My memory is that some people seem to believe that there was a transition from one to the other throughout the production of the 145.012 reference, but I don't think that's absolutely clear.
Hi all,
I am new to this forum and also to watch collecting.
I wanted my first luxury timepiece to be of both historical and sentimental importance, and therefore started looking for a ref. 145.012 speedy from 1967 (preferably as this is the year in which both my parents were born).
Tell him (he will know anyway), that the bezel is altered and is not right for an all original Speedy.
@DennyDane - if you’ve not checked out spacefruit’s site Speedmaster101.com, I believe you should do a deep dive into that before your visit to the seller this weekend. You can learn a lot about this particular reference, as well as other more general “things to look for” when it comes to speedmasters.
I agree that the bezel looks like a massive red flag, and if altered calls for a solid discount (or avoid). But possibly the seller brought this upon themselves with some very creative filtering on the photos? Look at the blurring and greyscale on the dial as well...
I'm sure a lot of experts here would be able to tell you more if you asked the seller to take the watch out into open sunlight and take a few unadulterated shots with his phone. Failing that, take some yourself at the meeting and post them up! 👍
Same thoughts here. That bezel in these pictures looks not aged, but chemical bleached. All original Omega Parts= looks like it. All Original as it left the factory = No. Most things mentioned here would not bother me. All easy to fix. The Bezel is the problem. They age naturally much darker in circumference next to the crystal. Therefore: take a good loupe to the viewing. Evaluate in silence. Don't answer comments during evaluation. Comment on the things mentioned here. Deduct $ 500 for crown and hand replacements by a watchmaker. That brings itdown to $10000. Tell him (he will know anyway), that the bezel is altered and is not right for an all original Speedy. Tell him, that a used and correct DON bezel is over $ 2000. Offer him $8000 cash and he can keep his original bezel and you source yourself a correct one. If he refuses, offer $9000 and stick to it. Showing cash in the end makes things easier.....good luck ! Kind regards. Achim
That said, I have a couple I could sell you for less than $600, and some of these guys could also do the same.
From personal experience, 145.012-67 in this serial range and with the "SP on top" case back would more commonly have the earlier "Tear Drop" chrono hand.
That aside, you can tell the chrono hand on the OP watch is a service part as it is slightly shorter (we're talking about ~1.5mm).
It was probably changed during service at the same time the crown was replaced.
K killer67above is tear drop chrono and below is flat bottom chrono? Is this referenced in MWO?