I've been chewing on buying my first Speedmaster and was happy to find a local private seller offering up this little guy for $4,250. Having just finished reading the Fratello guide, I'm still feeling like I have no idea (yet) how to value this watch (or any other vintage Speedmaster, for that matter) and I was curious if the community here might be able to help.
Not a fan of that dial as the lume looks mouldy. How do you feel about it compared to others you may have seen online?
@oddboy It feels like there's a short distance in price between what I posted above and this example with box and papers at $6,900 that looks, to my eye, to be in much better condition: https://www.chrono24.com/omega/speedmaster-professional-moonwatch--id6661401.htm But given that I have no sense for how to value these watches, and for what might or might not be original, I don't trust my eyes when browsing through Chrono24. My baseline assumption is that anything there that's a decent deal sells very quickly, and anything that'd be left for a newbie like myself to find must be a trap of some sort.
Your assumption is correct. There's some nice speedies listed here, and even if there's not one for your here now, there will be. You will find better quality stuff here at better prices. With regards to the original watch you posted, I think you'd find that you would come to resent the dial. Look at the difference between the dial on the first watch and the dial of the chrono24 watch.
https://www.chrono24.com/omega/speedmaster-professional-moonwatch--id6661401.htm This is a much more attractive example but seems priced kinda high. http://speedmaster101.com/price-chart-2/
@oddboy Thanks, that's what I needed to hear. @morningtundra I hadn't discovered speedmaster101.com -- many thanks.
@oddboy should 145.022 have the anti magnetic movement shield? I notice this often missing from pics.
Yes it should have the shield but many people leave it out from pictures as it is assumed it is there. Always best to ask about it though especially when you don't know the seller or his reputation. And I agree I think you'll come to resent the dial. Almost can't see the hour markers at all...
Yes, it should have a dust cover. You will usually see them absent so you can see the movement. Spend some quality time on speedmaster101. If you're seriously considering a 321, it may also be worth picking up a copy of the moonwatch only book too. Authors of both the site and the book are members here too.
The chrono 24 watch appears to have a later, non step dial. Take your time and post pics of any potential purchases here before you buy, not after.
It appears to be listed as a 1970 watch... no AML or stepped dial should be correct? I’m no expert though
No. A 1970 produced watch should have a stepped dial. However, the movement serial on the watch would suggest it is an early 80's production and the sellers description is wrong, and the dial could be correct. Also, the delrin brake is wrong for a 1970 watch.
There have been some nice ones in the classifieds here, sometimes with better prices than ebay or chrono24 etc, Just have some patience and eventually one that catches your eye might pop up in your price range.
It isn’t just a dust cover, it holds the movement and dial in place, Speedmasters don’t use case clamps.
You are correct, but "dust cover" is easier to say than "dust cover which also holds the movement in place" .