Omega Speedmaster 1964 Ed White - Help Required

Ballsgate · Feb 13, 2020

Hi!

First time poster who by reading through numerous posts, has realised he knows next to nothing re Speedmasters. Anyway....

I have made the decision to sell my 1964 Omega Speedmaster Ed White as I'm increasingly nervous about owning something of such value. I've always assumed it is totally original, but hope that forum members on here might be able to confirm. I wouldn't the new owner to have any post sale surprises.

I purchased it from a friend in 1996. He now works as a vintage watch specialist for a store in Winchester and has just re-confirmed that it is an Ed White. I have recently taken the watch to my nearest Omega dealer (John Pass in Crewe) to have it opened up. They confirmed that the model number is 105.003-64 and that the serial number is 22324xxx (late '64) with 321 on the movement(?). The assistant there told me he thought it was a very clean example. You might have other ideas....

The attached photos of the inside were taken at John Pass. These are not the best as I'm useless photographer and the overhead lights were dazzling everything. The remaining photos were taken today. These later photos have shown up some 'wear' that I had never noticed with the naked eye. There is (I think) a small amount of corrosion between one pair of lugs and a mark (corrosion again?) at the bottom of the top left hand dial. You can't see the latter when simply looking. I've tried to show any damage re the bezel. The photos highlight a kind of 'ring of dust' in the inner edge of the bezel. Again, not really seen with the naked eye. Not sure what this is.

The watch was serviced by Omega in the late 90s. I'm always keen on originality but I can't remember if anything was replaced by them. Perhaps the glass? There's no 'glow' on the hands or face which (at least to me) would indicate they were untouched. The watch has not been worn since 2005 and has simply been stored but wound daily. The case has never been cleaned or polished by myself.

I have always had leather straps and the latest was supplied by an Omega dealer in Cheltenham. This is a Hirsch Ostrich leather and has an Omega logo on the buckle.

Any information regarding the watch would be wonderful. An idea of condition grade (Speedmaster101 - Poor, Fair or Good?) and value would also be appreciated, as would an idea of the best place to sell. I use ebay for most things but I'm jumpy re selling a Speedmaster there.

Thanks for taking the time to read this post and for any information you might be able to offer....Nick

simonsays · Feb 13, 2020

Looks like an honest watch, but in poor condition. The dial has lost its lume, the case looks average in the pictures, but maybe better(or worse) in real life. Anything over £5000 seems fair to me. Cleaning some of the muck off the bezel may improve results. People like to see the Dot over 90 on the bezel that shows its original.

If you have an eBay account with good feedback, then taking some good photos and be ready to pick a £1 final value fee listing week end is a good option.

BlackTalon · Feb 13, 2020

Please add a photo of the movement.

Spacefruit · Feb 13, 2020

First you are going to get some flak about having a single post and trying to sell a watch in it. Ignore it, I am happy to see the watch and in today’s environment it is unlikely that you will get any PM’s to buy this watch.

it is a poor to fair condition watch.

the heart of the value is the dial, case and bezel. You have a fair to poor dial, and a fair bezel. The case is a classic 64 straight sides and looks good.

to be honest, don’t panic about the value. It’s not that great compared to others offered today, but it is an honest watch that at the right price has appeal.

i am afraid to tell you this is exactly the kind of watch that people have been basing end of the world pronouncements regarding the speedmaster values, because they are being offered at too much money and not selling.

this kind of watch will easily find a home at the right price, and that price is much less than it was last year.

Ballsgate · Feb 13, 2020

simonsays
Looks like an honest watch, but in poor condition. The dial has lost its lume, the case looks average in the pictures, but maybe better(or worse) in real life. Anything over £5000 seems fair to me. Cleaning some of the muck off the bezel may improve results. People like to see the Dot over 90 on the bezel that shows its original.

If you have an eBay account with good feedback, then taking some good photos and be ready to pick a £1 final value fee listing week end is a good option.

Thanks for your reply. It's funny, it's always just been my watch and I've never thought much about condition. I simply was pleased to own it. Now of course when you come to sell, it has to be looked at differently but I have no idea how it compares to others.

Is there a particular method I should use to clean the bezel? Damp cotton wool bud or something a little 'stronger'? I have visions of everything flaking away.

Thanks for taking the time to reply. All best....Nick

Ballsgate · Feb 13, 2020

BlackTalon
Please add a photo of the movement.

Hi....Sadly the situation at the Omega dealer who opened the case up was a little rushed and I failed to take a clear photograph of the movement. Stupid I know. I think there's one more which might offer some further info. I have an old Microsoft phone and as I said, I'm terrible at capturing the 'decisive moment'.

Thanks for replying. All best....Nick

simonsays · Feb 13, 2020

Ballsgate
Thanks for your reply. It's funny, it's always just been my watch and I've never thought much about condition. I simply was pleased to own it. Now of course when you come to sell, it has to be looked at differently but I have no idea how it compares to others.

Is there a particular method I should use to clean the bezel? Damp cotton wool bud or something a little 'stronger'? I have visions of everything flaking away.

Thanks for taking the time to reply. All best....Nick

Yes sorry, cold hard criticism with no sentimental attachment is never flattering. Cleaning the bezel with a bit of soapy water to dampen a cotton bud(don't drip water on to it), or even a baby wipe should do the job.

An Extract of the Archives from Omega is worth getting. It will confirm the originality of the movement and should easily return the £100 investment. Good luck with the sale.

Ballsgate · Feb 13, 2020

Spacefruit
First you are going to get some flak about having a single post and trying to sell a watch in it. Ignore it, I am happy to see the watch and in today’s environment it is unlikely that you will get any PM’s to buy this watch.

it is a poor to fair condition watch.

the heart of the value is the dial, case and bezel. You have a fair to poor dial, and a fair bezel. The case is a classic 64 straight sides and looks good.

to be honest, don’t panic about the value. It’s not that great compared to others offered today, but it is an honest watch that at the right price has appeal.

i am afraid to tell you this is exactly the kind of watch that people have been basing end of the world pronouncements regarding the speedmaster values, because they are being offered at too much money and not selling.

this kind of watch will easily find a home at the right price, and that price is much less than it was last year.

billythekid · Feb 13, 2020

hi nick. use a moist, ear bud with a little fairly liquid , and just clean around the bezel. it should come off. as it ,s grime and skin flakes that have built up over the years...

Dan S · Feb 13, 2020

In addition to what has been mentioned above, I suspect that the crown, pushers, and hands were replaced at service. However, the dial is obviously the major issue. None of this is too surprising given that it was a daily wear watch for many years.

Ballsgate · Feb 13, 2020

Spacefruit
First you are going to get some flak about having a single post and trying to sell a watch in it. Ignore it, I am happy to see the watch and in today’s environment it is unlikely that you will get any PM’s to buy this watch.

it is a poor to fair condition watch.

the heart of the value is the dial, case and bezel. You have a fair to poor dial, and a fair bezel. The case is a classic 64 straight sides and looks good.

to be honest, don’t panic about the value. It’s not that great compared to others offered today, but it is an honest watch that at the right price has appeal.

i am afraid to tell you this is exactly the kind of watch that people have been basing end of the world pronouncements regarding the speedmaster values, because they are being offered at too much money and not selling.

this kind of watch will easily find a home at the right price, and that price is much less than it was last year.

Hi!

Yes, I was worried about suddenly appearing from nowhere requesting information! But having read numerous threads, it did seem like members were always happy to see watches perhaps unknown to the forum.

As this is the only Speedmaster that I have and indeed, the only vintage watch I have, I had no idea as how it compared to others either owned or for sale. It's just something that I've enjoyed owning. Having read numerous posts on this forum, I was worried that perhaps the some of the parts had been replaced etc during the service without my being aware, but it always looked to be honest as you said. And even after having spent quite a time staring at other similar watches on the forum, I couldn't see where my watch fitted into the greater scheme of things.

Prices asked (but perhaps not achieved) seem to be crazy. I would be happy with an offer/price that seems fair so that I don't spend the rest of my life kicking myself. It will also hopefully sell to someone who will enjoy it rather than see it as an opportunity to make money. Of course, that's not really a demand I can make.

Thanks for your reply - much appreciated. With thanks and best wishes.....Nick

Ballsgate · Feb 13, 2020

Dan S
In addition to what has been mentioned above, I suspect that the crown, pushers, and hands were replaced at service. However, the dial is obviously the major issue. None of this is too surprising given that it was a daily wear watch for many years.

Hi!

The pushers I thought to be original as they seem to comply to the correct sizing. Not sure whether Omega replaced them with original or more modern sizes (does that make sense?). The hands I thought might also be original as the 'glow' has gone and I would have thought there would be something still there if they were replaced in the late 90s. I have no idea what the expected life of those things is. The crown was my main concern but mainly through reading posts on this forum.

My default stance is to stick with the original parts. My fear was that with my lack of knowledge, things might have been replaced without my knowledge. I'd like to be able to give an honest description to any potential buyer. It was simply sent to Omega for a service which cost £200 at the time.

Many thanks for your time......Nick

Dan S · Feb 13, 2020

Ballsgate
I have made the decision to sell my 1964 Omega Speedmaster Ed White as I'm increasingly nervous about owning something of such value.

Perhaps now that you know it is not as valuable as you thought, you will feel more comfortable owning and wearing it. 👍

padders · Feb 13, 2020

Dan S
Perhaps now that you know it is not as valuable as you thought, you will feel more comfortable owning and wearing it. 👍

Not everyone is nuts like us. There are plenty of perfectly sane people who would consider the £6-7k this watch might fetch too much money to carry around on their wrist.

dennisthemenace · Feb 13, 2020

Spacefruit
First you are going to get some flak about having a single post and trying to sell a watch in it. Ignore it, I am happy to see the watch and in today’s environment it is unlikely that you will get any PM’s to buy this watch.

it is a poor to fair condition watch.

the heart of the value is the dial, case and bezel. You have a fair to poor dial, and a fair bezel. The case is a classic 64 straight sides and looks good.

to be honest, don’t panic about the value. It’s not that great compared to others offered today, but it is an honest watch that at the right price has appeal.

i am afraid to tell you this is exactly the kind of watch that people have been basing end of the world pronouncements regarding the speedmaster values, because they are being offered at too much money and not selling.

this kind of watch will easily find a home at the right price, and that price is much less than it was last year.

The voice of reason, as ever.

Ballsgate · Feb 13, 2020

Dan S
Perhaps now that you know it is not as valuable as you thought, you will feel more comfortable owning and wearing it. 👍

I think if it was still worth what I paid for it, then I'd certainly feel more comfortable! 😀

Ballsgate · Feb 13, 2020

padders
Not everyone is nuts like us. There are plenty of perfectly sane people who would consider the £6-7k this watch might fetch too much money to carry around on their wrist.

I realised a long time ago that whilst I might be able to afford the purchase cost, I'm not sure I can deal with the ownership worry that such items can bring. It's all down to the individual though. I've kept it stored away for 15 years whereas someone else would have worn and enjoyed it for that time.

As I get older, there's also the thought that should I drop dead, my wife will then have the headache of what to do with it. She's made it clear that's not something she wants to deal with. Strangely, she seemed less concerned with my dropping dead.....

Ballsgate · Feb 13, 2020

Thanks to the advice from simonsays and billythekid, here are some new photos of the bezel looking slightly cleaner with a newly discovered dot over the 90 (I think).

padders · Feb 13, 2020

This may be sacrilegious I know but I wonder if that watch is a candidate for a sympathetic dial relume. James Hyman (who is an active poster here) works miracles with dials like that. Not certain it would add value but it might look less tired and rather more desirable. I will probably be rightly lambasted for even floating such a heretical idea!

BlackTalon · Feb 13, 2020

That bezel looks much better now!

And x2 on a relume from one of the masters.

Omega Speedmaster 1964 Ed White - Help Required

Ballsgate

simonsays

BlackTalon

Spacefruit

Ballsgate

Ballsgate

simonsays

Ballsgate

billythekid

Dan S

Ballsgate

Ballsgate

Dan S

padders

dennisthemenace

Ballsgate

Ballsgate

Ballsgate

padders

BlackTalon

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