rd anniversary of the second canadian in space" which they were in danger of straying into with all the reissues.

I'm not sure I'd want to stomach the premium though. Mind me asking (ball park) what you paid and what it comes with?

Am I in some kind of time warp here? 50th Anniversary?

Despite my earlier comments, if the watch is what the OP wants and it meets his criteria and is in the condition that he describes, then that price is pretty damned good. Buy it now.

As an aside, I was very tempted by the Speedmaster Co-Axial today. It was sitting there in the window next to a standard Speedy Pro and it was whispering, "buy me, go on, you know it makes sense". Then I looked at the price and the Speedy already on my wrist and I had to walk away. Maybe later.

[Stuart]

Yes, my mistake (and his!).

[mel]

Sorry Folks, I'm a girl and I'll accept my banning from watches with good grace but I've backed out, although I do dearly love the watch and the idea of a watch from 1969 being my year of birth, and also and there is really only one iconic watch that year. I can't help but feel that because it's both the 40th birthday this year for everyone born in '69 and obviously the moon landing 40th that I'd be paying a hefty premium for it. Added to that I've got a lot of expense coming up which is going to give the slush fund a kicking (24 hour off road motorbike race next month that needs £600 of lighting kit plus about a grands worth of other bits and spares) I've had a hard think and the reality is I can't afford everything, given the choice of motorsport or a new watch I'm afraid that for me petrol beats watches (just) and I'm going to pass If anyone else wants a crack at it here's the linky

[anonymous-user]

That's a shame Mel. I saw your post and hoped you were about to post saying you had bought it.

Perhaps the fact that it's still there indicated the price is a bit high? Who knows.

[Strangely Brown]

el stovey said:

That's a shame Mel. I saw your post and hoped you were about to post saying you had bought it.

Perhaps the fact that it's still there indicated the price is a bit high? Who knows.

If not too high, it's certainly top money. After all, it's a 40 year old watch that is not a particularly special or significant example and is not exactly A1 condition. With haggling, you could probably get a brand new one for that money and still have what is essentially the same movement. There will always be others when the money is available and the time is right to buy.

[CmdrBond]

Stuart said:

CmdrBond said:

Just cast my vote and I am waiting for my 50th Anniversary Patch edition to arrive at my local Ernest Jones and can't wait for it to get here.

You should get it and enjoy the knowledge that you are wearing a watch which is going to give you pleasure and is a part of history

Of all the commemorative reissues, I really like the 50th. Nice subtle treatment of the sub-dial and, let's face it, 50th anniversary of the moon walk is rather more special than "23rd anniversary of the second canadian in space" which they were in danger of straying into with all the reissues.

I'm not sure I'd want to stomach the premium though. Mind me asking (ball park) what you paid and what it comes with?

Just sent you an email, but after re-reading this think you are getting the Patch edition and the 40th Anniversary confused.

The 50th Anniversary Patch edition is a special edition celebrating 50yrs of the Speedmaster since it's launch in 1957. The 40th anniversary edition is indeed a little steep price wise with an RRP £3500 and a little out of my league at the moment. Here are a couple of pictures of the two watches in question - and sorry to the OP for slightly highjacking your thread

Speedmaster 50th Anniversary "Patch" edition



Speedmaster Apollo 11 40th Anniversary edition

[Stuart]

CmdrBond said:

Stuart said:

CmdrBond said:

Just cast my vote and I am waiting for my 50th Anniversary Patch edition to arrive at my local Ernest Jones and can't wait for it to get here.

You should get it and enjoy the knowledge that you are wearing a watch which is going to give you pleasure and is a part of history

Of all the commemorative reissues, I really like the 50th. Nice subtle treatment of the sub-dial and, let's face it, 50th anniversary of the moon walk is rather more special than "23rd anniversary of the second canadian in space" which they were in danger of straying into with all the reissues.

I'm not sure I'd want to stomach the premium though. Mind me asking (ball park) what you paid and what it comes with?

Just sent you an email, but after re-reading this think you are getting the Patch edition and the 40th Anniversary confused.

The 50th Anniversary Patch edition is a special edition celebrating 50yrs of the Speedmaster since it's launch in 1957. The 40th anniversary edition is indeed a little steep price wise with an RRP £3500 and a little out of my league at the moment. Here are a couple of pictures of the two watches in question - and sorry to the OP for slightly highjacking your thread

Speedmaster 50th Anniversary "Patch" edition



Speedmaster Apollo 11 40th Anniversary edition

You're right, I was getting confused, and thanks for the email. I prefer the 50th edition anyway - I think that they should have the correct dials personally. A really nice piece, that. Congratulations.