Omega 321 Ed White - Worth the Wait?

[rolex01]

I visited my local dealer over the weekend to ask to be on the waitlist for 321 Ed White, I was told the waitlist is very long and I need to wait for at least 5 years with no guarantee for allocation or delivery.

I would like to check with forum members here if 321 is really that popular and the queue duration of at least 5 years sounds insane.

Does anyone have any insights?

[Stevec14]

They make very few of these - maybe less than 1000 a year, so the wait is quite long esp if you are only enquiring now.

It’s a great watch, and worth it IMO - it’s different gear to the 3861 speedy in its finish. You could look grey, but the price has jumped and when I checked this morning there were only 26 worldwide on chrono 24 so it’s quite limited in supply.

I suspect you’d wait less than 5 years, but they seem to trickle these out so who knows. No harm in getting yourself on the list. With the current economic climate some may well turn down meaning your turn may come sooner.

[salnuaimi]

I would say yes and no .

The movement , the history everything associated will tell you yes

wearing it and justifying the wait or the price if you pay premium you wont really feel that you have something very special on your wrist .

unlike for example wearing my tokyo raising sun or even the snoopy .

[brandrea]

Well in contrast to the post above I'd say it’s well worth the wait

I believe I might be the latest owner to post here on the forum ... mine arrived on June 7 a Speedy Tuesday!

All I can say is that I'm completely smitten. It wears so beautifully on my 7" flat wrist. Initially, I was concerned that it might be too small, but in actually fact the dial wears larger than my Submariner or BLRO.

Its SO legible, the hour and minute hands literally pop off the dial. I think it has to do with the ecru lume on the indices which to my eye, really aren't fauxtina, but more of a very subtle creme color. They are beautifully done. The contrast really makes it easy to read the time. Much better than another famous chronograph

The bracelet is sublime, and the balance of the watch on my wrist is just perfect. I think a review on Fratello or was it Hodinkee said it best, but its a bit like finding a NOS 321 but it has all the modern upgrades. I liken it to wearing art on the wrist.

Then of course there's the movement, which really needs no explanation. Probably one of the most significant chronographs in the history of watchmaking.

I expressed interest at our only boutique in Canada in Nov 2021. It took about 7 months to arrive. YMMV.

Its a helluva reference and IMO everyone derves One Good Thing

IMG_60871.jpgIMG_61121.jpg

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[brandrea]

This one was of many posts here that pushed me over the edge …

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=803054

[ap1]

Originally Posted by brandrea

Well in contrast to the post above I'd say it’s well worth the wait

I believe I might be the latest owner to post here on the forum ... mine arrived on June 7 a Speedy Tuesday!

All I can say is that I'm completely smitten. It wears so beautifully on my 7" flat wrist. Initially, I was concerned that it might be too small, but in actually fact the dial wears larger than my Submariner or BLRO.

Its SO legible, the hour and minute hands literally pop off the dial. I think it has to do with the ecru lume on the indices which to my eye, really aren't fauxtina, but more of a very subtle creme color. They are beautifully done. The contrast really makes it easy to read the time. Much better than another famous chronograph

The bracelet is sublime, and the balance of the watch on my wrist is just perfect. I think a review on Fratello or was it Hodinkee said it best, but its a bit like finding a NOS 321 but it has all the modern upgrades. I liken it to wearing art on the wrist.

Then of course there's the movement, which really needs no explanation. Probably one of the most significant chronographs in the history of watchmaking.

I expressed interest at our only boutique in Canada in Nov 2021. It took about 7 months to arrive. YMMV.

Its a helluva reference and IMO everyone derves One Good Thing

Attachment 1300006Attachment 1300007

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‘I’m with TBone, seems like a special piece to me.” I checked the box on snoop but 321 has evaded thus far

[Stevec14]

Originally Posted by salnuaimi

I would say yes and no .

The movement , the history everything associated will tell you yes

wearing it and justifying the wait or the price if you pay premium you wont really feel that you have something very special on your wrist .

unlike for example wearing my tokyo raising sun or even the snoopy .

Have you actually worn a 321? I own a 321 and a snoopy and IMO the 321 is different gear to the snoop…..

[salnuaimi]

Originally Posted by Stevec14

Have you actually worn a 321? I own a 321 and a snoopy and IMO the 321 is different gear to the snoop…..

You tell me


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[DoricSpiker]

Originally Posted by salnuaimi

You tell me


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Cant agree with your comment that a snoopy feels special on your wrist but a 321 doesn't. I won't go there on the Tokyo. The special thing about the snoopy is the rocket feature on the back and you can't see it or play with it when its on your wrist.

Some of my old school friends from Aberdeen prefer a burger to an Aberdeen Angus steak. I give them a cuddle so here is virtual one to you......

[Stevec14]

Originally Posted by salnuaimi

You tell me


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Each to their own…..

[rolex01]

Originally Posted by salnuaimi

You tell me


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Very beautiful Trio. Congrats

[salnuaimi]

Originally Posted by Stevec14

Each to their own…..

Agree

[salnuaimi]

Originally Posted by rolex01

Very beautiful Trio. Congrats

Appreciate you brother

[salnuaimi]

Originally Posted by DoricSpiker

Cant agree with your comment that a snoopy feels special on your wrist but a 321 doesn't. I won't go there on the Tokyo. The special thing about the snoopy is the rocket feature on the back and you can't see it or play with it when its on your wrist.

Some of my old school friends from Aberdeen prefer a burger to an Aberdeen Angus steak. I give them a cuddle so here is virtual one to you......

I can argue and say the movement of 321 also I cant see it unless i flip the watch .

Have you tried FOIS 39,7mm , fit a flat link bracelet and let me know how does the watch feel on the wrist

at the end its all preferences and tastes and if we don't have different ones we will be all wearing the same watch . I understand and respect your opinion

Hug ....

[BMunMuns]

The 321 looks like an incredible watch and I would love to own one in the future!

[VegasBaby]

To most, the differences between the 321 versus a 3861 or 1861, are hardly noticeable. To the enthusiast, they are two entirely watches. As a result, it is a very small niche group of people that are interested in the wait or the price difference for the watch. Not worth it for me but for those who have one, enjoy!

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by VegasBaby

To most, the differences between the 321 versus a 3861 or 1861, are hardly noticeable. To the enthusiast, they are two entirely watches. As a result, it is a very small niche group of people that are interested in the wait or the price difference for the watch. Not worth it for me but for those who have one, enjoy!

This is sort of where I started on my Speedmaster journey.

I tried the 3861’s and they just didn’t sing to me. Then, the more I read up more on the 321, the more I realized that it was the one I’d been looking for.

I was a bit nervous spending that kind of money on a watch I couldn’t see in the metal, but I’m super glad I did. It’s exceeded my expectations.

[londonpilgrim]

I emailed the Omega Boutique in March 2021 about the 321. They got one for me within a week. Maybe I was just lucky, or it was more of an unknown quantity 18 months ago.

Great watch though. The ultimate Speedmaster for me

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by londonpilgrim

I emailed the Omega Boutique in March 2021 about the 321. They got one for me within a week. Maybe I was just lucky, or it was more of an unknown quantity 18 months ago.

Great watch though. The ultimate Speedmaster for me

This thread could use more pictures ….

[rolex01]

Originally Posted by londonpilgrim

I emailed the Omega Boutique in March 2021 about the 321. They got one for me within a week. Maybe I was just lucky, or it was more of an unknown quantity 18 months ago.

Great watch though. The ultimate Speedmaster for me

Back in 2021, it was very easy to obtain one as there wasn't much demand. I cannot say that for now.

Once again, congrats to you for owning such a fantastic watch and would be great to share some beautiful pictures of your watch.

[Greglaw]

Originally Posted by brandrea

This thread could use more pictures ….

Damn right its an awesome watch!!!! And worth the wait!!!

[Goose 104]

I absolutely love mine and I say it is worth the wait. All the small details make a big difference on this watch. The longer markers, the less cluttered dial, the applied vintage logo, the straight lugs, the smaller case, the ungaurded crown, the deeper sub dials etc. To top it all off it has the gorgeous 321 movement which is a pleasure to look at and use - it feels easier/smoother to wind/accuate. Let's not forget the bracelet too - so comfortable and solid. I love the polished surfaces but I know not everyone does. The only thing I wish for is micro adjust on the clasp.

Edit: I forgot about the lume which is surprisingly bright and long lasting!

Here are some of my shots:

[1William]

Nice pictures.

[noobs]

nice pictures @Goose 104!

Originally Posted by rolex01

Back in 2021, it was very easy to obtain one as there wasn't much demand. I cannot say that for now.

The wait time here is > 5y and, to quote the boutique, "better off getting it from a 3p, or buy a couple of pieces to no lose your spot on the list".

[ap1]

Omg 104

[redtigers]

Seems that US allocations are much harder to come by compared to UK? I've gotten nowhere in the last few years...

[Goose 104]

Thanks all - this watch is a pleasure to photograph

[texasmade]

Originally Posted by rolex01

Back in 2021, it was very easy to obtain one as there wasn't much demand. I cannot say that for now.

Once again, congrats to you for owning such a fantastic watch and would be great to share some beautiful pictures of your watch.

I’m not too sure where you’re located but this watch is not easy to obtain in my neck of the woods. My local OB has been allocated 5 since these were released and still have ppl waiting since this watch was announced.

[rolex01]

OMG, Those pictures are so stunning.

[Turbo Racer]

Originally Posted by Goose 104

Thanks all - this watch is a pleasure to photograph

Really stunning pictures! Thanks for uploading these!