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145.022-68 Speedy help

tech396
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Well I took a leap of faith yesterday and bought this Speedy from the original owners family. This was bought at the 1968 Summer Olympics & owned by a Sports Journalist covering the games.
Here's what I think I've bought.
Transitional 145.022-68 with replacement bezel.
The Good
Applied Logo
Early Ser # 265576**
Square sweeping hand
Long induces
Original signed Crystal
5mm pushers
6.8mm Crown
Original caseback
Decent brushed/polished case
Bezel is nice but not a DON ? Replacement?
The Bad
Replacement 1171/1 bracelet, but it's in good condition.
Dial lume is non existent and the hand lume is degrading falling apart.
It's been sitting in a drawer for 25 years, no service history except the log inside the caseback (7 services)
I lightly wound it and had it running accurately for 4 hrs then tried to wind again but the crown feels too tight ( not overwind) but locked and I don't want to mess with it.
What are your thoughts and suggestions. I'm in Canada and want it serviced. My watchmaker specializes in Rolex so I might not burden him with this if anyone knows of a service person in the Vancouver BC area.. PS. Not that it matters but what's the market value on these?

Screenshot_20250903-095226.webp Screenshot_20250902-153515.webp PXL_20250903_045040318.webp PXL_20250903_045030866.webp PXL_20250903_044929223.webp PXL_20250903_044921971.webp Screenshot_20250903-095724.webp PXL_20250903_053812489~2.webp PXL_20250903_050401797.webp
Edited:
 
tech396
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Well, I must be going blind. I was surfing that site all last night and didn't notice that chart. I get caught up in a learning frenzy and neglect to read everything sometimes. Thank you for the direct link. 😀
 
Porteroso
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Nice watch. A service, and relume, and it will be a real looker.
 
SOG53
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I think there is lume remaining I would just have it serviced and wear and enjoy it for a while. I wouldn’t rush into anything more. If you want something more pristine you can find another one later
 
tech396
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I agree 💯 You read my mind. I like it as-is because of the character.
SOG53 SOG53
I think there is lume remaining I would just have it serviced and wear and enjoy it for a while. I wouldn’t rush into anything more. If you want something more pristine you can find another one later
 
Aludic
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tech396 tech396
Bezel is nice but not a DON ? Replacement?
Correct. It’s a later replacement. Not without value in its own right, but a replacement nonetheless.

Still, looks like an honestly good wearer. Enjoy it (in case of daily wear; after a service)!
 
tech396
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Aludic Aludic
Correct. It’s a later replacement. Not without value in its own right, but a replacement nonetheless.

Still, looks like an honestly good wearer. Enjoy it (in case of daily wear; after a service)!
Thanks for your input. I share the same sentiment and plan on using it daily. I wasn't sure if I wanted a manual watch, but now I've cleaned it up & happy I bought it. I wasted no time getting it to the watchmaker. Bought, cleaned and off for service in 18hrs. 😆
 
dsio
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Aludic Aludic
Correct. It’s a later replacement. Not without value in its own right, but a replacement nonetheless.

Still, looks like an honestly good wearer. Enjoy it (in case of daily wear; after a service)!
I wouldn’t even both chasing a DON at this point unless it was some mint 321, this is a great daily wear vintage Omega to have and the combination of the nice applied logo dial and 861 make these -68 transitionals a really great score.

Since you’re in Canada @Archer would be a good option if he has room in his schedule but he’s often quite booked
 
tech396
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dsio dsio
I wouldn’t even both chasing a DON at this point unless it was some mint 321, this is a great daily wear vintage Omega to have and the combination of the nice applied logo dial and 861 make these -68 transitionals a really great score.

Since you’re in Canada @Archer would be a good option if he has room in his schedule but he’s often quite booked
Cheers. My thoughts exactly The cost of " correctness" to find a DON makes zero sense to me and will do exactly as you suggest. Clean it, service it & wear it 😀
 
hansaboy
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Welcome with your Speedy!
You got yourself a cool watch, and a very nice daily beater!
A full service with cleaning etc will do wonders, and keep the parts that are with the watch.
I also think that the lume is ok, but maybe an outdoor picture?

And here is a nice video regarding your reference:

Enjoy!
 
hansaboy
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And regarding the value...
You paid what you paid?

But this sale here could help you?
This one flew away in a couple of seconds!
😉
https://omegaforums.net/threads/vintage-omega-speedmaster-transitional-861-ref-145-022-68.185977/ Cover Image
Thread 'Vintage Omega Speedmaster Transitional 861 ref 145.022-68' ·
Offering for sale a ‘68 transitional Speedmaster 145.022-68.
If you’re looking for a collector grade 60’s Speedmaster well, this isn’t for you. If you’re looking for a nice wearable Transitional...
SOLD
£ 2995
Davidt ·
 
tech396
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hansaboy hansaboy
Welcome with your Speedy!
You got yourself a cool watch, and a very nice daily beater!
A full service with cleaning etc will do wonders, and keep the parts that are with the watch.
I also think that the lume is ok, but maybe an outdoor picture?

And here is a nice video regarding your reference:

Enjoy!
Thanks for your positive response. I did see that Sale but wasn't aware it sold that quick. As far as the Lume goes, I used my UV light to see the degradation, but I'm ok with it. I feel fortunate to simply own it. I'm into my first year of this collecting " bug" rabbit hole, and I'm enjoying the journey.
Edited:
 
aermotor
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Looks pretty great condition to me. As mentioned Archer in Canada is phenomenal for a service. Congrats.
 
tech396
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aermotor aermotor
Looks pretty great condition to me. As mentioned Archer in Canada is phenomenal for a service. Congrats.
Thank you, Yes, I've heard Al is a go-to .. cheers
 
tech396
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hansaboy hansaboy
And regarding the value...
You paid what you paid?

But this sale here could help you?
This one flew away in a couple of seconds!
😉
https://omegaforums.net/threads/vintage-omega-speedmaster-transitional-861-ref-145-022-68.185977/ Cover Image
Thread 'Vintage Omega Speedmaster Transitional 861 ref 145.022-68' ·
Offering for sale a ‘68 transitional Speedmaster 145.022-68.
If you’re looking for a collector grade 60’s Speedmaster well, this isn’t for you. If you’re looking for a nice wearable Transitional...
SOLD
£ 2995
Davidt ·
Because it was a non runner I made a fair deal where no one was thrilled, but we were both satisfied. If possible I'd like to get more info on the bezel fitted to my watch.
I see people quoting different terms like , "Service bezel" or "Replacement bezel" are those terms meaning the same thing? Are service bezels different to one that came on a later watch from the factory?
I see variants with an accent above tachymeter. Where could I get these details.? Forgive my apparent laziness, but sometimes it's best to get first hand knowledge. Thank you
 
tech396
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Dan S Dan S
your watch would originally have had a so-called DON bezel.

https://speedmaster101.com/ is a good place to start.
[/QUOTE
I'm trying to learn and educate myself. Is the one on it a service bezel, or a bezel from a later watch ( are those the same thing ?) or any other information is good information, I know DON & DNN differences, it's the term Service and Replacement that I'm wanting to understand. Cheers
 
Davidt
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Yes service/replacement/later are essentially interchangeable.

Yours is a later iteration of the bezel that was used both on later watches and as a service item.
 
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