Looking for a speedmaster moonwatch? Info inside!

[LHOOQ]

But less than the $1500 - $2500 of a gen I imagine

Less than a genuine CK2915, but those cost upwards of $25,000 to $75,000!

 

[seriph]

GULP!!!!!

 

[drbollocko]

Where can I get those gen CK2915 @ $1.5k

Oh my M, that is just sensational, I'm drooling here Awesome work, the dial/hands have a lovely patina, it really looks like a well kept gen. That's outstanding and really worth the wait.
Congrats on the project and wear it well!

 

[markh]

Man that watch is awesome!! I really like the steel bezel. Is that a gen vintage bracelet? I'm sure that wasn't too easy to track down.

Thanks for the comments about this thread. And thanks for everyone's input. Hard to believe my little noob-ish question turned into this much information.

Keep it coming everyone!!

 

[Five of Clubs]

I bet!


But less than the $1500 - $2500 of a gen I imagine

I'm not sure you know what you're looking at here! :facepalm: That watch has layers of awesome that only true Speedy nuts can comprehend. I seriously have to resist the urge of licking my monitor every time he posts a picture of it.

I'LL BET that the different combinations of straps/bracelets I've seen that watch on by themselves cost nearly what you quoted. How about a demonstration: M, would you trade that watch (head only) for my gen Speedmaster 3570.50 plus $1000? I'll send you payment now and the watch will be in the mail tomorrow morning!! I still have your paypal address.

Since the answer is likely "no", please keep posting pictures of it. My day gets a little brighter every time you do. I have complimented you regarding that watch on the forum, by PM, and by email. I simply cannot overstate how much I love it.

 

[luckie]

Looking good guys.

 

[LHOOQ]

Awesome work, the dial/hands have a lovely patina, it really looks like a well kept gen.

Thanks, drb! I would've wanted more patina on the dial surface itself but The Zigmeister had reservations about how well it would hold up. In the end, the vintage look of the dial is produced entirely by the relume and the slightly-scuffed crystal.

Man that watch is awesome!! I really like the steel bezel. Is that a gen vintage bracelet?

Yep! It's a 1035 bracelet, which still uses a combination of folded links and expander links, but is much cheaper than the older 7077 or 7912 bracelets. I had the links refinished to return them to their original polished/brushed/polished appearance.

I'LL BET that the different combinations of straps/bracelets I've seen that watch on by themselves cost nearly what you quoted. How about a demonstration: M, would you trade that watch (head only) for my gen Speedmaster 3570.50 plus $1000?

Aside from that bracelet, the other straps were very cheap. The brown leather Hirsch was a little over $10, while the canvas strap was put together (for free!) by my good friend donerix.

As for your demonstration, I'm going to dodge the main question by noting that I've already got a plain-vanilla 3570.50!

 

[markh]

What bracelet is on the 3570?

 

[LHOOQ]

Ref 1450, the first bracelet with solid links AND solid endlinks, and the first to have a 'Speedmaster' signed clasp. Some call it the Grail Bracelet, and I believe it fully deserves that honorr.

 

[markh]

Thought so. I knew you were looking for one. It even looks more solid visually than my 1171.

 

[Five of Clubs]

Aside from that bracelet, the other straps were very cheap. The brown leather Hirsch was a little over $10, while the canvas strap was put together (for free!) by my good friend donerix.

Well, I was being a little coy since I've also seen your watch on an 1171. I figured you paid full price for the Hirsch and canvas, so all that stuff added up would likely be "in the ballpark". I guess I got a little excited!

Regarding the canvas strap, isn't there a sort-of famous picture of a CK2915 on a similar strap? I didn't catch it the first couple times I looked at your picture, but now it's finally jogging my (apparently fading) memory.

And congrats to Mark on having authored an impressive thread that was made into a sticky. I think you're being sucked into the Speedy madness so much that I wouldn't be surprised if this thread eventually includes a picture of your gen! As LHOOQ can likely attest, the hardest part of owning the gen Speedy is stopping at only one.

 

[LHOOQ]

Regarding the canvas strap, isn't there a sort-of famous picture of a CK2915 on a similar strap? I didn't catch it the first couple times I looked at your picture, but now it's finally jogging my (apparently fading) memory.

See below. I first saw and downloaded that picture in July 2009. It feels like I'm Indiana Jones and that CK2915 has been my Cross of Coronado. Granted, t he original would be nicer (or even just a better bezel!), but getting a lookalike canvas strap was a very big deal to me!

And congrats to Mark on having authored an impressive thread that was made into a sticky. I think you're being sucked into the Speedy madness so much that I wouldn't be surprised if this thread eventually includes a picture of your gen! As LHOOQ can likely attest, the hardest part of owning the gen Speedy is stopping at only one.

Given Mark's time and effort expended on the study of Speedy reps, I'd call it inevitable! As for me, there really aren't any other Speedmasters that I need to have. Except maybe a blue Gemini 4. And maybe a '68 transitional with a brown, stepped dial. For sure, a 2998 would be good to have...

 

[Five of Clubs]

See below. I first saw and downloaded that picture in July 2009.

That's the one! Kudos to Donerix.

As for me, there really aren't any other Speedmasters that I need to have. Except maybe a blue Gemini 4. And maybe a '68 transitional with a brown, stepped dial. For sure, a 2998 would be good to have...

Yeah, I'm pretty happy with just one Speedy though. It's just a terrific watch. However, a 57-Reissue would make a serviceable dress watch since I'm in the market. Birth year watches also seem to be the rage, and it just so happens that Speedys were made the year I was born. Maybe one day. And who could turn down a fairly priced Ed White? Not me.

On second thought Mark, I maybe you should take caution as to how you proceed from here!

 

[drbollocko]

Love that canvas strap M.

I'm kinda resigned to the fact that I'll never get my hands on a 2915 at this stage, or even a 2998 for that matter. Unless I miraculously find one in a car boot sale and the owner doesn't know it's value or something.

In the meantime I have my '71 and '09, I'd happily let the '71 go for a nice conditioned 321, and probably will when I come across the right one ...but in the meantime I'm happy enough to mess with colour variations and I've almost acquired enough parts for separate silver dial and gemini dial custom concoctions. ....and I've acquired a big hole in my wallet. God damn speedies

I'm will be still green with envy everytime I see that CK build above though!

 

[markh]

Yeah too late. I was searching for a 1450 bracelet & some sort of gen speedy all day at work today. I'm not concerned with vintage or whatever so any suggestions on what model I should be searching for would be welcome. I'd be ok with a newer one as long as it had hesalite crystal. I'll probably have to sort the 1450 separately. I'll just use my 1171 until I can find one.

 

[Five of Clubs]

drb - That's pretty much what I'd like to have is both a modern and vintage Speedy. Does this thread have pictures of them? If not, please help us with that!

Mark - Way back in this monster of a thread I wrote out most of the common, modern variants of the Professional. I hope that helps with selecting a model.

3570.50 - Hesalite, lume dial, closed case back, 1861 (latest basic Moonwatch)
3870.50 - Same as 3570 but on strap/deployant
3572.50 - Same as 3570 but with display case back
3573.50 - Same as 3570 but sapphire instead of Hesalite and display case back (aka the Sapphire Sandwich)
3873.50 - Same as 3573 but on strap/deployant
311.30.42.30.13.001 - Same as 3573.50 but with chocolate dial
3590.50 - Hesalite, tritium dial, closed case back, 861 (previous version Moonwatch)
3890.50 - Same as 3590 but on strap/deployant
3592.50 - Same as 3590 but with display case back
3594.50 - 1957 Reissue with silver bezel, Broad arrow hands and different dial

I think I got all that right? If anyone sees a mistake let me know and I'll edit it!


EDITED TO ADD: Some of these versions are no longer made.

 

[markh]

Yup. Forgot about that. Thanks for the reminder.

Any thoughts on 861 vs 1861 movements?

 

[Mr. Pap]

Yup. Forgot about that. Thanks for the reminder.

Any thoughts on 861 vs 1861 movements?

Are you thinking of getting an 861/1861? Prepare your wallet for a big hit lol
Great movements anyway!

 

[markh]

Oh I'm prepared... Just curious on opinions of both movements. One better vs the other etc...

 

[Five of Clubs]

Any thoughts on 861 vs 1861 movements?

Some of the other guys may have a different opinion, but personally I don't think there is a nickel's worth of difference. I would be fine with either. The early 861s were rose gold, the last few years of 861s were yellow gold, and the 1861s are rhodium (sp?) plated which is silver. I like the appearance of the yellow gold version the best but functionally they are all pretty much the same. I think the 861s gained a jewel somewhere in the 1990s. BTW, the 321 is also a solid movement.

The main decision will be do you want a minty white dial (luminova) or yellowed markers (tritium). The conversion away from tritium happened at roughly the same time as the change from 861 to 1861 so they are pretty much tied together. BTW, it doesn't matter which one you get because you will want the other soon after! :lol:

Are you thinking of getting an 861/1861? Prepare your wallet for a big hit

OMG, is this ever true! I think Ofrei sells the 1861 alone for over $1800. Wow.