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  1. wilderbeast Feb 12, 2019

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    Hello everyone, new member here who has enjoyed reading threads on OF and has recently taken the plunge into vintage Omega (two Seamasters: a two-tone mechanical from 1956 and a Cosmic from c.1970).

    I’ve also recently been looking into getting a birth year watch (1977) and saw this Speedy Mark IV listed on c24. There are only three photos, and none of the movement. The case has been “revised” and “repoliated” as of January but dial is original. Seller is asking for €2400.

    https://www.chrono24.com/omega/speedmaster-mark-iv-176009--id10261994.htm

    I like the design of the Mark IV as it represents the style of 1970s watches better than a Speedy Pro 145.002-76 would, but I feel that the latter are more highly sought after. However, I would want to buy the watch to wear in rotation alongside my other vintage watches, not as an investment.

    My questions are:

    1. Does the case look over polished?
    2. Seller claims the Mark IV was still in production in 1977 but I read somewhere it had a short production time that ended somewhat earlier. If I am to buy the watch I’d want to be as sure as possible it was from 1977. Could anyone confirm that this is possible? I don’t know the serial number of the watch.
    3. Am I likely to be able to get a 145.002-76 for about that price if I wait for one to come along, and are they still changing hands quite frequently (I’m aware that the vintage Speedy market is quite buoyant just now)?

    I’d appreciate any thoughts or advice! 57C0D878-36B2-4A9A-B6F6-27755988E884.png 52A17FB8-167D-46CA-BD2E-694766EE9FD9.jpeg B56A36D9-40BE-4384-B806-A09EEC754EE9.png
     
  2. bama2141 Feb 12, 2019

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    I think the MkIV is a great watch. The 1040 movement is solid, and I love having the chronograph minutes on the central pinion - so much easier to read.

    These cases should have a radial, sunburst type brushing - the one you show has been polished and rebrushed circularly. This can be rectified by a relapping, but more metal will be lost.

    Mine was refinished, but a proper job was done. Not original, but I love wearing it.



    96AD30A6-AA54-45E2-B8FD-EC46B4DE5AA4.jpeg


    8F6BAE36-DC19-442E-B033-272A2BCF17DA.jpeg
     
  3. wilderbeast Feb 12, 2019

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    Yours is gorgeous! Yes, I thought the case looked odd. My Cosmic has the sunburst-style brushed finish and I think it looks awesome. Do you think the price is fair, compared with a similar age 145.092-76?
     
  4. bama2141 Feb 12, 2019

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    For more information, check the calibre1040 website. Excellent information including movement serial number ranges. I’ve seen serials of over 40M, putting the date to 1978 or later.
     
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  5. bama2141 Feb 12, 2019

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    I think a Speedy Pro 145.0022-76 in decent shape will likely cost a bit more. The classic Speedy Pro is a bit easier to wear and will never go out of style. It probably should be the first Speedy anyone should buy. The MkIV is a bit heftier and more unusual. Do you follow the herd or are you more freewheeling?
     
  6. wilderbeast Feb 12, 2019

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    That’s helpful - thanks a lot. I guess like many I covet a classic Speedy Pro, but I am drawn to the fact that this is a birth year watch and one sympathetic with the style of the time. Naturally the price of this piece would go a substantial way to a new Speedy Pro, too - and I love the sapphire sandwich version! But I wonder how many times I’d have the opportunity to buy a birth year watch.

    As to herd follower or freewheeler - I’ve been known to be both. Haven’t we all?!
     
  7. OMEGuy Feb 12, 2019

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    The watch is listed as 'reserved'. Did you already buy it?

    The case looks overpolished to me and I personally wouldn't buy a watch having seen just three pictures of it.

    I understood you're looking for a birthyear watch...

    But looking at the the price of the watch you are considering to buy, I think it's much too expensive. In comparison, look at this one, for example:

    https://www.zeitauktion.com/de/omeg...aph-automatik-176-009-vintage-raritaet-182534
     
  8. wilderbeast Feb 12, 2019

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    That’s useful about the case - thank you. I haven’t bought the watch, but I needed to make an enquiry to find a price. I think that’s why it says reserved. I have three days to pull the trigger. It’s also useful to know that the price may be steep.
     
  9. Vercingetorix Spam Risk Feb 12, 2019

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    Price on request=pass for me.
     
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  10. bama2141 Feb 12, 2019

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    I’d agree that the one from zeitauktion is much better. I’ve purchased from them before thru Chrono24 and all went well. Keep in mind that if you’re in the US you’ll need to pay import duty
     
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  11. wilderbeast Feb 12, 2019

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    Thank you for all the generous advice. I can see how much better an example the Zeitauktion @OMEGuy has recommended is, but it’s the year of the piece that swings it for me and I don’t feel that the price or overbrushed case makes it a worthwhile pursuit. I shall keep on the lookout...
     
  12. OMEGuy Feb 12, 2019

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    Coming back to your initial questions:

    Yes, absolutely.

    As long as you don't know the serial number of the movement and have an Extract of the Archives from OMEGA, you'll never know when exactly it was produced.

    I'm not absolutely sure about the Mark IV production time frame, but 1977 seems a bit late to me. Anyway you should be able to find a watch that was sold in 1977.

    I believe that you'll really have to wait for an opportunity. The prices for good '76 Speedy Professionals have passed the 4k limit meanwhile.
     
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  13. wilderbeast Feb 12, 2019

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    Thanks, @OMEGuy. I appreciate the advice and information.
     
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  14. bjcomix Mar 30, 2019

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    I personally own this watch and I love wearing it. It was released by Omega in 1973 if I recall correctly.