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1st Time Vintage Speedy Buyer Assistance 145.022

aermotor
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Hello all, amazing forum you have here. Been perusing and learning as much as I can.

On the hunt for a 145.022 from the 80s and have my eye on one now to buy and have a few make or break questions.

• Serial 455 range
• Condition 8/10
• Aftermarket non original hesalite (deal breaker?)
• Standard period case back
• Bezel is very clean
• Band is clean original style 1171/633
• Appears minimal polishing over the years

Price wise, what's the high and low end for something like this? I know it can vary greatly but basing on actual things selling in todays market. I see privates and dealers listing for crazy prices, but what they actually sell for seems quite a lot less.

Would $4000 +/-$500 or so in either direction be an expected range or is there a closer range like +/- $250? Open to opinions and any help—don't want to make a bad purchase my first time out.

Thanks very much in advance for any help. Will do my best to answer any other questions.
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140dave
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It has the wrong chrono hand too. Something seems just a bit off on this one. It could just be that hand but that sort of stuff always makes me suspicious.

Easiest way to find values is search the eBay recently sold. Generally you will find 1980’s 145.022s going between $3000-$4000 sometimes a bit lower or higher but it’s a fair estimate today. I’m not sold in the one you’re showing but answering the question.
 
aermotor
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140dave 140dave
It has the wrong chrono hand too. Something seems just a bit off on this one. It could just be that hand but that sort of stuff always makes me suspicious.

Easiest way to find values is search the eBay recently sold. Generally you will find 1980’s 145.022s going between $3000-$4000 sometimes a bit lower or higher but it’s a fair estimate today. I’m not sold in the one you’re showing but answering the question.
Hi Dave - Man, impressive catch on the chrono hand! I am newer and caught mostly everything else but you're right, that's from well before the even the 70s ones when glossing over my Moonwatch Only book. I suspect it was possibly changed when the hesalite was—maybe the hand was damaged at the same time, who knows.

I understand your hesitation with something off like that, I would feel the same way. I will take it into consideration. Much thanks for that. I do need to remain patient and not have a FOMO buy that's for sure 😝

I do have other studio photos from the seller but am hesitant to post those and give up where this one is at is all.
 
ibis888
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Maybe the pictures are off but it seems like this watch has had something similar to a full factory service. It looks like it’s been polished and the one photo of the back seems to indicate that the black paint has all been worn away over the years which doesn’t really line up with how polished the watch is. New crystal and drop chrono seconds hand all seem to support.

I would personally pass on this one and budget $4,000-$4,5000 USD for a good condition, completely honest 3590.50 or later 145.022.

If it’s a new watch with no vintage hassles you are after, just pony up for a slightly used 3861.
 
aermotor
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ibis888 ibis888
Maybe the pictures are off but it seems like this watch has had something similar to a full factory service. It looks like it’s been polished and the one photo of the back seems to indicate that the black paint has all been worn away over the years which doesn’t really line up with how polished the watch is. New crystal and drop chrono seconds hand all seem to support.

I would personally pass on this one and budget $4,000-$4,5000 USD for a good condition, completely honest 3590.50 or later 145.022.

If it’s a new watch with no vintage hassles you are after, just pony up for a slightly used 3861.
Hey ibis, greats points as well. It certainly seems tricky sometimes to tell the extent of service that has been done over the years. At least the dial and logos/fonts all seem to match up for the era so not immediately a red flag as replaced?

A lot of what's on the other sites are pretty beat up and/or clear brand new service parts. I do agree trying to find something honest is the best way to go, I just don't want one that looks beat up, so that may be a tough ask to hunt down.

I'm thinking with a budget in that range (even up to 5K+ depending), it's just nearly everything from on here to eBay to Chrono 24 is priced higher or usually far worse looking (not to mentioned taxes or fees) And yes, my lust for vintage I'm sure will make my search take longer lol. It does seem more like a buyers market right now, just have to find the right motivated seller perhaps.
 
ibis888
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The warm patina of the tritium can’t be replicated with a modern watch.

Consider posting in the WTB section here… also check out Watchrecon.
 
hansaboy
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Hi and welcome to the never ending world of Speedy buying....!
😀
You might have checked out this site:
https://speedmaster101.com/

It is a must for everyone looking for a Speedy!
Take your time, and search here on the Forum about the reference you are looking for.

And...erhhh..skip the one you posted!
 
ibis888
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There are two on watchrecon right now that I would rather have. Just to give a frame of reference. The one below is very nice.

These watches come around fairly frequently... be patient, you should have no issues getting an absolutely correct watch in very good condition.

https://www.watchuseek.com/threads/fs-1992-omega-speedmaster-ref-3590-50.5639478/

https://www.reddit.com/r/Watchexchange/comments/1mukwxg/wts_omega_speedmaster_moonwatch_359050_tritium
 
aermotor
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ibis888 ibis888
There are two on watchrecon right now that I would rather have. Just to give a frame of reference. The one below is very nice.

These watches come around fairly frequently... be patient, you should have no issues getting an absolutely correct watch in very good condition.
Yea I checked those out thank you for the recs. I am pretty set on a 145.002 but that site and the reddit seem like good resources, I will be watching them daily.

Hans thank you as well, yes I am DEEP on William's site. I also have the Moonwatch Only book which is another invaluable resource.
 
TexOmega
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Welcome to the Forum, we need more members like this.

This bot is getting pretty close to Human, I think the future looks bright....I gotta wear shades😎


Great research, pounce when you see THE ONE.

And post pictures.
 
aermotor
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TexOmega TexOmega
Welcome to the Forum, we need more members like this.

This bot is getting pretty close to Human, I think the future looks bright....I gotta wear shades😎


Great research, pounce when you see THE ONE.

And post pictures.
Hey thanks Tex! Wont have enough posts here for a bit to snag anything, but Im watching many other places. Even with all the research I've done it's still hard to tell exactly when to pull the trigger. I try and make sure as many things look original as possible with minimal or no polishing. After that I'm just trying to get something in the realistic price range of 3500-5000.
 
YY77
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aermotor aermotor
Hey thanks Tex! Wont have enough posts here for a bit to snag anything, but Im watching many other places.
FYI Buying from a seller here doesn't require a minimum of 200 posts unlike posting something for sale.
 
aermotor
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YY77 YY77
FYI Buying from a seller here doesn't require a minimum of 200 posts unlike posting something for sale.
Oh nice! Thanks for the clarification, appreciate it!
 
TexOmega
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aermotor aermotor
Oh nice! Thanks for the clarification, appreciate it!

Yes, whether here or elsewhere one can start a "thread of discussion" on any watch.

Now, there are many threads here, also, where "procrastination for confirmation" results in a member loosing out on a great watch at a great price, hence my admonition to Pounce. There are many others out there around the world looking for exactly what you are looking for, a great watch at a great price.

If it were a LESS popular watch, dilly-dally time can be extended.

Knowledge is power. Enjoy the process.
 
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