Advice on '91 Speedmaster

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emolina

·Nov 23, 2021

Hey all,

Been searching for a '91 (Birthyear) Speedmaster for a little while now, and came across this watch:
http://www.watchesmiles.com/product/speedmaster-professional-moonwatch-chronograph-3590-50-t-dial/

Conversion places the price around $4,650. Would love to get this forum's opinion on the watch, seller (if anyone has had experience), or any other general comments.

Thank you!

 

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crd

·Nov 23, 2021

On the surface, the watch looks nice. The price seems ok but not what I would consider a screaming deal or worth a gamble on someone I know nothing about. I'm not familiar with that site, so I wouldn't consider it personally. I feel a bit better about ads listed here by reputable members first; they are often listed at truly screaming deals, too. chrono24 is the next place I would consider paying a premium for piece of mind and ability to inspect the watch in person with the option to return it if it's misrepresented.

 

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gbesq

·Nov 23, 2021

It's impossible to properly evaluate the watch without more and better photographs, including one of the inside of the case back and another one of the movement, but at first blush the watch looks correct to me. Case appears unpolished, dial and hands appear to be tritium, the bezel looks right and in good condition, and the bracelet looks like a 1479/812 which would also be correct for this reference. Prices have been climbing for the 3590.50 because it's the last model of the Speedmaster Professional to use a tritium dial and hands. I would say that the asking price quoted is reasonable.

 

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emolina

·Nov 23, 2021

Fantastic - thank you both. The user posted the watch on Rolex forums and he is also listed as trusted seller on Chrono24. I emailed directly and they sent several more pictures:

 

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gbesq

·Nov 23, 2021

Still need photographs of the inside of the case back and the movement before I would consider purchasing. Do you know the service history?

 

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emolina

·Nov 23, 2021

Seller is working on case back and movement photos. Appreciate the help.

 

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emolina

·Nov 27, 2021

Just received the movement and case back photos (pasted below). Any concerns?

 

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emolina

·Nov 28, 2021

Just wanted to bump this up one last time before purchasing - anyone have any concerns with this watch after looking at the movement + case back?

 

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befobe

·Nov 28, 2021

Difficult to read but do you know if the movment number is the same engraved on the case?
Case seems to be 48279xxxx, which is correct for a 1991. The case back looks like a short tail Q, which is also correct...
If the serial match, for me, it is a nice one!

 

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emolina

·Nov 28, 2021

Yes, I do believe they match. The numbers look like 48279966. Thank you for looking!

 

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Enchanted

·Nov 28, 2021

I guess Fratello needs to update their price guide chart having them at $2816.

 

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140dave

·Nov 28, 2021

No red flags to me as long as serial number on case lugs matches the movement. It is a bit pricey but not ridiculous, I would expect around $4200 out the door/delivered IMO. Worth $400 more? Maybe? Or wait for one a few hundred less? You’re the one who can answer that. Good luck with your decision.

 

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pierre37

·Nov 28, 2021

Seems all good to me

 

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crd

·Nov 28, 2021

Just as a basis for comparison, this 145.022-71 was listed earlier this morning and is now marked sold for just a tad less that the watch in question here. Depending on who you ask, there are some who may consider the 145022 reference with the date stamps more desirable. YMMV. If the price feels acceptable to you then there seems to be nothing glaringly obviously wrong with it. Best of luck.

 

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emolina

·Nov 29, 2021

Appreciate all the input. I agree that the piece isn't the best deal from a value perspective. It's a 30th birthday present to myself, so I'm probably just a bit more focused on it being the correct year and in decent condition. Thanks again all!

 

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Union Star

·Nov 29, 2021

Enchanted

I guess Fratello needs to update their price guide chart having them at $2816.

Haha!