Hi OF!!

Like many others, I am a Long time fan/reader of the forum, first time posting.

I am currently looking at this 2998-4 for sale on Bulang and Sons and would greatly appreciate any advice.

The information provided by the seller:

THE CLASSIC STRAIGHT LUG SPEEDY

- Ref. 2998-4
- Serial 17765100, 1961
- Rare original dial and cleaned alpha hands
- Double stepped caseback
- JB Champion bracelet
- Checked by our watchmaker
- Incl. one Watch Strap of your choice*

This is a rare opportunity to acquire a beautiful condition and all original Omega Speedmaster reference 2998-4. Featuring the calibre 321 movement, this execution of the Speedmaster is housed in the so-called straight-lug case with 19mm lug width. The stepped dial is in stunning condition with the correct ‘long minute’ markers in the minute subdial and applied Omega logo. The original alpha hands have benefitted from a recent clean and the original straight sweep seconds hand is present.nmThe ‘Dot over 90’ tachymetre bezel is in remarkable condition for its age. The dial and hands have acquired a wonderful rich patina that sets this watch apart from the rest. It has been recently checked over by our watchmaker.

The watch appears to be in amazing condition, however, if there is any major imperfections/unoriginal parts that I am missing I would greatly appreciate any assistance.

All images provided The seller have been included below, the seller is currently asking 27500 euro.

Thanks in advance for the helpful advice.

 

Bulang and Sons... be prepared to have your nuts twisted off. Seller with obscene prices.

 

They will get their price.

 

It is a very nice watch with matching patina. I would really consider this watch if searching for a 2998-4.

 

Can't remember ever seeing a 2998-4 with a Naiad crown.

While the watch does not have an period correct 7077 or 7912/6 Omega bracelet, the JB Champion bracelet that is shown is a very attractive, hard to source, comfortable 1960's SS bracelet. Shown below

 

But you get a nice strap and maybe a watch pouch...

 

Since @watchknut loves besting pawn brokers, I will proudly display my 2998-4 which was obtained (rather cheaply but needing some work) from a pawn shop. Wasn't easy, the deal took me 8 months to close!

 

Back story as to 8 months of discussions?

 

That is one patient pawn shop!

 

Basically yes. In early 2015, when I was new at this "hobby", the watch was for sale online at a pawn shop 2 hours away. Went down with cash to purchase but, on examining the Chrono, it wouldn't reset properly. I offered less but the shop assured me that their WM would fix it and then we could close the deal,

I called every 2 weeks for months. They couldn't fix the Chrono and the owner was getting sick of my constant calls.

Finally, 8 months later as prices on 2998s kept rising and rising, I drove back to the shop and made a deal with the owners son. The price..........exactly the same as the original deal and I got a broken watch. But now I had a pretty good working knowledge of the 321 Speedie and knew where to get parts and where to find WM who could fix them.

 

I love it...good work. Have to keep on them, they don't like the persistence, but do love the green

 

This, all original tropical 145.012-67, was a more recent (bargain) pawn shop acquisition.

 

Opps......I've hijacked this thread..........a thousand pardons. I got carried away

 

It happens...totally acceptable when someone asks about a Bulang offered watch.

 

Compliments on the amazing Speedy!! Whilst I would prefer a period correct 7077 or 7912/6, I think that the JB Champion bracelet adds a nice touch. Do you think that the crown has been replaced? I was under the impression that this style of crown was used up until 1963?

 

Great story and an amazing Speedy.

 

For that price, I'd want them bracelet included.

Also, what does "cleaned alpha hands" mean? I suspect the hands have been done. Not a deal breaker, but I'd want clarity on that.

As mentioned, crown is a bit out of place for a -4, but not a deal breaker either. You could always sell it and buy a normal period correct crown (about $650 on ebay)

 

OB1 is right about the hands. it's a wierd color.

 

As the Naiad was known for its water resistant abilities (although it leaked at shallow depths) it was much more prevalent on the Seamaster 300 and the Railmaster. Why install a water resistant crown on a Speedmaster which could still leak at its pushers. WMO mentions the Naiad but the authors were unsure if this crown was ever Original to a Speedie.

 

I definitely agree that the price is slightly ambitious on their behalf, i'm going to have to see how open they are to offers. Thanks for all the advice, I do appreciate it. I'm going to ask them the questions you have raised and see what they can tell me.