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1969 Omega Speedmaster

JC3
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Hello everyone. I recently inherited a watch and would like to know what I have on hand. I'm entirely ignorant to watches and all advice is appreciated. Below is information I received. This information came from the original owner, a senior citizen, so may be incorrect.

  • 1969 Omega Speedmaster, purchased in 1974, likely at an Air Force base in Alaska.
  • Part of the band is 18k gold, tarnised
  • There is a 018 or 810 stamped on the band where it meets the watch.
  • Missing a knob

Who should I send this to for refurbishment? I plan on keeping and wearing it. Possibly changing out the band to something lighter like leather. Is it possible to make an educated guess on the worth once refurbished based on info/pictures given? TIA

20251120_111317.webp 20251120_111358.webp 20251120_111405.webp 20251120_111411.webp 20251120_111444.webp 20251120_111500.webp
 
JC3
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A averygrace899
The two tone bezel gives it a great vintage charm.
Agreed. I love the look and it has sentimental value. Any advice on sending it into Omega to be cleaned up vs finding a local shop? I'll be wearing it and am considering switching the band to leather.
 
Vinz Clortho
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Any local watchmaker can work on it, but sending it to Omega might be a better option. The watch band looks very worn and probably will need a replacement one sourced. Same with the missing pusher. Definitely needs a service to make sure the movement get cleaned, oiled, seals replaced, etc. so it will run great again.

Sending it to Omega will make it look brand new. It will be about $800 for the service and then the cost for pusher/bracelet. But they will have everything in stock rather than a watchmaker having to source it.

Since you plan on wearing it, it will be worth it. And can definitely find a nice leather strap to pair it with for a different look. But the two tone bracelet gives it a great look. As far as what it's worth, besides the sentimental value, can do a search in the sales forum here or on chrono24 for an idea. Overall, once the work get done, it will be a great watch to wear.
 
MRC
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What you have is commonly known, and sometimes even by Omega, as "The Reduced". Popular with some and not with others. The most comprehensive history I've seen is by threequarterplate referenced here by @KaiseRRuby a week ago.

Servicing is a problem, very few independents will tackle it properly [*] and Omega charge heavily, but to my mind Omega is the way to go with this one. Otherwise you may have a long, long search to find the correct replacement pusher. Expect $1000 at Omega plus the pusher, or $800-ish from an independent, plus pusher of course. Value when refurbished I'd guess at $2-3000. It seems to be in good shape, is unusual and to some eyes very attractive, but being in an eddy rather than mainstream may be harder to find a buyer. If you are planning to keep and wear it then none of this matters.

[*] They will do the base automatic movement but not the Dubois Dépraz chrono module that drives all the hands.
Edited:
 
JC3
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Vinz Clortho Vinz Clortho
Any local watchmaker can work on it, but sending it to Omega might be a better option. The watch band looks very worn and probably will need a replacement one sourced. Same with the missing pusher. Definitely needs a service to make sure the movement get cleaned, oiled, seals replaced, etc. so it will run great again.

Sending it to Omega will make it look brand new. It will be about $800 for the service and then the cost for pusher/bracelet. But they will have everything in stock rather than a watchmaker having to source it.

Since you plan on wearing it, it will be worth it. And can definitely find a nice leather strap to pair it with for a different look. But the two tone bracelet gives it a great look. As far as what it's worth, besides the sentimental value, can do a search in the sales forum here or on chrono24 for an idea. Overall, once the work get done, it will be a great watch to wear.
Thank you for the thorough and detailed response. I'm not going to risk it and will be sending it into Omega for servicing.
 
ErichKeane
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MRC MRC
What you have is commonly, and sometimes even by Omega, as "The Reduced". Popular with some and not with others. The most comprehensive history I've seen is by threequarterplate referenced here by @KaiseRRuby a week ago.

Servicing is a problem, very few independents will tackle it properly [*] and Omega charge heavily, but to my mind Omega is the way to go with this one. Otherwise you may have a long, long search to find the correct replacement pusher. Expect $1000 at Omega plus the pusher, or $800-ish from an independent, plus pusher of course. Value when refurbished I'd guess at $2-3000. It seems to be in good shape, is unusual and to some eyes very attractive, but being in an eddy rather than mainstream may be harder to find a buyer. If you are planning to keep and wear it then none of this matters.

[*] They will do the base automatic movement but not the Dubois Dépraz chrono module that drives all the hands.
I think you're a little high on the 'refurbished' value here, but otherwise spot on. Reduced Speedmasters go for right around $2k all-day on reddit.

Omega is $900 right now (at least, my 1040 was!, AND they replaced the pushers for no additional cost), so you'll be putting roughly 1/2 its value into it to get it wearable.
 
masteroftime
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ErichKeane ErichKeane
I think you're a little high on the 'refurbished' value here, but otherwise spot on. Reduced Speedmasters go for right around $2k all-day on reddit.

Omega is $900 right now (at least, my 1040 was!, AND they replaced the pushers for no additional cost), so you'll be putting roughly 1/2 its value into it to get it wearable.
This one would be $1,100 USD because of the higher rate for watches with precious metals, but it should cover everything
 
ErichKeane
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masteroftime masteroftime
This one would be $1,100 USD because of the higher rate for watches with precious metals, but it should cover everything
Oh! I didn't realize PM charged more, but that makes a ton of sense if they'd be replacing pushers too.
 
JC3
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ErichKeane ErichKeane
I think you're a little high on the 'refurbished' value here, but otherwise spot on. Reduced Speedmasters go for right around $2k all-day on reddit.

Omega is $900 right now (at least, my 1040 was!, AND they replaced the pushers for no additional cost), so you'll be putting roughly 1/2 its value into it to get it wearable.
I was planning around the $1000 mark for getting it serviced. Considering it cost me nothing to get the actual watch, it seems like a fair price to pay.
 
bsowers34
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JC3 JC3
I was planning around the $1000 mark for getting it serviced. Considering it cost me nothing to get the actual watch, it seems like a fair price to pay.
I had my 3523.80 triple calendar serviced when the chrono wouldn't reset, that was 900, then I had the dial replaced, another 600. Worth it to me for my favorite watch.
 
JC3
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bsowers34 bsowers34
I had my 3523.80 triple calendar serviced when the chrono wouldn't reset, that was 900, then I had the dial replaced, another 600. Worth it to me for my favorite watch.
I realize that in watch world this piece isn't comparatively valuable, but that's honestly not a bad thing to me. I can wear it often and not fret over it too much.
 
bsowers34
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JC3 JC3
I realize that in watch world this piece isn't comparatively valuable, but that's honestly not a bad thing to me. I can wear it often and not fret over it too much.
Agree, and it'll come back looking fantastic. Enjoy it.
 
Dan S
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Obviously the historical information you received is completely wrong, which might affect how you feel about the watch.

This watch will appeal to some and not to others, including me. And speaking candidly, it’s not particularly valuable or collectible. Are you really going to wear it?

If you personally love it, or it has tremendous sentimental value, then fix it. But $1k is a lot to invest in that watch IMO. In your place, I would probably sell it and buy a watch that really appeals to me.
 
big case
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Dan S Dan S
Obviously the historical information you received is completely wrong, which might affect how you feel about the watch.

This watch will appeal to some and not to others, including me. And speaking candidly, it’s not particularly valuable or collectible. Are you really going to wear it?

If you personally love it, or it has tremendous sentimental value, then fix it. But $1k is a lot to invest in that watch IMO. In your place, I would probably sell it and buy a watch that really appeals to me.
harsh judgement

and

$1k really is not necessary to invest
 
Dan S
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big case big case
harsh judgement

and

$1k really is not necessary to invest
I doubt that Omega will service a Speedy Reduced, with parts needed, and also provide a new bracelet for less than $1k, but I guess we will see. Obviously some people will like this watch, but I think it’s fair to say that a two tone white dial Speedmaster Reduced is not high on the popularity scale.

Anyway, it’s just my opinion. But I strongly dislike all speedmaster reduced models, and this one especially.
 
big case
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Dan S Dan S
I doubt that Omega will service a Speedy Reduced, with parts needed, and also provide a new bracelet for less than $1k, but I guess we will see. Obviously some people will like this watch, but I think it’s fair to say that a two tone white dial Speedmaster Reduced is not high on the popularity scale.

Anyway, it’s just my opinion. But I strongly dislike all speedmaster reduced models, and this one especially.
a new bracelet - why?

send the watch to Omega - why?

i also dislike the reduced models, but that is not the question
 
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