Modern Ed White 321 vs Vintage 105.003

[myk7000]

I have been enjoying my modern Ed White 321 for some time now.

However, my eye has been going more frequently toward the original 105.003 Ed White it's based on. I understand the pros and cons between these two (eg: new = better build quality, vintage = more authentic, etc) but am curious if anybody on this forum has actually owned or handled both?

One day, I'm happy with my current 321 and its no hassle modernity, the next day I'm lusting after the charm of the 105.003 and think of trading.

Has anyone here owned both a vintage speedy like that from the 60s and also a new version, and made a definitive choice on which they prefer as one of their regularly worn daily watches?

[Trogster]

Originally Posted by myk7000

I have been enjoying my modern Ed White 321 for some time now.

However, my eye has been going more frequently toward the original 105.003 Ed White it's based on. I understand the pros and cons between these two (eg: new = better build quality, vintage = more authentic, etc) but am curious if anybody on this forum has actually owned or handled both?

One day, I'm happy with my current 321 and its no hassle modernity, the next day I'm lusting after the charm of the 105.003 and think of trading.

Has anyone here owned both a vintage speedy like that from the 60s and also a new version, and made a definitive choice on which they prefer as one of their regularly worn daily watches?

I too have been keen on acquiring a vintage EW, however having gone through the vintage route with Rolex (5513 and 1675) it can be quite the project.

The purchase price is only the start.

[myk7000]

Thanks, man. Any chance you'd be willing to elaborate? You mean like discovering potential problems with the parts not being accurate? Or faster servicing intervals?

[usmc_k9_vet]

This was posted today. You might find it interesting and it also touches on what the other poster above touched on.

https://www.fratellowatches.com/spee...3-65-ed-white/


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[Trogster]

Originally Posted by myk7000

Thanks, man. Any chance you'd be willing to elaborate? You mean like discovering potential problems with the parts not being accurate? Or faster servicing intervals?

I purchased the 5513 because it had a beautiful dial. No blemishes, lovely patina, original hands.

The case showed signs of polishing (not uncommon), and the crown was replaced.

I had no info on the state of the movement.

Took the watch to get serviced. I had to source a NOS rotor, and crown/insert. Those two items alone set me back $1500. There was some internal corrosion that had to be cleaned up. As it didn't have the original bracelet, I purchased a NOS 93150 bracelet directly from the Rolex AD. I then focused on the case.

All told, I put an additional $5K into the watch to get it sorted. I still hope to find a matching 7206 bracelet.

The 1675 didn't need the same level of investment. A service, a period correct insert, and a NOS bracelet had it sorted. Still, that set me back $4K.

OEM parts are getting harder to source and prices are going up.

[1William]

Nice watches.

[Cr_Zeek]

Originally Posted by Trogster

I purchased the 5513 because it had a beautiful dial. No blemishes, lovely patina, original hands.

The case showed signs of polishing (not uncommon), and the crown was replaced.

I had no info on the state of the movement.

Took the watch to get serviced. I had to source a NOS rotor, and crown/insert. Those two items alone set me back $1500. There was some internal corrosion that had to be cleaned up. As it didn't have the original bracelet, I purchased a NOS 93150 bracelet directly from the Rolex AD. I then focused on the case.

All told, I put an additional $5K into the watch to get it sorted. I still hope to find a matching 7206 bracelet.

The 1675 didn't need the same level of investment. A service, a period correct insert, and a NOS bracelet had it sorted. Still, that set me back $4K.

OEM parts are getting harder to source and prices are going up.

That was a very interesting read. Would love to see photos of your entire collection whenever you are upto it. I am not sure you keep them all at one place.

[Trogster]

Originally Posted by Cr_Zeek

That was a very interesting read. Would love to see photos of your entire collection whenever you are upto it. I am not sure you keep them all at one place.

The collection is securely stored offsite. I rotate every couple of weeks to ensure they all see wrist time.

I'll see about putting together a group photo.

[Trogster]

Originally Posted by Cr_Zeek

That was a very interesting read. Would love to see photos of your entire collection whenever you are upto it. I am not sure you keep them all at one place.

I don't wish to hijack this thread, but here's a collection of photo's I assembled of the current collection.

I anticipate a new addition before years end.

[Cr_Zeek]

Originally Posted by Trogster

I don't wish to hijack this thread, but here's a collection of photo's I assembled of the current collection.

I anticipate a new addition before years end.

[Travelller]

I have only two vintage watches & both are perfect. This would be my requirement for the swap and finding a near-perfect Ed White is next to impossible, assuming you can afford it once found....

One is 53 years older than the other...

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by Trogster

I don't wish to hijack this thread, but here's a collection of photo's I assembled of the current collection.

I anticipate a new addition before years end.

Wonderful collection right there my friend

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by myk7000

Thanks, man. Any chance you'd be willing to elaborate? You mean like discovering potential problems with the parts not being accurate? Or faster servicing intervals?

Speaking for myself, I went down this road with. 1967 5513 meters first.

I ended up buying a beautiful one owner example from a trusted seller here.

Once I started going down the rabbit hole … I soon realized that sourcing a mint example privately (for me) would be fraught with pitfalls, not the least of which was determining authenticity and is the watch all original etc., or pieced together with a combination of non original parts.

IMHO if you want a pristine/mint example you really have to know your stuff to do it alone and you are far better off paying up for exactly what you want

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by Travelller

I have only two vintage watches & both are perfect. This would be my requirement for the swap and finding a near-perfect Ed White is next to impossible, assuming you can afford it once found....

One is 53 years older than the other...

[Perilo]

As an owner of both the original and the newer version it just feels right to have both in my collection!!


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[brandrea]

Originally Posted by Perilo

[IMG]
As an owner of both the original and the newer version it just feels right to have both in my collection!!


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Bravo

[1William]

Very nice.