321 vs 3861

[njlam]

I am looking to buy a Speedy some time in the next few months and would welcome the opportunity to buy a 321 at MSRP. With 3861 freely available, how hard are 321s to get?

My Omega AD says they have never gotten one....

[texasmade]

Originally Posted by njlam

I am looking to buy a Speedy some time in the next few months and would welcome the opportunity to buy a 321 at MSRP. With 3861 freely available, how hard are 321s to get?

My Omega AD says they have never gotten one....

You’re not going to get a 321 at MSRP anytime soon. My OB has a waitlist of like 30 people and they’ve only received 5 since inception

[mdtddd2007]

321 is so nice.

[fskywalker]

Originally Posted by brandrea

I realize this is an old thread ... maybe the OP has already made his choice.

Regardless, I feel qualified to give you my opinion as I went through this same conundrum last summer.

I always wanted to add a chronograph to my modest collection, but I never took to the Daytona. The Speedmaster seemed like a logical choice so I tried the 1861, and the 3861 both in hesalite and Sapphire. Not to disparage, they are great references but they just didn't float my boat for some reason.

After much research I decided to go whole hog, and pony up for the 321. The history, the finishing (@travelller can articulate vastly better than I ).

I won't lie, not being able to try one on or see one in the flesh was disconcerting to say the least but I'm certainly glad I decided to pull the trigger.

As a friend of mine likes to say, everyone deserves to have 'one good thing' and the 321 feels just like that. It's a very special watch to me.

Attachment 1322784

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Originally Posted by Travelller

Nice shot

Indeed Brian you did so good on those pictures!!

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by fskywalker

Indeed Brian you did so good on those pictures!!

Thank you my friend

[subtona]

Originally Posted by Gilthoniel

The finishing on the 321 Speedy Edwhite is a cut above the rest.

It’s made by one watchmaker from start to finish, and of all the Speedmaster’s I’ve had before, the difference in QC and finishing is very clear to see and feel.

If budget allows for it, go for the 321.


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The finishing is in fact very rough, especially by comparison to fine watches.
In my opinion At the price point it is fair to compare the finishing to those watches.

The one watchmaker thing was a disappointment in my experience. That one watchmaker left a stain of polishing paste on some components. Unacceptable.

So let’s call the marketing hype.

The idea of the 321 movement is very appealing but on the wrist the watch was significantly thicker than I would have preferred.

[logo]

Originally Posted by subtona

The finishing is in fact very rough, especially by comparison to fine watches.
In my opinion At the price point it is fair to compare the finishing to those watches.

The one watchmaker thing was a disappointment in my experience. That one watchmaker left a stain of polishing paste on some components. Unacceptable.

So let’s call the marketing hype.

The idea of the 321 movement is very appealing but on the wrist the watch was significantly thicker than I would have preferred.

I’ll agree the finishing is not to the level of say a Patek 5070, which is based on the 321. But also the 321 is not a $85k+ watch, not even a $40k watch as in the VC Cornes de Vache (also 321 based). So it’s not really a relevant comparison to truly fine watches. In the realm of $15-25k MSRP (hello, Daytona) it absolutely crushes.

[gnuyork]

Originally Posted by subtona

The idea of the 321 movement is very appealing but on the wrist the watch was significantly thicker than I would have preferred.

This is my opinion as well. The straight lugs just make the case feel thicker than the 3861 (even if it is not, I'm not sure). The lugs and case sides make the difference.

[Nova1]

Tough to hear what I would consider a noticeable amount of buyers remorse coming out of 321 owners. It’s a watch I’ve had my eye on for some time now as the next big splurge.

[agsstructures]

Originally Posted by Nova1

Tough to hear what I would consider a noticeable amount of buyers remorse coming out of 321 owners. It’s a watch I’ve had my eye on for some time now as the next big splurge.

I ended up selling mine, while i think it's the best modern speedy hands down my wrist is small (~6.3"). It just felt too thick on my wrist and wasn't getting enough wear.

[Alex_TA]

321 movement is not as accurate as 3861. I can’t see any reason to buy 321 except being die hard Apollo fan.


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[jcdevoe26]

I think the answer is different for everyone, just like any other watch. I think that as someone that owns the Patek, you will appreciate the craftsmanship of the 321 watch. The 3861 is fantastic, but for a watch enthusiast there is a noticeable difference....for myself it was a no brainer to get the 321 when it was announced, it had everything I personally wanted in a Modern Speedy. My wife also agrees and says to her eye it looks very different than a 3861 and she feels its more sleek and on par with higher end time pieces.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by jcdevoe26

I think the answer is different for everyone, just like any other watch. I think that as someone that owns the Patek, you will appreciate the craftsmanship of the 321 watch. The 3861 is fantastic, but for a watch enthusiast there is a noticeable difference....for myself it was a no brainer to get the 321 when it was announced, it had everything I personally wanted in a Modern Speedy. My wife also agrees and says to her eye it looks very different than a 3861 and she feels its more sleek and on par with higher end time pieces.

Our wives are a lot alike

I wholeheartedly agree, the answer is very different for everyone. To me a watch should evoke some sort of emotion .. a feeling when you wear it. For me, the 321 does just that in spades.

As for the price proposition … aren’t all luxury watches priced a bit nuts in the grand scheme?

[NardinNut]

I’ve owned six different modern Speedmasters, and currently own two, a 321 and Canopus. I have also owned two Daytonas (no longer). The 321 slaughters them all. As others have stated, the quality of the 321 is a large step up over other Speedies. The movement is stunning. The bracelet is far superior to any Speedy. I think it’s absolutely worth the added price over a regular sapphire Pro. And if you ever have doubts, just flip it over.

[NardinNut]

Sh*t. I just realized I’m responding to a three year old thread. My bad. Ignore my prior post.

[powersweets]

Can't go wrong with either

[njlam]

If the 321 was available when I wanted a Speedy, I would definitely have bought it. Instead I got the 3861 which is a fine watch.

If a 321 comes available, I will probably buy it, however, not sure if owning both is repetitive...

[jcdevoe26]

Originally Posted by brandrea

Our wives are a lot alike

I wholeheartedly agree, the answer is very different for everyone. To me a watch should evoke some sort of emotion .. a feeling when you wear it. For me, the 321 does just that in spades.

As for the price proposition … aren’t all luxury watches priced a bit nuts in the grand scheme?

[fskywalker]

Decided to buy a 3861 recently (opted for the sapphire sandwich mainly because the nicer dial), very happy with the purchase. Haven’t seen the 321 in person but am more of a fan of the twisted lugs plus the extra cost is hard to justify for me. Both are great watches, no wrong choice!







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