Hi guys, a new member here...

I was recently offered to buy a vintage Omega Speedmaster and considering doing a full restoration of this watch.
As it is quite easy to make a very expensive mistake when dealing with vintages, Im looking for expert opinion and any help I can get.

Does everything look the way it should?
Can you also suggest a trustworthy watchmaker/shop I can contact for restoration?

Thank You.

 

It looks interesting but tell us what you think you have.

 

I'm assuming this is a late 70's Speedmaster?

The reference number inside the caseback and the serial are your first port of call to determine what it is, then you look at the dial, bezel, hands etc to see if they're period correct.

 

The seller claims it is 1969 with 321 caliber inside or so he was told long time ago.
Im not an expert but I believe it is 145.022-71 with 861 movement.
Unfortunately, I didn't yet have a change to pop the case back open to confirm it and take a picture.

 

It’s down to the money you paid.

It will respond very well to service

 

This is an international forum, you need to narrow down your location if you want a recommendation.

 

Looks like a -74, -76 or a -78 to me.

Take it to a local watchmaker to get the caseback removed and take good clear pictures of the inner caseback and movement.

 

Im in Canada. Anywhere in North America would work.

 

@Archer is in Toronto. Canada is a big place.

 

The seller was either "mislead" or is full of crap. It ain't no 1969 with a 321 inside...

 

I got my money riding on a 1980's

 

The last owner is 76. He said he bought it almost brand new but doesn't remember what year it was.

 

I'll bet he's 69 and bought it in 76. Crazy old coot.

 

He's a couple hours outside of Toronto but close enough. Although with the new subdivision going in behind him, he might say it's starting to feel like Toronto compared to how tranquil his neighbourhood has been forever.

 

So late 70's, early 80's?

 

I see a short tail on the Q pointing to 80's unless the case back was replaced.

 

Got it. What do you think of the condition? Possible/easy to restore?

 

What you want to restore? Polish the scratches out of the crystal and Bob is your uncle Nothing wrong with the fellow

 

Nice clean sharp lines on the case, don't ruin them by getting it polished or anything silly like that. An overhaul will get it running well, disassembled and cleaned up. Crystal can be polished. It will be a great vintage piece. If you want it to look brand new, I suggest buying a new Speedmaster.

 

Thinking of getting it fully cleaned up, movement serviced. Most likely replacing the crystal as it has a few pretty deep scratches.