I'm looking to purchase an Omega Speedmaster Pro. The movement is dated to 1979, but the case is stamped -78. Seller states that a case and movement year could be off by a year as case manufactured and movement manufactured at different times. Is this true? I want to make sure watch is all original.

 

Pictures would help immensely, but it's not possible to date a movement to a specific year without an extract of the archives.

 

I think that if you are concerned about originality, the discrepancy you perceive between case number and movement number is the least of your worries.
We can't help you without photos.

 

145.022-78 was produced through around 1982 or so, so this one should be fine. I'd be more worried if it were an earlier serial.

 

Without specific details and pictures, there is no way to know if the watch is all original.

Inside case back, movement with serial, dial face. Without this info, no way to know.

EDIT: and even with that info, still may won't be able to say it is all original, but would be able to tell you the parts are correct for the watch.

 

https://omegaforums.net/threads/fs-vintage-omega-speedmater-145-022-78.49610/#post-595245

No offense jens0125, but I've already been badly burned once before buy a different seller NOT in this forum so I'm not taking anymore chances...

 

I don't think anyone is going to comment further on a watch offered for sale on OF.
It would be bad form IMO.

 

If I were in your position (and I was at one point) I would do all I could to read up on the various vintage speedmasters. Study the guides on www.speedmaster101.com, including the price guides. Read here for a while, etc. Buy a piece that speaks to you when it becomes available. Factor in that it will likely need a service unless it was documented to be serviced within the last couple years. Plan on this service adding 30% to the cost of the watch for the models you are looking at.

There is a lot of nuance to vintage Speedmasters, but of the ones that are still affordable (ie less than the price of a new one) there is also a lot of information so that you can get it right.

 

Actually, that's one of the features I enjoy and value the most about this forum, where people can openly opine on sales. There have been extremes, where threads have been moved (we all remember the '68 Speedmaster from a few months ago) but was rather informative for the community.

 

first strap I have seen on a speedmaster I don't like. Cant help much with your query though

 

Thank you for the information!

 

I think most -78's are in the 44mil range but I've seen 39mil in other 78's. Assume they're from early in the production run as this reference ran for several years.

 

I saw this watch when it came on and my first thought was, that will make a good watch for a first time owner who wants to wear it.

Not too good so that it can't be worn, but priced appropriately. Some pleasant vintage character.

Two points this thread raises.

First, a dodgy watch will last about 30 seconds before the Watch Angles strike it with withering bolts.

Second I think it is perfectly alright to discuss sales watches here. Why not? Not in the sales thread I agree, but put here I can't see the harm.

 

I see nothing wrong with that watch. I thought it was an honest 78 with nice patina. I'd like to see it in natural light if I was going to buy it. I'm curious as to how exactly that bezel looks color wise.

I think it's alright to comment on the watch but I'm staying away from price comments.

:edit:
Looks like a more modern dial

 

You can choose

 

I hate to be the one to point this out but it appears the -78 in question has a '90s 3590.50 dial, short S rather than the tall and open S the -78 should have. Easily enough remedied I suppose but important for inexperienced buyers.

 

not my experience ... I have sold watches here and they were (fairly) discussed - no harm ...

 

Coincidentally I started a thread on a dial this morning that you will see a lot of helpful info.

https://omegaforums.net/threads/question-on-speedie-service-dial.49728/

 

DOH looks like your right, no drop R!

 

Good reference website that shows the subtleties of the dials if you don't have access to MWO.

http://chronomaddox.com/speedy_dial_details.html