Hi all,

Came across a local deal and wanted to confirm with OF that the Speedmaster I'm looking at has correct and original parts. Should a 1973 have a step dial? Any other concerns?

Thanks so much, and apologies for the photo quality. It's all I've got to go on.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/qmmtjDNuZRopdPwEA
https://photos.app.goo.gl/zpVWQdtc9ZK4hpbz6

 

Hard to tell (for me) from pic if it even has a step dial; seems important to get a sn off the movement and perhaps a model number off the inside of the caseback, and confirm what you’re really dealing with. This is also good info: http://speedmaster101.com/145-022/145-022-71-74-76-78/

Cant speak much beyond that but it looks nice.

 

That is a nice looking Speedy going by those 2 images, lume seems to match, case looks like it has sharp edges, bezel looks clean and crisp, the bracelet looks like a 1035 in nice condition which is valuable, and the crater box is also rare and worth a lot of money.

I have a 1974 step dial by serial but case back says 71-T.

 

What is the basis of calling it a 1973 Speedmaster? Does it come with an Extract dating it to 1973? Receipt or warranty paperwork from 1973? Does the serial number suggest 73? If so based on what SN table?

There is no -73 model, and the reason I ask all these questions is that as @ryankelly suggests you need pics of the serial number and inside of the caseback in order to determine if the dial is appropriate.

 

Thanks all for your help. The seller suggested that it's a 1973 and so I'm assuming he's correct until I see otherwise, but you're all correct that it's not confirmed.

Thank you for the link to the S101 page, I hadn't seen that particular article!

I'll be paying the seller a visit tomorrow to see the watch, fingers crossed it's all there! Thank you for the help.

 

I agree with all you say. More and better pictures are needed. Also, I am concerned that the Chrono is stopped just so it covers the S on Speedmaster. The style of the S is the easiest way to identify a dial.

 

And hopefully that box comes with it.

 

I think the chrono hand has been stopped there for a reason.
If you zoom in, the Sp looks to me as if it's damaged.

 

Looks great from the pics. I'd say -74 or -76 just because I don't really see the step. How much they asking for it?

 

Nice watch. I think the hands are replaced during a service.

Matth

 

They look fine to me as the lume looks in keeping with the hour indices, I think what happens sometimes is cameras over expose close up images of black dials which makes the hands and highlights look brighter and essentially newer white paint.

 

Photography skills are lacking.

@moretoasties , for posterity its better to copy pictures into a thread, as links go dead.


I would say it looks great.
The hands look fine to me (they look untouched).
The step can be seen from the lume.
I would also wager that there is no damage to the dial and that any marks on 'Sp' are scratches on the crystal (there are a few other scratches if one looks carefully).
Its probably a 145.022-71.
But as the others said, to be certain, you need more pictures.
And, all depends on price...

 

is it mint? or, nos.

 

Judging by these two pictures, the watch looks stunning! Obviosly worn only a couple of times and then stored away for decades...

 

Agree. Bad photo. 'Sp' just blurry I think.

 

Need better pics. I’d not verify that’s a step dial from the pictures. But -73 production is a 145.022-71 and should have a step dial.

 

What does ilovemyspeedmaster.com say for production date?

 

As @eugeneandresson said, and after looking again, I do think you can see the step telegraph through the lume at 12 o’clock. Obvs the OP needs to confirm up close though.

 

12,1,2 and 3...

 

I’m not disagreeing. But if my rep was on the line for a purchase recommendation, I’ve been fooled with better pictures before. It does tend to look like a step dial but the picture quality makes me Leary to confirm.