Hi - I’m on the hunt for a birth year (1979) Speedmaster and one has come across my path. There don’t seem to be a lot of ‘79s, so I’m somewhat keen.

However, based on eMoonwatch Only, it seems there might be some inconsistency. The watch is advertised as a 145.0022 (seems plausibly consistent with a ‘79 date... maybe late production?), the caseback has a 145.0022-78 stamping (odd, not listed anywhere), but the movement serial is 399xxxxx which seems more consistent with a 145.022-78 caseback.

Is this an older movement in a newer case? A possible franken? Or just one of those weird transitional variations?

The seller notes the watch has been polished in the past, but the case otherwise looks clean and reasonably sharp.

 

Pictures of the watch please, only this way we can help you in a correct way.

 

I'm not an expert in this subject specifically, but via Fratello: "in 1981, the 145.022 becomes the 145.0022 (but the case reference remained 145.022, to make it more confusing)." - Ilovemyspeedmaster.com puts a 39.9m serial production around 1977.

It's possible that the case back could be a service replacement. Spotting possible condition differences from the caseback and other components might be necessary to clue us in. Thus, we need pictures.

 

I was wrong in my original post about the stamping on the caseback. It is 145.022-76

caseback: 145.022-76 (plausibly 1979 based on eMO)
serial: 39.9m (plausibly 1979 based on eMO, Roman Hartman)

More importantly, at least based on eMO, the serial number is consistent with the caseback. So, I’m feeling better about this now. I just have to figure out what I’d be willing to pay based on condition.

Here are some photos from the seller:

 

@waking-crickets check your inbox.

 

Let me make a wild guess. HQmilton according to the picture style.

 

Private seller, but now you have me wondering...

 

took me 10 seconds now..I think it's the right watch, hm? you might ask him..

https://www.hqmilton.com/timepieces/q05kgp02/1976-omega-speedmaster-professional-145.022-A1387

EDIT: even if not, these are HQ Milton pictures.

 

I believe it's this one.... But it's sold too. Unless it Mr. Crickets bought it already....

https://www.hqmilton.com/timepieces/7oge6904/1979-omega-speedmaster-145.0022-8263

 

Bingo. Wachtmaker inscription matches. So if someone privately offers this watch, I'd ask him why he uses these pictures..and none that proof ownership.

 

Yup, I agree it’s a match. I think I’m just going to pass on it. Even though my initial suspicion didn’t pan out, my spider sense was still tingling!

 

Another close call.

Yay OF!

 

....and This watch again. It is consistent with post late 1977 production. Expected dial, serial and 145.022-76 markings.

If your looking for a 1979 production the expected caseback is 145.022-78 and a 44,xxx,xxx or slightly later serial.

http://speedmaster101.com/145-022/145-022-71-74-76-78/

 

Avoid....the seller does not own that watch, as suggested...if you think he does, ask him for a picture of it set to a particular time, and he'll give you some of the most creative scammer's spiels you've ever heard.

 

Hqmilton??

 

Nope a private seller:

http://chronocentric.com/forums/chronotrader/index.cgi?page=1;md=read;id=99382

He only puts up one picture in the advertisement--but when you ask him for more you get the Hqmilton pics.

 

So, this is something I'm interested in, as most of the sources I've consulted say that a 145.022-76 casebook with a 39.9m serial could plausibly have been produced in 1979 (albeit at the end of the run).

 

What does ilovemyspeedmaster.com say?

Ignore the chronomaddox data

 

ilovemyspeedmaster says ... 40870380 to 44022620

But what about Lunar Oyster and Moonwatch Only?

Lunar Oyster: 38xxxxxxx to 39xxxxxxx ("ST 145.0022")
Moonwatch Only: later part of 37.870.xxx - 39.946.xxx (ST 145.022-76) and earlier part of 44.818.xxx - 44.822.xxx (ST 145.022-78)

 

So MWO and ilovemyspeed concur with what I said. I think you’ll find no -78’s which came after the -76 are below 44m.

Ignore lunar oyster it’s based on the old Maddox table.

Ilovemy is the most accurate source right now as it’s based on real data and has been scary accurate since it was put together by a member here.