1973 Speedmaster Pro - memorial purchase assistance

Hi Folks,

I'm a new member but have loved Omega watches since I was a kid and have for many, many years sought to purchase a Speedmaster Pro and just never followed through on that interest. In the back of my mind, I'd thought that I'd want either an early version with the applied logo or, perhaps, a birth year model from the 70s. However, in an extremely difficult and sad turn of events, my brother recently passed away in an accident.

He had an incredible mechanical and engineering mind set and it suddenly dawned on me that a Speedmaster Pro, with all of it's historical significance, would be the perfect item to purchase as a memorial to remember him by every day. He was born in 1973 and, for that reason, I would like to purchase a 1973 version of the watch.

So, with that having been said, I know there are many of you with a FAR FAR greater depth of knowledge about this watch than I have. I would very much appreciate a primer on what to look for in this purchase, perhaps a referral to a reputable dealer(s) that I can connect with to assist with locating a watch, and it would also be helpful to get a sense of the range that I should expect to pay for the watch either privately (which might be preferable) or through a dealer.

Many thanks for your assistance!

I realize that this is a long post but I also wanted to share my heirloom Omega that I received from my Dad about 20 years ago. This watch was given to my Dad by my Great Uncle in approximately 1955 (give or take a few years) since he was walking to school and needed to get there on time. At the time, ID bracelets were apparently desirable and my Grandparents had a custom band made for the watch out of a sterling ID bracelet. I do wish that the dial was in better condition but I have been extremely reluctant to have it restored. I've also looked around for a NOS or used dial in better shape but have never located one (although, admittedly, I probably didn't look that hard!). There was a period of time where I wore this watch almost daily but I am a LOT more careful with it now and it's also due for service. 😀 I hope you enjoyed the story and the photos.

edit: oops, photos in the post below.

I do not really mind the specks on the dial to be honest. It adds a bit of character to it.

I'd put it on a nice leather strap though.

Thanks for sharing!

Thanks! The bracelet has a lot of meaning to me since it was custom made for my Dad based upon his design. It's just part of what makes it special to me and, eventually, my son will hopefully enjoy it too once he's old enough.

great family history on your wrist.

omega didn't produce a 145.022 st-73... so you'd have to look for a -71 with a EoA and a made date of 1973.

here's so info on this run:
http://speedmaster101.com/145-022/145-022-71-74-76-78/