2 69 Speedys with 30M serials. With only a vague idea of what I have.

I know the first one has a 220 bezel and a 1039 bracelet, which from my understanding is a good thing

The second one looks like it has a service bezel and a 1171 bracelet

No serials on the case but its on the movement. Anything look off?

 

Modern bezel on -69 #2, and both (at least from your photos) look like the dials aren't in the best shape. Dial and hand patina look appropriate for both, though maybe a little matchy on #2. Perfect (IMO) on the 220 - that one is really cool

 

first one looks great! rare bezel and some decent patina and character

 

Thanks, the dials are actually in really good shape - the crystals are just dusty and my lighted magnifier is pretty harsh does not flatter either. I think on #2 the end links are not correct - how much are these used end links on Ebay?

On #1 - I really like the 1039 bracelet but it looks pretty frail - should I not even try to wear this bracelet?

On #2, the indices do not seem to have developed patina - does this happen in the wild or am I looking at a well-done relume?

 

Nice find, mine has the 1039 on it and most people told me not to wear it, so I got an 1171 to put on it.

 

I have a -69 with the yellow/green lume similar to watch #2. It is very neatly applied, different than the application of the more darker yellow lumed dials. I have seen several other examples with very similar plot lumes, I believe it to be correct largely due to feedback from more knowledgeable members of the forum.

It kind of seems like they used a completely different lume and/or lume application process on these dials.

 

And PS, you should able to find a correct vintage DNN bezel for watch #2 with out spending too much money... it may be worth it to make the watch period correct.

 

Are these for the collection or selling?

 

You can find brand new 633 end links (for the 1171 bracelet) on Ofrei etc for not much money, eBay probably a bit cheaper - but the 1171 isn't worth much, so it's up to you whether or not it's worth the investment.

The 1039 isn't particularly frail - I have four of them - (four! might be time to thin the herd a bit) - , and see no issues with light wear. After all, it's attached to a vintage watch - not like you're going to mistreat it! Besides, I find them absolutely gorgeous - try wearing it for a few days, you'll see...

-69 patina is usually much lighter in my experience (though I am clearly by no means an expert) so it's possible it just spent time out of the sun etc. What I'd do is set it under a lamp for a minute or two, then turn the lights out and see how strongly / how long it illuminates.

 

I probably have 1-2 spots on my personal collection for vintage. For these 2 specifically, I will probably sell #2 and keep #1 - until a better one comes along.

Gorgeous indeed! I'll take your advice and wear it.

 

1039 just looks frail in amongst today's watches where even a $180 Seiko has a bracelet that would pull a car.

I never seen one break.

 

The lume is fine. Plenty of these late 60's Speedmaster dials have greenish lume.

Hands could be original too.

 

lovely 69s there! I wear my 145.012 daily on the original 1039.... its a lovely bracelet and quite comfortable. Ive had zero issues with it. I wouldn't be too afraid to wear it, at least some of the time.

 

Hence why I love 1039s (and all the other stretch-link bracelets from that period) - it's sleek and minimal, lightweight. Even current Omega bracelets that ape the style, like those on the Seamaster 300 MCO and Speedmaster '57 - they're clunky and heavy, and they suck.

 

#1 has some major issues, died after a few days and will no longer run. Sending this off to be serviced.

#2 has period correct bezel incoming (from a beater '78) and scrounging for 633 end link

I may have caught the vintage bug Now seeing if I can afford a 105.003

 

Another one bites the dust!

Yes, vintage Speedmasters really are irresistible once you've handled one. And fortunately, the one that died is still an 861 so you'll be able to get it fixed anywhere, really easily. If it were a 321 though, you'd be in a bit of trouble I think.

 

321s are very serviceable. A number of parts are easily available as they're still in use on the 1861 calibre. There are some parts unique to the 321 which still are available as well, and some that are only available directly to omega, in Bienne. If one of these rarer parts do get damaged and you need a new one, your course of action there is sending the watch to Bienne for a service. The point is, you can wear and enjoy a 321 every day. When it needs service, it can likely be serviced by your choice of qualified watchmaker with an Omega parts account; where it can't, it still is serviceable by Omega.

Enjoy any Speedmaster you pick out!!

 

#2 with the "220" bezel is coming out of service this Friday, so I'm pretty excited to see it back at the end of the week. Only external bit that was replaced was the crown (do you think my will replace this with a period-accurate crown?).

Will probably be a keeper until I trade up for a straight-lug

 

The new crown design could be found on later -69s so I wouldn't think it a huge deal. My 220 has the "modern" crown style too.

 

#2 I hope the swiss markings on 6 are just covered by the reflections of the crystal