Advice on 69-st

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andrewbainbridge

·Feb 17, 2022

Hi everyone,

Im in the market for a 69st straight writing. I have found this model and been talking to the seller. Id really appreciate some advice on the era authenticity of the parts and general condition. The movement serial number is : 39924186 is this correct for a 69st? I was also wondering if the pushers and hands may have been changed in a service at some point?

Very grateful for any advice. Many thanks

 

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iamvr

·Feb 17, 2022

Hi,
Though, I‘m not an expert I‘m suspecting it‘s a later 145.022, -76 or -78, with just a -69 case back. Serial number too high, I don‘t see a stepped dial, S of Speedmaster too long and no DON bezel. But a clearer picture from the front would help.

But more knowledgeable members will chime in for sure.

 

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iamvr

·Feb 17, 2022

Crucial reference page:

https://speedmaster101.com/145-022-straight-writing/

 

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andrewbainbridge

·Feb 17, 2022

thanks very much, I was concerned about the serial number too.

 

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andrewbainbridge

·Feb 17, 2022

a slightly better front pic

 

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perenowell

·Feb 17, 2022

I agree with my friend @iamvr ... Wrong serial, wrong dial, service hands... Not a SW.
The 69 SW has a DNN Bezel thought, no DON.

 

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Slevin kelevra

·Feb 17, 2022

No stepped dial so its either a replacement dial or a newer watch with the wrong caseback. Either way, you are better looking elsewhere.

 

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andrewbainbridge

·Feb 17, 2022

Thanks everyone - really appreciate it. My eyes just aren't quite good enough yet, but thankfully asking for help stopped me making a nasty mistake. Cheers

 

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iamvr

·Feb 17, 2022

perenowell

I agree with my friend @iamvr ... Wrong serial, wrong dial, service hands... Not a SW.
The 69 SW has a DNN Bezel thought, no DON.

Haha good catch 🤦, the sm101 ref page I referred to of course lists the DNN bezel. I‘ll crawl back under my stone.

 

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perenowell

·Feb 17, 2022

A andrewbainbridge

Thanks everyone - really appreciate it. My eyes just aren't quite good enough yet, but thankfully asking for help stopped me making a nasty mistake. Cheers

If it's your first buy and your afraid of doing something wrong, I'll recommend you to wait for a nice one here or to go to a trusted seller. There is a nice one in a serious shop in Bruxelles, Belgium if you want.

 

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perenowell

·Feb 17, 2022

iamvr

Haha good catch 🤦, the sm101 ref page I referred to of course lists the DNN bezel. I‘ll crawl back under my stone.

we all do mistakes. Me first! 😉

 

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Badwolf

·Feb 17, 2022

Patience is the key. The late 60's early 70's speedmasters are a great choice. I would suggest getting a copy of Moonwatch Only. It's not a cheap book, but could save you thousands. It's also very interesting if the bug has caught you.

Good luck with the search.

 

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Seaborg

·Feb 17, 2022

The question is : how much is it ?

 

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andrewbainbridge

·Feb 17, 2022

Seaborg

The question is : how much is it ?

seller was asking £5000. It didn't seem quite right as a price point for a genuine 69st. Probably what made me nervous in the first place. If it seems to good to be true....

 

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Seaborg

·Feb 17, 2022

A andrewbainbridge

seller was asking £5000. It didn't seem quite right as a price point for a genuine 69st. Probably what made me nervous in the first place. If it seems to good to be true....

Ok, so definitly a no go.
You should pass on this one.
You will find another one, enjoy the hunt 👍

 

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Dan S

·Feb 17, 2022

A andrewbainbridge

seller was asking £5000. It didn't seem quite right as a price point for a genuine 69st. Probably what made me nervous in the first place. If it seems to good to be true....

IMO, that price would be about right for a very nice SW without a bracelet from a private seller. Not too good to be true if the watch had been legit. But a rip-off for a franken.

 

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TrboDieselPwrd

·Feb 17, 2022

To me this watch looks to have had a dial and movement swap to a later 145.022-78 (long 'S', 39M serial). Case very well could be -69 -- it looks like it has the -69 narrow crown as well. In short, this watch may very well have started as straight writing caseback -69.

Agree that at this price it's a no go.

If you're after a 145.022-69, here is another nice reference:
https://www.watchbooksonly.com/articles/watch-reviews/understanding-the-145022-69-reference/