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Old 10 July 2023, 12:12 AM   #1
Babalaas
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Ed White 321 vs Daytona: Which is the more special watch for a lifetime?

Both the kings of each of their brands. Which one is the more special watch if you had to choose only one? Assume one is going to keep it for a lifetime so resale isn’t a factor.
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Old 10 July 2023, 12:23 AM   #2
JC316
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The 321 is technically a more special watch.

1. Produced in smaller number.
2. Hand assembled by one person.
3. Historic movement.

But the Daytona has a more modern and robust movement.

Question is which design do you like more.

That's the one you should buy.
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Old 10 July 2023, 12:32 AM   #3
jb335
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Special is subjective.

To me, the history, coolness and mystique of a Daytona trumps any Omega. It feels more special on my wrist. The 321 definitely has an argument for being more special for others. Not knocking it, but it’s not more special to me.


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Old 10 July 2023, 12:35 AM   #4
FloridaBill
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I suggest for everyone to commit to the Ed White 321 so there are more opportunities for me to purchase a Daytona at retail.
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Old 10 July 2023, 12:52 AM   #5
Kevin of Larchmont
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Well of the two models I own a Hesalite Speedmaster (reference # bunchanumbers) and I have no interest at all in a Daytona. I don’t need a special Speedmaster or any Daytona but I guess to me the Ed White 321 has the slight edge.
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Old 10 July 2023, 12:54 AM   #6
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Special is a feeling coming from within. Go with what tickles you more.
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Old 10 July 2023, 01:10 AM   #7
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Daytona all day, and I love Speedmasters. These retro-style re-dos by Omega do nothing for me. They seem forced, like fake patina.

If I'm going to get a Speedmaster, it's the classic hesalite version. Oh, wait, I have one.
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Old 10 July 2023, 01:12 AM   #8
nyc2la
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One of each!
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Old 10 July 2023, 01:23 AM   #9
rolexjackson
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321 can go to the moon, but not to the shower. Daytona is superior in my mind as a daily wear and enjoyment standpoint in my mind.
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Old 10 July 2023, 01:27 AM   #10
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Quote:
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One of each!
Best answer
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Old 10 July 2023, 01:37 AM   #11
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if you haven't had the opportunity to wear and operate the 321 you might be surprised by Omegas extremely high quality execution of the watch. It's quite stunning and far more legible. It also has minimal water resistance and no quick adjust on the bracelet.

Daytona is also fantastic but it is one iteration in a long line while the 321 goes back in time with a faithful recreation.

GT3RS or Singer 911?
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Old 10 July 2023, 01:38 AM   #12
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I think the Daytona is a great looking watch and very comfortable...But that's where it ends for me...I had two, at different times, many moons ago, and ended up selling them both times...

Why you ask...

First and foremost, the legibility is very poor compared to most other models and I had trouble reading the time in low light...

And second, the Chronograph feature is virtually useless in practical applications, do to the screw down pushers...

I never owned the Ed White but was able to try one on...I found it too thick for its size and I wasn't a fan of the Faux Patina...

I can't help but feel that people become attracted to these kinds of pieces because they are hard to come by and we all tend to want what we can't have...And I am guilty of that myself...

If you are looking for one watch to have for a lifetime, I can't help but think that there are other watches out there that will serve you better, will cost less and are easier to obtain...

But please don't misunderstand me...I think both are fantastic pieces, just a bit over rated in my humble opinion...

But that is only my take on these watches...I hope you enjoy which ever one you choose...
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Old 10 July 2023, 01:39 AM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Babalaas View Post
Both the kings of each of their brands. Which one is the more special watch if you had to choose only one? Assume one is going to keep it for a lifetime so resale isn’t a factor.
Define “special.” Rare? Hyped? Quality? Also define which Daytona ref.

Quote:
Originally Posted by swish77 View Post
Daytona all day, and I love Speedmasters. These retro-style re-dos by Omega do nothing for me. They seem forced, like fake patina.

If I'm going to get a Speedmaster, it's the classic hesalite version. Oh, wait, I have one.
There is no fake patina on the Ed White.

Quote:
Originally Posted by rolexjackson View Post
321 can go to the moon, but not to the shower. Daytona is superior in my mind as a daily wear and enjoyment standpoint in my mind.
Hope I didn’t break it!





Omega rates it to 50m, it can go to 50m.
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Old 10 July 2023, 01:42 AM   #14
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Unpossible to choose, and so....

n205eprv29641.jpg
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Old 10 July 2023, 02:34 AM   #15
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I will always vote for any Speedy over any Daytona!

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Old 10 July 2023, 02:39 AM   #16
codecow
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Easy win for the 321.
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Old 10 July 2023, 02:54 AM   #17
PenDelicate
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Daytona.
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Old 10 July 2023, 03:11 AM   #18
WatchGuy1966
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As an owner of the unobtanium White Dial Daytona and two Moonwatches (one very special)......

I can't give you advice. I'd be stumped as well.

The 321 would be a lovely addition to my collection. If I got it, I'd ditch my Hesalite.
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Old 10 July 2023, 03:16 AM   #19
Cru Jones
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Whichever one you like more. No wrong answer.
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Old 10 July 2023, 03:17 AM   #20
Kreyzhorse
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Speedmaster over any Daytona. Sorry folks, its just a better looking watch and the Ed White is pretty cool too.
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Old 10 July 2023, 03:21 AM   #21
jed11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rolexjackson View Post
321 can go to the moon, but not to the shower. Daytona is superior in my mind as a daily wear and enjoyment standpoint in my mind.

nice!!!


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Old 10 July 2023, 03:54 AM   #22
Rolex1982
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Whichever one you like more. No wrong answer.
My thoughts exactly.
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Old 10 July 2023, 04:02 AM   #23
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Neither watch is special.
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Old 10 July 2023, 05:19 AM   #24
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I’ve owned both, and the 321 remains. Not because it’s a better watch, but it’s the one I like better. It doesn’t play in the same park as the 3861 (if you handle both together, you’ll get what I mean), and it really is pretty special in the metal.

I do think as a more daily watch, the Daytona may be the better bet with its automatic movement/ water resistance - so if that’s important then worth considering.
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Old 10 July 2023, 06:15 AM   #25
sski
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'more robust' movt. on Daytona vs. THE actual historic moonwatch movt. ? 321 wins there and it's not even close--to the moon and back!

i happen to prefer Daytona due to aesthetics and automatic winding, however- 321 is more 'special' (Daytonas are a dime a dozen.)

321 is the more special watch......Daytona arguably the more popular watch.
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Old 10 July 2023, 06:45 AM   #26
swish77
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Quote:
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There is no fake patina on the Ed White.
Yes, I know. My comment was about Omega (and some other brands) in general and their use of faux patina on retro/vintage inspired watches, such as the Seamaster 300.

Not a fan of trying to make modern watches look like old watches. The Ed White would be in that category.
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Old 10 July 2023, 06:56 AM   #27
Enatai252
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I own both. Agree with most of the pros/cons provided already. Both extremely comfortable to wear. Daytona suffers for legibility issues in some lighting. Omega requires you to manually wind and less WR. Daytona will be recognized more. Most people won’t appreciate what an Ed White is. I wear the 321 a lot more and appreciate what went into creating it.

If I could only own one watch for a lifetime it would be Rolex 16600 SD. My first Rolex and it can be used/worn for just about anything
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Old 10 July 2023, 07:10 AM   #28
amh
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<snip>


Omega rates it to 50m, it can go to 50m.
I see two bubbles next to that one pusher
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Old 10 July 2023, 07:15 AM   #29
RolexBHR
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321 no doubts here.
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Old 10 July 2023, 07:20 AM   #30
brandrea
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I personally prefer the 321.

It uses one of the best chronograph movements invented.
It’s more legible by a wide margin.
It’s hand assembled (twice over).
It’s history is unrivaled.
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