Ok, '69 isn't first gen, its a fair bit later, there was the CK2915 (released in 1957) with the Cal 321 movement, then there was the CK2998 which is actually separated into several variants starting in about 1959, then the 105.002 starting in '62 then 105.003 in '63 105.012 following shortly after, and then 145.003 / 145.012 (all up to this point with Cal 321).

Then in '68 the 145.022 came out with the Cal 861 movement, now if your dad's watch was made in '69, it was likely a Cal 861 ST145.022, however if your dad BOUGHT it in '69, it could be an older 145.012 (as it was likely made some time before it was bought). So its likely about a 5th or 6th generation Speedmaster (Speedmaster really has been around a LONG time), but if you have pictures of it at all, that'd help, as would if you can remember did the dial have a painted on (white) omega logo or an applied metal (silver) logo?

 

Its definitely a Cal 861 circa 69 then, that caseback is actually rather uncommon.

 

3800 is too high, 2000-2500 is more the money.

 

Are you after a full set though, or just the correct watch with that caseback?

 

This is actually a store local to me called Brisbane Vintage Watches, they did the restoration on my Rolex Submariner 1680 and the bloke heading the sales team, Ronnie is pretty good at sourcing quality vintage pieces, now they are expensive in general, but they're charging $2650 AUD for that model you're after with the caseback you want (and because you're in the USA not Australia, you can probably ask them to remove the 10% GST from the price, maybe even negotiate further).

http://brisbanevintagewatches.com/subpage_product_view.php?id=1397

The bracelet is not that pricey, assuming you actually want one, and frankly I'd rather buy a brand new 1171 bracelet than wear a 40 year old one anyway.

 

IMHO, this watch is 2-2.5k head only in all original decent shape.

 

That was about what I'd figured, the bracelet is not rare, the movement case and dial certainly aren't, the only thing differentiating it from the most common Speedmaster Pro model is the '69 caseback.

 

The complete versions of these came with a properly dated 1039 bracelet and a moonwatch box - both of these are desirable pieces. When equipped in this fashion, you are looking at $3500 - $4000.

 

You sure about the 1039? I've seen original '69s with period 1171s and Robert-Jan's Speedmaster bracelet article mentions the 1171 change happened at the same time as the 321 -> 861 transition www.omega-addict.com/reviews/bracelets/

 

Yup, sure about it. Bill Sohne has one which he showed me with that bracelet and that box in overall NM condition. I believe back then he was willing to sell it (I believe he wanted ~$4k for the package). I've seen a few others with that bracelet as well. And it is not true that the 1171 change happened with the 321-861 transition- the earliest 861 (including the ones with the applied logo on the dial and the ones with the 145.022-68 casebacks (and cal. 861 movement even with the later painted on omega symbol) came with the 1039 bracelet and not the 1171.

 

Hmm k that's interesting, what was the first year of the 1171 then?

 

The 1039 bracelet is fragile and expensive, sort of like the Rolex 9315 bracelets, you're better off with an 1171 if you're wearing it every day as your main watch.

 

Mind you, Speedmasters look great on leather straps.