Hi all,
I just talked to a guy on the other side of the country. I would love to hear your comments to see if you think it's worth traveling for. He offers for sale a Speedmaster Professional bought in spring 1979. What puzzles me is that he claims he bought it new, and also that it was a new model for that year. Still he also mentions an applied metal logo and no more text such as MKII or so. Is there a model with AML that I have overlooked? Or could this be a put together of different parts? Sorry, no pictures. That might have cleared things out.

 

First thing you need from this guy is pictures! I wouldn't travel very far to see something if the person can't provide a pic or two or firm description (model number or similar) of the item.

 

The elusive 145.012-79

 

He is probably just confused about something. Unless you live in an EXTREMELY small country, get some photos.

 

79 speedmaster did not have an AML. Get pics. He's either wrong on the dial or wrong on the year...

 

The reality is there is no way of knowing without serials and pictures what he is talking about. There is no -79 date stamp to my knowledge on Speedmaster Professionals. If he bought it new in 1979 it could be a host of models produced prior. Since the information is so minimal, I would also be questioning what he means by “new.” He very well could have bought a new-to-him AML dial in 1979.

 

You want to know if you should travel across the country for a watch with no pictures?!

 

Maybe he lives in Monaco.

 

Vatican City

 

So he found a 145.012-67 sitting unsold in a store in 1979 and bought it new. It's possible. I'd definitely be asking for photos.

 

Seriously, why no pictures?

 

Perhaps he only has one of these...

 

LOL... I actually did have one of those at some point. 5110 I believe?

 

FIFY (and no, in this case that does not mean Royal Air Force)...

 

I know, trying to get the man to send pictures. He's not very proficient with the phone...

 

He says he can't use the camera on the phone

 

Thanks, love your enthusiasm. Will let you know how this goes.

 

Have you tried calling him?

I'd try inputting his number into iMessage and see if it appears blue, if it does, ask him if his children/grandchildren are around and can help him with a facetime call. That way you get a better look at the watch.

 

Ask him to hold it from you and send photographs in the mail
Not so silly. Several times I've sent cash and a prepaid self addressed satchel for job lots where the seller was worried about giving their bank details to a stranger - not a lot of cash, mind you.