1968 Omega Speedmaster Professional Transitional - family heirloom watch

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Hi all,

I wanted to share the story about my Omega Speedmaster Professional watch with the community. My uncle gave me this watch in 2018 a few months before I defended my Ph.D. dissertation. I wore this watch during my dissertation defense. My uncle told me my grandpa bought this watch brand new in 1969. My grandpa wore this watch daily until 1982 when he gave it to my uncle. My uncle had no sons so he gave me the watch. My Speedmaster Professional has the 861 movement and it has a 27xxx movement serial number so it's an early 861. I had it serviced back in 2018 and it ran great for a few years until it started losing time in 2023. I had it serviced again in March 2024. It now runs great. Last week I bought this Omega Speedmaster Professional modern bracelet with the adjustable clasp from an authorized dealer. This Omega Speedmaster Professional modern bracelet is very comfortable. I also have several NATOs, leather straps, and other Uncle Seiko metal straps that I swap since this is a strap queen. When my uncle gave me the watch the crystal was super beat up and the DON bezel was so banged up it was unpleasant to look at. So I swapped the bezel with a modern Omega bezel. I also had the watchmaker replace the pushers and crown as I wear this watch everyday. I also wore this watch when my son.

For me, the pre-moon 861 movement makes a lot of sense and I prefer it to the 321 since I wear this watch daily. I would be worried if this had the 321 movement which is hard to find replacement parts for. It's great since I've taken this watch skiing, abroad to several countries in Europe, hiking, and on several adventures and never had any issues with timekeeping. It has barely come off my wrist since 2018.

At any rate, this is the centerpiece of my watch collection. My watch collection also includes a Seiko 5 orange dial 38mm, a variety of Seiko 7A28s, 7A38s, and 7A48s which are some of the best quartz movements ever made.

I wanted to share these pics. Someday, assuming my son appreciates watches, I'll give my
Speedy to him once he's at least 30 years old and can appreciate the finer things in life. I'll likely first give him an inexpensive Seiko 5 when he's in high school or college to see how well he takes care of that before I ever consider giving him my grandpa's Speedy.

Cheers,

Dave

 
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Hi Dave, welcome and thanks for sharing your lovely story!

There are not many here on the Forum that could say/write that they use their Speedys 24/7!
We often bitch about not using Speedys in the pool and while cutting the grass…..😁

Others might argue about serviceparts, but since it is your daily - I totally understand.

And lets hope that your son takes over the family heirloom!

Enjoy your Speedy, and keep posting!

Hans
 
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Great story, and enjoy the watch! Is that the original lume?

I also hope to pass on my Speedmaster(s) to my son one day.
 
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Lovely history.
I suggest you keep the old bezel and other parts to accompany the watch. Even although they may be beat up, they are valuable.
 
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Welcome to the forum, the lume on your watch has aged beautifully.

And allow me to say what a pleasure it is to have a introductory post like this, where someone makes an effort to engage with the community, in contrast with the usual abrupt demand for valuation of a watch being purchased or sold.
 
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Great story, and enjoy the watch! Is that the original lume?

I also hope to pass on my Speedmaster(s) to my son one day.
It's not the original lume. The original lume had some green spots from moisture intrusion. So I had a watch maker who specializes in vintage Omega relume the hands and dial. I know reluming reduces the value of the watch but I don't care because this watch will never leave my collection and, as long as I'm alive, it will never be for sale - so the value is of no relevance to me. This watch has more sentimental value than monetary value for me. I like to wear it and have the watch "look good". I know some "vintage purists" scoff at this idea but since it's my EDC, I want the watch to look good, perform well, and be robust.
 
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Welcome to the forum, the lume on your watch has aged beautifully.

And allow me to say what a pleasure it is to have a introductory post like this, where someone makes an effort to engage with the community, in contrast with the usual abrupt demand for valuation of a watch being purchased or sold.
Thanks! The dial and hands are relumed since the original lume had turned this unpleasant color. But it looks great now.
 
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Lovely history.
I suggest you keep the old bezel and other parts to accompany the watch. Even although they may be beat up, they are valuable.
Thanks - yes I have the original parts.
 
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It's not the original lume. The original lume had some green spots from moisture intrusion. So I had a watch maker who specializes in vintage Omega relume the hands and dial. I know reluming reduces the value of the watch but I don't care because this watch will never leave my collection and, as long as I'm alive, it will never be for sale - so the value is of no relevance to me. This watch has more sentimental value than monetary value for me. I like to wear it and have the watch "look good". I know some "vintage purists" scoff at this idea but since it's my EDC, I want the watch to look good, perform well, and be robust.
I think it looks great! Original is great if it is aesthetically pleasing, but walking around with a trashed watch in the name of originality is maybe a bit too far.

Congrats again! Appreciate the story, this is why I love vintage watches.
 
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Welcome! This is a refreshing first post.
This may make the purists a little uneasy but sounds like you made all of the right moves to make it best suited for you.
And at the end of the day that's all that matters, and you have a great watch with a great story!
 
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Welcome! This is a refreshing first post.
This may make the purists a little uneasy but sounds like you made all of the right moves to make it best suited for you.
And at the end of the day that's all that matters, and you have a great watch with a great story!
Thanks! I agree! To each their own.
 
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Welcome to the forum.
Great watch and great story😀

May I ask who did the relume?
I think it looks lovely!
 
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Welcome to the forum.
Great watch and great story😀

May I ask who did the relume?
I think it looks lovely!
Please DM me and I'll tell you.