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145.022 ST 71 advice

J
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Hello everyone,

I have recently acquired this Speedmaster Pro 145.022 ST71. It was owned by NASA physicist Liz Bains who worked for NASA from the 70s on. She was the scientist who created the arm for the US space shuttle program. I am going to have Omega do an archive extract to see if it was a watch originally delivered to NASA or if it was sent to a store.

The watch itself is in good working order and cosmetically looks good to a novice like me. I am not sure if it is all original or has service parts on it. Maybe someone here can help with that information. Also, I don’t have pictures of the case Back removed or serial number yet. The bracelet is not original but I have a nos 1171/633 on the way.

I am looking for what service I should have done to preserve the authenticity of the watch and not reduce its value. I am considering having nesbits do a full service with case refurbishment leaving the face and hands as they are. What are your recommendations? And what do you think a rough valuation of the watch is?

Regards,

Jeff
 
A39C67B8-D91C-4ECC-A14B-807CB59BBE32.jpeg
gemini4
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Very, very nice. Hands, dials, case, bezel look A OK to me. Welcome to OF!
 
Dan S
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Looks quite good to me. Congrats on a nice find. Personally, I would leave the case alone.
 
gemini4
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I presume the extract won’t say NASA. If it did it’s US Government property.
 
Davidt
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No refurbishment needed on that case imo. The rest looks nice and original.

As @padders suggests, I’d be extremely surprised if an extract showed anything other than ‘delivered to USA’.

Regarding price, I think the NASA link adds interest and collectability but no financial value.
 
J
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gemini4 gemini4
I presume the extract won’t say NASA. If it did it’s US Government property.
Good point, it probably wouldn’t say that.
 
AdamS
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Looks like a nice -71with a good history 👍👍 nice find.

I would have the movement serviced and crystal polished and leave the case, dial and hands as-is. I think the dial will look much cleaner once the crystal is polished.
 
J
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AdamS AdamS
Looks like a nice -71with a good history 👍👍 nice find.

I would have the movement serviced and crystal polished and leave the case, dial and hands as-is. I think the dial will look much cleaner once the crystal is polished.
Thanks for the advice, does having the pushers and crowns replaced during service matter or is it expected they would be changed?
 
Dan S
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J jneahr
Thanks for the advice, does having the pushers and crowns replaced during service matter or is it expected they would be changed?

There will be differences of opinion on that topic, but I generally choose to keep them original since I'm not really expecting my vintage watches to be completely waterproof. If you do have them replaced, make sure you hold on to the old ones.

I am not seeing a logo on the crystal, so it may be aftermarket. If so, you may want to have it replaced with an authentic one.
 
Toishome
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Very nice 👍 Just get it serviced. No need to fiddle with the case.
 
J
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Dan S Dan S
There will be differences of opinion on that topic, but I generally choose to keep them original since I'm not really expecting my vintage watches to be completely waterproof. If you do have them replaced, make sure you hold on to the old ones.

I am not seeing a logo on the crystal, so it may be aftermarket. If so, you may want to have it replaced with an authentic one.
Any recommendations for watchmakers?
 
140dave
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J jneahr
Any recommendations for watchmakers?
You mentioned Nesbits in your opening post. They are pricey but really good at what they do.
 
J
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140dave 140dave
You mentioned Nesbits in your opening post. They are pricey but really good at what they do.
I am leaning that way but open to other options as well.
 
J
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Dan S Dan S
There will be differences of opinion on that topic, but I generally choose to keep them original since I'm not really expecting my vintage watches to be completely waterproof. If you do have them replaced, make sure you hold on to the old ones.

I am not seeing a logo on the crystal, so it may be aftermarket. If so, you may want to have it replaced with an authentic one.
Dan there is a logo its just difficult for me to capture but its directly above the center of the crystal. Still was considering having it replaced though.
 
Dan S
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J jneahr
Dan there is a logo its just difficult for me to capture but its directly above the center of the crystal. Still was considering having it replaced though.

Great, I just couldn't see it in the photos. In that case, there's no need to replace it IMO.
 
rbob99
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J jneahr
Any recommendations for watchmakers?

Kelly Hunter @artofthewatch.com would be a great choice.
 
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