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Let me add ....
Posted By: Commish1999
Date: 12/7/07 20:22 GMT
In Response To: There are three ways I could explain it: (Chicagoland Chuck Maddox)
What makes a watch the Bee's Knee's (grail)? I would say the following:
1. Design (beauty) &endash; a classic design: - a. black face w/ black dail & sub's
- b. white hands and indices
- c. black bezel
- d. stainless steel
- e. Comfortable to wear
2. Utility - a. Automatic
- b. As chuck says, "tough as nails"
- c. Easily read (contrasting dial)
- d. Chronograph
- e. 24 hour indicator
- f. Day & Date window
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- I would add to point 2c: Central Minute Chronograph Hand greatly enhances quick chronograph reading under stress.
3. Distinctiveness - a. Based on a "Legend"
- b. Limited number produced
- c. Outstanding movement that has been "retired"
- d. Availability rare
- e. Looks great with blue jeans, business suit or a tux (if you need to wear a watch with a tux).
Let face it &endash; the 376.0822 meets each and everyone of these.
I would add that while the price of the "Grail" is certainly rising, it is still a bargain in comparison to many other "high end" brands.
- this is just IMHO - scott I like every single one of your other points. In fact I may well borrow it [with attributation] next time I update certain articles.
In wake of the desirability of the 376.0822 [Grail] Speedmaster, other brands closest equivelents are easily woth the price of admission these days:
A 510.523 in excellent shape sold for $1,500 and change at this week's Antiquorum auction [see the extended discussion over on ZOWIE for more on that auction].
The Fortis Stratoliner [precursor to the Cosmonaute line] is seen from time time on eBay [German eBay in particular] and they routinely fetch between $700-1,200 USD. This particular model has a "Poor-Man's Grail" moniker because of it's resemblence to the 376.0822 Omega Speedmaster [Grail]...
With today's ever rising vintage watch prices, it may be a good move to keep an eye on other brands similar models. |
