My first Omega purchase: (moved from a question thread from last week for comment) It's difficult to read but the serial number is a 31 million (not 51 million as I had previously thought). Also the original case back has had the markings polished off of the outside, but the inside reads "145022 69." This Speedy came with an 1172 marked bracelet, 47 marked end links, and no spare links. Unfortunately the band is way too small to fit my wrist so I may replace it with a full 1171. If anyone has a used 1171 for sale with all its links please let me know. Please let me know what you think. -Max
Speedy is the way to start with Omega! And what a nice example... I love mine more and more with an every day.
Maybe 145022-69? http://www.chronomaddox.com/omega_serial_numbers.html Believe me I'm rooting for you. I'm sure the real experts will chime-in shortly.
Congrats and welcome! I love my '69 Speedmaster and as already mentioned, its a great starting point before you decide you need a 321cal for special occasions. Heres mine
David, From what it looks like (depending on whose chart you go by), this watch is probably really late 1969 up to 1972. Given the condition of the case back I'd be willing to bet it's the original. I wonder when they switched away from the dot over 90 bezel, however. I might be right on the cusp, as mine certainly does not have DON. -Max
And as to getting a 321...I have a line on one already. I will have to stop myself from getting it though, as I intend this 861 to be my daily wearer once I have it completely serviced in the next week or two. -Max
I bought mine from the original owner, who bought it in early 1970 (so it was probably made in '69). I believe the case backs jumped from 69 to 71 to 74 to 78. I'd guess yours may well be a late '70 one. I think the 'moonwatch only book' which I don't have (yet!) may give an idea of when DoN bezels were phased out but I'm not 100% sure. I've heard people say these '69's had both types of bezel. As yours appears to be slightly later, it would seem correct that it has a DN90
Quick update: the Speedmaster is running great but I wasn't sure of the service history of course, so I took it in for a mechanical overhaul and new gaskets. Best to start things out right then I won't have to worry as much when I wear this daily. Also, I'm interested in replacing the case back with one with a logo still intact. I found these on eBay, are they legit? : http://www.ebay.com/itm/SALE-Omega-...82094&clkid=154050530168927015&_qi=RTM1562569Purchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network
AFAIK that is a genuine Omega case back but its a brand new one and is exactly what you will get if you order a new one from Omega for the 145.012 case
The new replacement case backs are laser etched inside and out but they look ok in real life Also that seller on ebay is a trusted seller of genuine Omega parts
You could get yourself a crystal caseback so you can see the movement, many people here you use them, just google thomas preik.
Ditto, I can vouch for them (Marcus, Rob and the lovely Giv), good ol boys'n'gals from Down Under. The only reason I could see you doing that would be to preserve the original from wear if you were using NATO or Zulu straps.
