I patiently waited all through December, over Christmas and through January, until it finally arrived.....

 

Essex is just down the road from me! I never seen an Omega service case in a cocoon! cool!

 

I bought this from the original owner before Christmas.

I don't believe it has previously been serviced and the case retains its factory finish. The brushing to the sides as well as the small facets to the top are still evident.

Well, off it went to SwissTec for a complete movement service, new pushers and new crystal. I changed the bezel for a slightly better one (although the original is staying with me, so I still have all the parts that it left the factory with), but kept the crown.

Suffice to say I'm absolutely delighted! My first straight lug and I can't take my eyes off it!!

 

Sweet one!!

 

Nice one ..mines has been away since December looking forward to its return in the next week or two

 

Very nice! First owner too?! How do you find these?

 

Excellent work from the boys at STS again, I am collecting a 28.9, a megaquartz prototype and something else very special from them a week today, if anyone gets a chance its well worth a visit, even if its just to think to yourself 'oh I thought my collection was impressive' when you are looking at their museum collection in reception

www.swisstimeservices.co.uk

Have a check of their new service vid

 

Careful, they are addictivenice watch, enjoy

 

Am I dreaming or these guys disassemble a movement without first removing the balance wheel???

 

I like that a lot!

I had 2 Speedmasters with them over Xmas and New Year, 1 is back on my wrist and the other will be back soon.

They are a top bunch of people!

 

There's a few points I'd recommend;

1. Check every online sales avenue you can think of twice a day. Check here-constantly. Post a wtb ad And badger people.

2. Keep persevering even when you're getting nowhere.

3. When you get a good lead, follow it up hard and fast.

4. And by far the most important one, be very lucky

 

I am the original owner of a 176 0012 4.5 Speedmaster that I bought in 1977 and still have the original receipts and Boxes. It is with STS right now for a complete overhaul (£936 !). I have always treasured it along with my 1978 Moonie 861. It had better look brand-new when it returns in March! Has it more value with that sort of provenance? I may have to sell it with it's new 2 year warranty after it returns as the restoration costs are so high (it cost me £176 with a £17 discount in 1977!). Any advice welcomed.

 

I may be interested in your 78 moonwatch if you consider selling.

 

I hadn't thought about selling it as it took me 30-odd years to find one as good as this one-My first one (a 21st. Birthday present from my Dad in 1972) was stolen in 1974. I was lucky in eventually finding one in near-mint condition (it may actually be a 1976 model as the engraving on the inside of the back-plate could be '76' not '78'- I have never bothered to check it against the 861 serial no). I suppose if the price was right I may consider it, but it is such a fine piece I doubt I would find another in such good condition.