I have an Omega Speedmaster 145.012 67 SP which has no bracelet. I am trying to restore it to original condition since it belonged to my grandfather. I had a tech at an Omega Boutique confirm year of manufacture from serial number. Tech advised I need to purchase a 1039/516 bracelet. I am reaching out on which is the best way to purchase bracelet and how much I can expect to pay? Any advice is much appreciated.
Depending on condition, $600-$1000 seems to be the range these days. You'll likely find many out there with no end links, so keep that in mind. As far as where to buy, there appears to be one for sale right here. Not the best condition, but priced quite fairly in my view. http://omegaforums.net/threads/1967-omega-1039-bct-516-end-links.18328/
Thank you for the feedback Poday! Watch is in good condition so willing to wait until another comes up!
ebay is another obvious route and 1039 bracelets do come up with reasonable frequency in varying condition. A pair of 516 end pieces were sold on ebay last week for around $300. Typically, the end pieces are harder to find than the bracelets. Note that the 1039 has stretch links which are at risk of damage with age. Overall, the 1039 bracelets were a bit on the flimsy side. Feel nice on the wrist, but not overly strong. If you do go for a 1039 be sure to check the condition of the stretch links and how many are present. Spare used stretch links with working springs do come up for sale on ebay, so replacement is possible, or you can get the broken springs replaced. For your 1967 watch a 1967 or 1968 dated 1039 would be appropriate (bracelets are stamped on inside of clasp with year of manufacture). An alternative, cheaper, more sturdy option with similar appearance would be a 1171 bracelet which came in after the 1039 in around 1970. More readily available for less $$ and you can get new non-original end pieces from a company such as Otto Frei. Depends on how important originality vs. $$ vs. wearability are for you.
Even before I determined that my bracelet was not original, I figured I was going to buy a strap and put the bracelet away. It looked fine but a bit fragile. My watchmaker also advised finding an alternative to avoid further stretching. So by all means keep an eye out for an original, which is what I'm going to do as well, but if you are going to wear the watch–yes please–I would recommend a leather strap. (I've been blown away by shell cordovan leather, which I only learned about in the process of finding one.)
About $800 for an excellent condition 1039 with 516 ends. These are hard to come by, but they do arise. I've seen many of these with most in fair condition as they were made unsturdy.
Hi, I'm searching for an Omega speedmaster 1039 bracelet in quite a good condition? Any advice from there?
ebay's probably your best bet (or the spare parts forum here). See my thread above for general advice.