I am trying to figure out why the 1974 year speedmaster 145.022 seems to appear smaller than the 1969 145.022 speedmaster. There are a few differences that contribute the size appearance, but I can't seem to figure out which difference gives the 1974 a smaller appearance. Looking for any opinions here.., thanks in advance...

1969 model: leather strap
--The step dial just seems larger.
--The bezel has a slightly thicker font
--bezel background is black
--Crystal appears flatter.

1974 model: original bracelet
--flatter (non-step dial)
--bezel font is thinner
--bezel background is gray/black
--Crystal has more of a top hat shape


1974 speedmaster:

1969 speedmaster

 

Is it the wine? Beer? Scotch?

 

None of the above, just watch obsession/madness over the flatter crystal on the left compared to the top hat ....!

 

The crystals are often polished to remove scratches and the like. That results in removal of material - basically grinding the crystal down to get rid of the scratches.

Look up Polywatch.

 

Got it, thanks for the information. I like both watches, perhaps I'll have a new crystal installed on the 1969 model...

 

Im going to guess no omega symbol on the 69 crystal

 

Don't lose sight of case condition. Has the 69 seem some polishing? Can't tell from photos but lugs look a bit thinner than the 74... Idk...

 

Yes, no omega symbol dead center on the 1969 crystal, but the 1974 does have the symbol...

 

And the crystals are very different shapes. What does that tell you about the one with no logo?

 

Exactly!

Sometimes I surprise myself when I’ve been out drinking.

 

So, is my 1969 model the only one with flattened irregular sized crystal...? I am curious to see pictures from other Pre-moon crystals...

 

I think he needs to buy more Speedmasters so he has a wider base to make comparisons.

 

Hear, Hear!

 

To me the ‘74 bezel looks a tad wider


But it could just be the beer

 

If I had to guess why the crystal on the ‘74 looks off it’s because it is not compressed fully into the case. The crystal would have to be exceptional thick to sit up that high with the way the edges are exposed.

My guess is the crystal was replaced or removed and put back onto the watch with the bezel on it. The crystal appears seated into the bezel only and not fully compressed into the case.

Again, I can tell you about little calendars and JB bracelets so I should have refrained from commenting so feel free to disregard this and defer to the more knowledgeable members.

 

I will trade my knowledge on how high speedmaster crystals sit for your knowledge on anything to do with space, every day of the week.

The crystal height looks fine to me on the 74 though, just looks like a crystal which hasn't been polished down for decades. Either replaced or very well cared for!... Great looking pair. The dial differences on these two references can be mesmerizing. Texture, color, thickness of the dial text are what get me the most.

 

As other members have commented previously, the crystal on the 74 is correct, the one on the 69 is generic.
I did read somewhere that some factory fitted speedmaster crystals weren't branded with the logo, but I think that was long after the 69 was in production. Then again, the logo could of course have been polished off over the years.

 

I do understand the ‘74 crystal has the logo and is correct, but again, I really question if it is seated fully.

I believe the Omega symbol is etched under the crystal and would not be able to be polished off from the top.

Back to calendars and bracelets for me.

 

One more comparison photo. The 1974 is on the left.... This madness will never stop. And yes, I definitely need more speedmasters...!

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The Omega logo is etched on the inside of the hesalite...