1989 Speedmasters

Posts

21

Likes

4

rolypolyoly

·Oct 6, 2020

Hi all,

Speedmasters have always been my favorite watch. Tons of history behind an awesome design. Can't beat it!
I've been searching for a while for the best birth-year (1989) Speedy for me. But the sheer number of variations, references, movements, and uncertainty about the year all confuse me.

Some I've considered so far:
1. 345.0808
Has the tritium markers and a sapphire caseback showing-off the beautiful movement. Unfortunately I haven't seen any with a confirmed (or even estimated) 1989 date yet, otherwise I'd have snatched it up immediately.


2. 3590.50
This one looks pretty similar to the previous, but doesn't have a sapphire caseback.
Also, like the previous, it's been difficult to find any 1989s. But the search continues!


3. Apollo X1 20th Anniversary
This one is more rare, and way more expensive than the previous ones. Though I'm tempted. Seeing "Apollo XI' engraved on the side may be worth the cost...




So, what is your favorite Speedmaster from this year? Are there any others interesting pieces that I'm not considering?

Thanks guys!

 

Posts

21

Likes

4

rolypolyoly

·Oct 6, 2020

Apparently there's a white-dial reduced variant from that year as well, the ST 175.0032. Not a huge fan of the reduced Speedy, but this dial is gorgeous.

Unfortunately its rarity means a hefty price for a reduced Speedmaster.

 

Posts

1,232

Likes

6,386

guaranteed.rohu

·Oct 6, 2020

rolypolyoly

Apparently there's a white-dial reduced variant from that year as well, the ST 175.0032. Not a huge fan of the reduced Speedy, but this dial is gorgeous.

Unfortunately its rarity means a hefty price for a reduced Speedmaster.

Beauty! But yeah some of these cool speedy reduced - I was tempted to get the reverse panda, but when they become the same price as normal sized speedys, its hard to stomach

 

Posts

148

Likes

1,216

Bakertime

·Oct 6, 2020

That Apollo XI looks to be on a 1450 bracket which is amazing. I would bite go for that one.

 

Posts

21

Likes

4

rolypolyoly

·Oct 6, 2020

It is indeed the 1450, with 808 endlinks. It's being sold as a full-set on chrono24. A beautiful piece in great condition. But at $8500 (plus shipping), it's bit too much for me.

 

Posts

4,114

Likes

16,317

kov

·Oct 7, 2020

rolypolyoly

Some I've considered so far:
1. 345.0808
Has the tritium markers and a sapphire caseback showing-off the beautiful movement. Unfortunately I haven't seen any with a confirmed (or even estimated) 1989 date yet, otherwise I'd have snatched it up immediately.

I am afraid you will not find a correct 345.0808 from 1989 with the movement like on the pic you attached. The one you’re showing is a later 3592.50 from the 90s, the third generation of movement you can find in a 345.0808 case from 1985 to 1998 😉

Here’s an example of a 345.0808 from 1989 : https://omegaforums.net/threads/jul...eedmaster-could-it-be-better-than-this.98837/

 

Posts

21

Likes

4

rolypolyoly

·Oct 7, 2020

Good eye! I must have chosen the wrong year. I guess this one would be more accurate.

 

Posts

650

Likes

2,127

MtnMarine

·Oct 7, 2020

Yes that’s the 3592.50. I have one from 1991. Great watch!

my avatar is my 1989 seamaster pre bond auto, if you ever need a birth year diver....haha

 

Posts

748

Likes

10,085

jB1128

·Oct 7, 2020

I came across this very nice example today:
https://www.orologium.com/vintage-w...sional-3590-tritium-adb-fir-tree-vintage-1989
It is, of course, listed at a very nice seller's premium, but you can also make an offer...good luck with the hunt!

 

Posts

21

Likes

4

rolypolyoly

·Oct 7, 2020

Very nice! From what I've seen, the price is a bit high (but not quite as bad as that $8500 Apollo XI I mentioned above). It's tempting though!

Edited: Oct 7, 2020

 

Posts

748

Likes

10,085

jB1128

·Oct 7, 2020

rolypolyoly

Very nice! From what I've seen, the price is a bit high (but not quite as bad as that $8500 Apollo XI I mentioned above). It's tempting though!

I agree, the price is high. I should not have been sarcastic and been more direct in saying that.

 

Posts

21

Likes

4

rolypolyoly

·Oct 7, 2020

You were direct enough, no worries. To be honest, the price is within my range, but no matter how many 3592.50s or 3590.50s I see, my mind keeps wandering back to the Apollo. The bracelet, the history, the rarity. It just all works for me. I'll just need to be on the lookout for a better deal. $8500 is just a bit too rich for my blood.

 

Posts

21

Likes

4

rolypolyoly

·Oct 7, 2020

Wow, found a better deal! $7400 shipped, but not a full kit. Watch + 1450 bracelet only.
It appears in good shape, other than the lettering on the caseback, and a bit of sag in the bracelet.
Though it's still quite pricey, the temptation is rising!
I wonder if it comes with the lego astronaut.

 

Posts

21

Likes

4

rolypolyoly

·Oct 8, 2020

Found a much less expensive 3590.50 (145.022) with a 482xxxxx serial number. Reported to be circa 1989. At half the cost of the Apollo, it's a tempting proposition. The only issue is the date range. ilovemyspeedmaster.com says the serial number could vary by a few years, however the 145.022 (and not 145.0022) seems to indicate it's an earlier production, before they switched to 7-digit numbers.
Decisions decisions.

 

S

Posts

8

Likes

4

Steve26

·Oct 9, 2020

kov

I am afraid you will not find a correct 345.0808 from 1989 with the movement like on the pic you attached. The one you’re showing is a later 3592.50 from the 90s, the third generation of movement you can find in a 345.0808 case from 1985 to 1998 😉

This is not a 3592.50 but a 3572.50 because it has the 1863 caliber which has the rhodium finish. The 3592.50 was produced until early 1997 and has the gilt 863 caliber.

 

Posts

4,114

Likes

16,317

kov

·Oct 9, 2020

S Steve26

This is not a 3592.50 but a 3572.50 because it has the 1863 caliber which has the rhodium finish. The 3592.50 was produced until early 1997 and has the gilt 863 caliber.

exactly. Typo in the ref - I stand corrected 😉

 

Posts

1

Likes

0

Goodwindaniel

·Oct 13, 2020

Wow great thread here! Im on the same quest as you! Birthyear 1989! I think the Apollo is the one to go for, its rare and has the unique bracelet. Its a bit pricey indeed but im trying to find a "just watch and bracelet" and will hunt down the full set pieces as i enjoy the hunt. Goodluck!

 

Posts

4,114

Likes

16,317

kov

·May 12, 2021

1989 full set as I love them 😎

 

Posts

9,553

Likes

52,766

gbesq

·May 12, 2021

The 3590.50 is the best value proposition on your list. It’s the last of the tritium Speedmasters and the lume on these tends to age to a beautiful creamy yellow color. The 1479/812 bracelet is also one of the better Speedy bracelets - fully brushed so it has a vintage look, but much better build quality than some of the earlier Speedy bracelets. This particular reference is also appreciating nicely. Here’s mine:

 

Posts

530

Likes

959

KeyWestPaw

·May 13, 2021

rolypolyoly

Good eye! I must have chosen the wrong year. I guess this one would be more accurate.

i had thjis one as a 89 birth year watch, accidentally sold it... (too much rum one night onlune during pandemic). i wish i had it back... 🙁