Ed White 321 buying dilemma

[Johnyax]

Hi folks,

I’ve been after a Speedmaster Ed White 321 for a few years, the OB says he’s had one in 4 years. Looking at grey prices I can get a new unused one for about £500 over list, which seems reasonable.

The issue is I’m looking at selling both my Explorer 40mm and my Speedmaster 3861 Hesalite to help fund. Way I see it is this price is undervalued currently on secondary market and it’s a grail piece for me. However for that cash I could instead add a new white dial Speedmaster AND keep both my Hesalite Speedmaster and the Explorer, have 3 watches and be in a similar financial position.

Has anyone here done similar and gone all in for the grail watch, was it worth it or any regrets? Any advice would be great!

Thanks
John

[AEC]

Welcome to the Forum

I feel like some grail watches are worth going all-in. For me, the 321 is one of those

Be prepared to miss your Explorer (especially each time you see one in the wild), but you'll sell it for what you paid and then add it back later.

[brandrea]

Welcome to the forum

I personally don’t believe in grail watches. IMHO, you buy each watch thinking it’s the last one, or the be all end all … and in the end, it just becomes another watch in your collection

Some watches are maybe more special than others, but something new always comes along.

In your situation, I’d keep the Rolex, (unless you just don’t wear it) and I’d keep saving for the 321

[1William]

I like the 321 but based on price and the 3861 I can not see putting those funds into the watch. I like the Explorer and 3861 combo and think the addition of the white dial Speedmaster would be a great three watch collection. The 321's have adjusted downward significantly in price and as a grail it is always nice to have something to want. I believe you are giving up too much with the Explorer/Speedy combo to justify the 321. Just my thoughts.

[Easy E]

Originally Posted by brandrea

Welcome to the forum

I personally don’t believe in grail watches. IMHO, you buy each watch thinking it’s the last one, or the be all end all … and in the end, it just becomes another watch in your collection

Some watches are maybe more special than others, but something new always comes along.

In your situation, I’d keep the Rolex, (unless you just don’t wear it) and I’d keep saving for the 321

Well said.

[Goupax]

Originally Posted by Johnyax

Hi folks,

I’ve been after a Speedmaster Ed White 321 for a few years, the OB says he’s had one in 4 years. Looking at grey prices I can get a new unused one for about £500 over list, which seems reasonable.

The issue is I’m looking at selling both my Explorer 40mm and my Speedmaster 3861 Hesalite to help fund. Way I see it is this price is undervalued currently on secondary market and it’s a grail piece for me. However for that cash I could instead add a new white dial Speedmaster AND keep both my Hesalite Speedmaster and the Explorer, have 3 watches and be in a similar financial position.

Has anyone here done similar and gone all in for the grail watch, was it worth it or any regrets? Any advice would be great!

Thanks
John

Why don't you just sell your Explorer and Moonwatch hesalite and add the 321 and white speedmaster instead? Quality over quantity.

[NardinNut]

Do it!! The 321 is next level amazing. I own, or have owned, many Speedmasters, but the 321 is by far the best. Only thing to consider is, will you have another watch for abuse? The 321 is incredible but not a one and done watch. You wouldn’t take it swimming, to the beach, yard work, etc. Maybe keep the Explorer for those things.

[Trogster]

All my watches were 'grail' watches.

In fact, I'm currently on the hunt for my next grail watch.

My rules of engagement.... if I can afford it, I buy it.

I've only regretted the watches I didn't buy.

[physicist]

Originally Posted by AEC

Welcome to the Forum

I feel like some grail watches are worth going all-in. For me, the 321 is one of those

Be prepared to miss your Explorer (especially each time you see one in the wild), but you'll sell it for what you paid and then add it back later.

I believe I’ve never seen one in the wild, but it is a great watch.

[Johnyax]

Thanks for the replies, some very interesting and useful thoughts here! Think I need to find a way to keep the Explorer and add the 321 as and when I can, as quickly as is possible though! I tend to wear my Apple Watch or my G shock for when I know it might get some abuse, I wouldn’t wear any decent watch for that kind of stuff really.

[gnuyork]

Originally Posted by Goupax

Why don't you just sell your Explorer and Moonwatch hesalite and add the 321 and white speedmaster instead? Quality over quantity.

Huh? Are you suggesting the Explorer and the Hesalite Moonwatch are not quality??

[mokasyn]

Hey John,

It sounds like you're in a bit of a conundrum, but it's a good problem to have when you're considering adding a grail piece to your collection. Going all-in for the Speedmaster Ed White 321 is definitely tempting, especially if it's been a long-standing desire for you.

However, it's worth considering the sentimental value and versatility of your current collection. The Explorer and the Speedmaster 3861 Hesalite are both iconic pieces in their own right, and if you enjoy wearing them, it might be worth holding onto them.

Adding a new white dial Speedmaster to your collection while keeping both your current Speedmaster and the Explorer could give you more variety and versatility in your watch rotation. Plus, it's always nice to have options for different occasions or moods.

Ultimately, it comes down to your personal preferences and priorities. If the Ed White 321 is truly a grail piece for you and you're willing to make some sacrifices to acquire it, then it might be worth selling off part of your collection. However, if you're hesitant about parting ways with your current watches or if having a diverse collection is important to you, then perhaps holding off on the Ed White for now and sticking with your current collection might be the better choice.

Take some time to weigh your options and consider what will bring you the most satisfaction in the long run. Whatever decision you make, make sure it's one that you won't regret later on.

Best of luck with your decision, and I hope you end up with a collection that brings you joy and satisfaction!

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by mokasyn

Hey John,

It sounds like you're in a bit of a conundrum, but it's a good problem to have when you're considering adding a grail piece to your collection. Going all-in for the Speedmaster Ed White 321 is definitely tempting, especially if it's been a long-standing desire for you.

However, it's worth considering the sentimental value and versatility of your current collection. The Explorer and the Speedmaster 3861 Hesalite are both iconic pieces in their own right, and if you enjoy wearing them, it might be worth holding onto them.

Adding a new white dial Speedmaster to your collection while keeping both your current Speedmaster and the Explorer could give you more variety and versatility in your watch rotation. Plus, it's always nice to have options for different occasions or moods.

Ultimately, it comes down to your personal preferences and priorities. If the Ed White 321 is truly a grail piece for you and you're willing to make some sacrifices to acquire it, then it might be worth selling off part of your collection. However, if you're hesitant about parting ways with your current watches or if having a diverse collection is important to you, then perhaps holding off on the Ed White for now and sticking with your current collection might be the better choice.

Take some time to weigh your options and consider what will bring you the most satisfaction in the long run. Whatever decision you make, make sure it's one that you won't regret later on.

Best of luck with your decision, and I hope you end up with a collection that brings you joy and satisfaction!

Nice first post

Welcome to the forum