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43,xxx,xxx speedmaster

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Geoffreylma

·May 17, 2023

All, recently took a flyer on a Drop S/R speedy. Brought it to my watchmaker to open the back for a look and took the following pictures. His assessment was that it's a beautiful watch and told me it's definitely authentic. Problem is, some serial number charts don't have any speedmaster serial numbers between 40,xxx,xxx and 43,xxx,xxx. I spent the past few days looking for a 1979 to 1982 speedy with a 43,xxx,xxx serial number and came up empty. Thoughts?

Foo2rama

·May 17, 2023·Nowhere near as grumpy as he used to be...

Watch is just post 1980 production based on visuals.

checkout ilovemyspeedmaster.net for a serial /time estimate.

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Geoffreylma

·May 17, 2023

Thanks for the reply. The speedmaster.com website takes its data from MWO site. Both suggest that the 43,xxx,xxx serial is "Not a moon watch". That's the purpose of my question. Other serial number lists have a 43m serial as 1982-ish vintage. Inclined to believe MWO is closer to gospel, but nothing about this watch seems unauthentic.

Foo2rama

·May 17, 2023·Nowhere near as grumpy as he used to be...

G Geoffreylma
Thanks for the reply. The speedmaster.com website takes its data from MWO site. Both suggest that the 43,xxx,xxx serial is "Not a moon watch". That's the purpose of my question. Other serial number lists have a 43m serial as 1982-ish vintage. Inclined to believe MWO is closer to gospel, but nothing about this watch seems unauthentic.

I know my MWO but I do not need to crack it for this. I was giving you a hint that the serial number is earlier then the rest of the watch.

But lets break this down...

watch case is post 1980...to mid 80's
Dial is September 1977 through mid 80's
Bezel is DNN so 1970 through mid 80's

So if you have that serial which is not found in speedies, and from an earlier period about 1977, you have a movement that did not come with that case.

Only way to know the original case/watch that came with that movement is to pay for and request an extract of the archive. Without seeing the serial it presents to me as a watch from 1981-1983 or so.

Also note: MWO might be wrong... there may be 43m serials from 1982.. which fit the watch as it presents... Again you need an extract

Edited: May 17, 2023

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Geoffreylma

·May 17, 2023

This is hugely helpful. Thank you.

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Geoffreylma

·May 17, 2023

I think I will get an extract. Other sources have 43m serials from 1982 which lines up. Now I'm more curious where the 43m serial movement comes from if not this watch. As I mentioned, it passed muster with a few people. I'll post the extract when I receive it. I thank you kindly for your time and expertise. I clearly came to the right place.

Aludic

·May 18, 2023·@SpeedyBirthYear

Interesting thread. I agree with @Foo2rama that the watch has all elements resembling an early 80s piece. And it looks good, too.

That being said and having seen literally hundreds of Speedmaster extracts; I am yet to see one with a serial between 399xxxxx and 44xxxxxx.

Only thing that might hint towards an original Moonwatch movement is that the 80s were a bit of a mess when it comes to serials; multiple series of serials have been used and certainly not always sequentially. Still, so far not a single one I’ve seen falls between the ranges mentioned above.

Personally, I really doubt that the 433xxxxx numbered movement in this watch started its life in a Moonwatch. If it does, it would be a novelty. I'd rather suspect it got swapped with for instance a Seamaster's movement. It's not uncommon.

@Geoffreylma: I am sure many would appreciate your effort in trying to obtain an Extract. I do feel a word of caution is required though, if the serial is not correct, you'd be left without an Extract and without the payment for the Extract. Please do share your experience!

Edited: May 18, 2023

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