Anyone snag this?

https://m.ebay.com.au/itm/OMEGA-SPE...IGHT-QUALIFIED-PARTS-REPAIR-603-/202096546175Purchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network

I was considering asking if there was a BIN, but asked about shipping first. I think after a service and a scrub this could be a nice piece, even if a daily wearer.

 

Ed, every now and then I get the feeling you don't have a direction concerning what you want

 

It’s gone....

 

What am I missing? The item description reads:

WHEN I TOOK THE DUST COVER OFF IT STARTED RUNNING. IT STOPPED AFTER A COUPLE OF MINUTES. THEN IT TRIED TO RUN AGAIN WHEN I WAS SETTING THE TIME. IT NOW MOSTLY DOES NOT RUN, ONLY TRYING TO RUN FOR A FEW SECONDS AT A TIME, IF I MOVE THE CROWN AS IF SETTING TIME. IT MAY NOT RUN AT ALL AFTER IT IS SHIPPED.

I assume that this is only the start of a very bad set of circumstances surrounding this what, yet it sold for $1800. Is a 145.022-71 so rare it would be worth this money on this condition?

 

gone like the wind

 

$1000 in service for a total of $2800, which is the price of a Poor on the sm101 price chart. Probably worth it.

 

We don't know if it sold for $1800, that was the only bid in. Still, -71s are pushing $4000 head-only, so this one was probably a nice pickup one way or another.

 

I've often thought about buying a vintage Speedmaster. So school me. What makes you think that this watch wasn't completely trashed? Yes, the seller has good feedback on eBay, but from the sound of the add the seller had no idea about the condition of the watch he was selling. The condition is suspect to say the least. Are you simply risking $1800 on the hope that the movement hasn't been damaged beyond repair?

 

I am far from being an authority on Speedmaster knowledge but that movement looked very clean to me. I am sure it didn't need much to get it going.

 

The reason I ask is that a local jeweler has a Speedmaster watch head that is in decent shape and I know the watch runs. The only thing that seems to have been replaced is the crown, but I'm sure I can source an appropriate replacement. He is not a watch specialist and he is not even sure what he has there. I plan to go by and get the serial number. Aside from that I plan to take some picture to post so I can get some advise about condition, originality, etc. What else should I look for?

 

Look over your shoulder. There's sharks in these waters.

 

Was that about my question? Is that really necessary? I own a Speedmaster that is my daily wearer and I would really like to purchase a vintage Speedy that I can restore where needed and one day leave to my son. How exactly does that make me a shark?

 

I am far from being an authority on Oddboys mindset but I think he meant we are all sharks and that you should watch out

 

Oh no, not you. Just mentioning that a local jeweler has a speedy and doesn't know much about it brings out the sharks.

Sounds like a great plan you have there. Study up on speedmaster101.com and post here if you're not sure about something.

 

Thank you. He is my jeweler and I wouldn't cheat him. I have known him for years. He simply isn't invested in the watch. As for the location, that is my secret for now! I love these watches and I think that the Speedy looks as good weathered and on a distressed leather strap as it does new on the bracelet.

The question still stands. Aside from the serial number and opening the case back for identifying information what should I look for?

 

There's particular details of the dials you will want to check. Also the bezel. Is it period correct or modern replacement? Crown as you mention. Hands.

Read up here, search for info about the dial variations on the 70s sub refs, and study a lot of pictures.

 

Thanks. I will be visiting the jeweler soon and I will post pictures if I can get them. Maybe its worthwhile, maybe it isn't. He showed it to me very briefly the last time I visited and I didn't have time to inspect it.

 

Best of luck Saul!

 

The hardest part of that watch to replace would be the dial, and it looks like it's in good enough condition. The rest of the watch, including the movement, could be either refurbished or replaced if necessary - but right now it looks like the only thing screaming for replacement is the crystal. Movement looks really clean, and it's not hard to work on or find parts for the 861

 

These things are always a crap shoot, if this guy is a jeweler, he knows what he has. It's like a mechanic selling a used Ferrari for $20K, they know something we don't.

For me a '71 in this condition is not really worth my time or hassle...

Best of luck in your pursuit.