145.012 inherited from brother your opinion

ac106

You really don't have to apologize for anything.

watchknut

Congrats, and we all know your brother is happy that you came to learn about his well loved watch.

While it may not be perfect, few watches are, lets all thank God that it still has most of its original bits and was crucified at service!

The crown, honestly, is Jason going to care? Probably not.

The missing tritium? It would look amazing if the Pianist or another specialist were to work their magic, but does Jason want to send the watch to a specialist? Maybe, but probably not.

The hands? I have to agree, those hands are rather unattractive. If it were me, I would replace (keeping the original of course) with a new set of hands, and have them relumed or painted so that they are more in line with the dial. Fixing the hands would do a lot for the watch IMO.

The bracelet? Sell it and buy a correct one. I did this with my 145.022, and got a great period correct 1171. Or wear on a strap--Speedies look amazing on a strap! A Bulang & Sons minimal stitch would killer, as well as your run of the mill NATO.

Per marturx comments, I say wear it is a beater and enjoy--it was a well loved and worn watch by your brother, so continue to wear it and remember him every time you put it on.

marturx

Man up.... @PatrickJ

I oppose everything you have written in this thread, and it's for sure a lot, plus I do think you show very bad manners too, for calling a member here a snob, for no cause at all

P PatrickJ

It is not a beater watch, it is a good one.

P PatrickJ

It is people like this snob cal.321 that need to be ignored. If the crown is wrong it was probably changed at service, even if hands repainted it is an old watch it is not perfect. Service the watch as long as it is in basic good condition enjoy it. As long as the dial is original and movement and case original it is a good watch. Notice how cal. 321 does not put a positive word across to you.

marturx

Man up.... @PatrickJ

I oppose everything you have written in this thread, and it's for sure a lot, plus I do think you show very bad manners too, for calling a member here a snob, for no cause at all

watchknut

My collection is full of beaters, and all of them are good ones. Tool watches are meant to be worn, and that is why I was echoing marturx' comment. Since Jason is not a collector, he doesn't need to be hampered by the value and originality, but rather needs to focus on enjoying the watch.

While rarely mentioned, I would get an insurance rider on the watch for piece of mind.

Dgercp

I find this comment highly inappropriate. Why are you calling someone a snob who is describing what he sees in the watch.
Agree with ac106. The apology should be from you to cal. 321. Members here are not required to make comments just to make someone feel good.

Tiny Iota

I think Patrick's Christmas activity is a little worrying. There's a time to put down the sherry and relax.

cicindela

OK. Hopefully we are all done now as this appears resolved.

My believe is the recent months stratospheric rise in Speedy prices has us all filled with anxiety and on edge. 🤔 Let's be calm and we can all get through this together 😉

VetPsychWars

Your watch looks in pretty good condition. Bracelet while not original is quite serviceable.

I suggest another alternative, if usability is desirable; replace the dial with a service dial that has the upright (Otto Frei has them, while they last, for $360) and replace the hour, minute, and sweep seconds hands. This gives you a clean dial with Super Luminova, likewise clean hands also with Super Luminova.

Since you're saving the original dial and hands, value is maintained as they can always be put back into the watch, and it also improves the looks and usability.

I wouldn't worry too much about the crown. Service parts are a way of life, and you care more about your brother than collector nitpicking, right?

Tom