Hello.
I have a 1970 Speedmaster that ended up in a pool by accident. I never saw liquid in the crystal but there was a little condensation on the inside of it. (It was a hot environment.) The watch has sat for 20 years since then because I'd assumed it was destroyed.

I recently posted a photo of the movement on Reddit where most were of the opinion that it could be repaired.

My goal would be to keep as much of the original movement as possible; replacing only the parts that cannot be restored. I do not want a new movement, or for the dial or hands to be changed.

Any suggestions or info is appreciated!

 

The movement can be cleaned and serviced, no problem - but best to send this to someone competent

if you are in the UK - either Simon Freese or Swiss Time Services would be recommended

 

Yes, please share where you are so we can recommend a watchmaker.

 

If you want to see what can be done, take a listen to this podcast, and follow along with the photos posted

william is the mastermind behind the resource Speedmaster101 - please check this out also

https://www.time4apint.com/podcast/the-time-4a-pint-podcast-episode-21

 

I am in the US... forgot to mention that. I added it to the post Title.

Thanks!

 

I recently had a Seamaster Professional serviced by Nesbit's in Seattle and I am 100% happy with their work. They are Omega authorized service and they pay attention to customers. Service is excellent and they are very responsive to questions.

 

I know of them, and I happen to be in Seattle! I'll arrange to drop it off to them this week after work and see what they say once they get a chance to have a look. Thanks!

 

Can you zero in on your geography a tad? To me, this looks like a movement service only. I'm not sure I'd do any more.

 

LOCATION: I forgot to mention where I am and updated the title to reflect. I'm in the US, Seat

That's great to hear! I have felt a little depressed every time I've come across the watch in my desk since the incident. I'm very encouraged by everyone's opinions of it being repairable. I'm in Seattle. SkunkPrince mentioned Nesbit's, which I've heard of, so I'll give them a try this week.

 

Just make sure you make it clear that you want movement only. Really important.

 

For sure. I don't want them to replace anything that isn't required to get it running again. I don't want the crown, buttons, bezel, etc touched. Definitely nothing on the face or bezel. I don't even want the case polished. Every tiny scratch or ding is part of the watch's history.

 

Curious... I have no intention of selling it, but what would it be worth, roughly, once it's running again? I know the crystal has been replaced, and it has the "Moon Watch" back which I've been told is not the original for that era. I paid $1,200 for the watch in 2002.

 

Might also look into getting that dial looked at. Tritium is looking like it is falling/fallen off.

 

I'm sure it is. I think I'd like to leave it as is so as to retain it's "age" and history. It won't be a daily wear by any means, so there wouldn't be any practical reason to. I have a beat-to-hell Citizen Promaster that I wore for 15 years as a dive instructor and boat captain in the Caribbean and I refuse to have the sun-faded dial or hands replaced for the same reason.

 

Speedmaster 101 will give you all the info you need.

 

After restoration, assuming that goes well, you'll find you did well.

First, read this: https://speedmaster101.com/145-022-69/
Then read this: https://speedmaster101.com/price-chart-2/ (pay attention to the 145022-69 DO90 row)

 

Tritium falling off a dial can stop a movement.

 

They might be able to clean the hands and dial without damaging. But do pay attention. I know what you want may not be what you hear but it does pay to listen to the experts.

 

Second thought: Unless having just the tritium restored wouldn't affect the value of the watch, but I don't know anything about the valuations.

Thank you!

I noticed the Flight Qualified row a few down from that one. That's the back that it has, though I have no idea if it's the original.

 

Maybe look into having @Archer service it?