Advice On "Speedmaster Companion" Condition

dougwhiz · Nov 13, 2019

I came across this Speedmaster Companion 166.002 that's for sale online and had some concerns about the condition of the edge of the dial and the lume in particular. The dial itself seems to be in good vintage condition, but the lume has obviously aged on the markers, and also has some mark on the date window. I'm not that familiar with this dial and case, and from the pictures it appears there is a ring of something between the dial and bezel that appears to be the same color as the aged lume. Is that typically how the edge of the dial should appear? Or maybe this isn't the original dial/case.
Even to my untrained eye, the movement appears in need of a cleaning and service. So I'm a little hesitant.
Any comments on the dial?

kingsrider · Nov 13, 2019

Hard to tell from the pics but I am guessing that the movement is or was loose in the case and now the dial paint has worn off around the edges. Maybe some moisture intrusion. The seal looks a little uneven or funny. The movement looks a little worse for the wear. I like these watches even when they are a little beat up, so it would be about the price in the end.

X350 XJR · Nov 13, 2019

The condition of the lume and the fact that it is missing in places would make this one a no go for me, couple that with the poor condition of the movement.

Vanallard · Nov 13, 2019

Seems like the serial numbers are drilled out - interesting history behind this practice:

https://omegaforums.net/threads/thoughts-on-seamster-cal-562.7835/

Henneth · Nov 13, 2019

Movement looks pretty rough (rotor rub et al.) and the lume is completely gone. I would only consider this watch if I plan to getting it serviced and relumed. Thus it has to be super cheap...

Davidt · Nov 13, 2019

Pretty rough example. Unless it's about 200 of any particular currency I'd leave it.

DeepBlue · Nov 13, 2019

the hands are also relumed

cristos71 · Nov 13, 2019

Davidt
Pretty rough example. Unless it's about 200 of any particular currency I'd leave it.

I think I'd just leave it at any price...rough dial, re-lumed hands, discoloured and rough movement with drllled out serial numbers, stained date wheel....I don't really see any redeeming features and even if it was dirt cheap I can imagine it quickly turning into a money pit.

Davidt · Nov 13, 2019

Yes I should add, I wouldn't buy it either, but if the OP has his heart set on it, it needs to be cheap

dougwhiz · Nov 13, 2019

cristos71
I think I'd just leave it at any price...rough dial, re-lumed hands, discoloured and rough movement with drllled out serial numbers, stained date wheel....I don't really see any redeeming features and even if it was dirt cheap I can imagine it quickly turning into a money pit.

Thanks for the replies! You've pointed out a few more items that I missed. I think I'm going to pass.

Advice On "Speedmaster Companion" Condition

dougwhiz

kingsrider

X350 XJR

Vanallard

Henneth

Davidt

DeepBlue

cristos71

Davidt

dougwhiz

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