Wondered what the experts think about this one that I just acquired? Looks like service bezel and second hand? I don't have the watch yet. But I am told it was purchased in 1965. I am assuming 105.012 but no shots of case back. Will provide more info when I have my hands on it.

 

I'm pretty new at this, but the dial and case look like a 105.012. I think it's a nice score.

 

More likely a 145.012? Wide spaced Ts, bigger pushers, and square chrono tail would fit into a late production 145.012. Could also be a 145.022-68 with a replacement DNN bezel, if we ignore the report of purchased in '65.

The experts will have the final say but just my first impressions.

 

If you are happy with it, that is all that matters, really. But you did ask here, so I will be the bad guy and give you my blunt feedback... I don't find the piece attractive at all. The lume on dial and hands is really unattractive... I would definitely have this piece relumed with a vintage look to it. Case looks pretty rough, and if i'm investing money into a mid-sixties Speedy, I'm definitely looking for a straight lug case. Bezel is a replacement and its beat to crap. Chrono hand is definitely service replacement. Once you get it, post up better pictures, tell us about the movement. Hopefully there is a good story here, you never know.

 

... but it could also be the poor light in the pic

 

All points duly noted. The photo is certainly very poor. I am hoping watch will be a bit better in real life! Will post more when I receive it.

 

It does look like its had a good innings already, with its share of knocks and wear. The lume is obviously missing in large amounts, and what's left is that dark green colour, generally associated with water ingress.

As soon as it arrives I'd be taking the back off to check for internal corrosion. Then it's all down to price. If it was bought fairly cheap, it could make a decent daily wearer. It needs to be cheap though as pretty much every part is either poor or incorrect.

I would say that I bought a 68 transitional only slightly better than this. A good service, clean, new hands, light polish and removing what remained of the mouldy lume returned a lovely watch. It will never be collector grade, but at the total price, it didn't need to be.

 

I think also it could be a 145.022-68

 

Arrived today. Quick clean up with polywatch shows a pretty tidy dial. Inside looks ok. Dust shield in place. And it's all working and so far keeping good time. Further thoughts??

 

Arrived today. Quick clean up with polywatch shows a pretty tidy dial. Inside looks ok. Dust shield in place. And it's all working and so far keeping good time. Further thoughts??

 

Better shot of movement.
I am rather pleased with it. My first 321 cal. Wearing it now.

 

Serial 265?

 

Nice looking watch. I picked up a 145.012 a few weeks ago and there's just something about it that wants to be worn on a NATO or replica Velcro strap.....

 

I can barely read the serial number, even with the macro shot on the camera! It looks like 2654..... case it pretty beaten up but it means I can wear it without fear! I think this might become a daily wearer....

 

I guess one of the decisions is to lume or not to lume. Leave it as is, or tidy up a little? And is that an original bezel being DNN not DON? I think the chrono second hand is original - it looks whiter in the photos but in real life is less "different".

 

Bezel is not original. Should certainly be DoN.

I dislike the green/black lume. In this case, where most of its already lost, I'd certainly remove what's left when you send it for a service.
If you have a good guy, with examples of past relume work that you're happy with, I consider reluming. A light case refinish (be someone who knows what they're doing) might also work.

I would keep an eye on costs though. It's not necessarily that important but I wouldn't want to be spending thousands on a service, relume, new bezel etc if the cost of this, plus te purchase price is way more than what it's worth.

Being called 'Norfolk', are you in the UK?

 

Yes I am in the UK. In Cambridge actually. just to confuse everyone. It wears really well so I dont think I will be throwing money at this one. Tidy up the lume as you say but this can be an everyday wearer. Maybe find someone who can do one of those aged looks. It runs well, winds smoothly and looks clean inside. I got lucky and picked this up at a good price so I have nothing to lose and everything to gain by just enjoying it. The bezel is certainly pretty beaten up so must have been changed many years ago. Ironically I have a DON bezel on my 1969 Speedmaster (delivered 1970 according to the extract). Maybe I should swap them over?!

 

Well a DoN is correct for some 69's if the serial is 29mil or early 30's I believe.

In you're in the UK, I'd definitely recommend sending it to STS and having a chat with Simon about the best way to proceed with a service and any other work.

 

Had a little clean up. Running beautifully now. Even the lume works!