Am I wrong about my -69?

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apsm100

·Jun 7, 2025·Noob taxpayer

I am beginning to think the -69 I bought as a beater last year is actually unpolished.

I have been playing pickleball, going to the beach, wrestling with my friends dogs (you can see the gash on the crystal from a little bite), all the while thinking that I was wearing a -69 with a very nice case refinish.
I actually bashed the watch on the door of my friends truck and it left a pretty nice scratch, and in the moment I did not mind at all.

And it just clued in today (especially after handling a near NOS -68 case) that, "hey this case looks a little too good", let me take a closer look.

The biggest clue for me is the consistency of the polish direction in the high polish parts. The case geometry is sharp too, with even facets underneath the lugs.
What do you all think?

Edited: Jun 7, 2025

 

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Davidt

·Jun 7, 2025

Have you got some better photos, particularly of the case sides? It’s not possible to say from front on angles along and the picture of the lug is too zoomed in

 

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apsm100

·Jun 7, 2025·Noob taxpayer

Davidt

Have you got some better photos, particularly of the case sides? It’s not possible to say from front on angles along and the picture of the lug is too zoomed in

Hm I included a short video but it didn't work on my iPhone. Reuploaded!

 

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Davidt

·Jun 7, 2025

There’s too much reflection etc on the video. It needs good, focussed pictures of the sides and rear.

 

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ibis888

·Jun 7, 2025

Unpolished or not, that’s a nice Speedy! Hardly a beater to me.

I’ll be curious to see what the pros think, case looks very sharp and the condition of the rest of the watch looks very fresh.

 

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hansaboy

·Jun 7, 2025

That a tough question you want the forum to help you with....😉
We need supersharp and detailed pictures!

Here are a few reference watches to compare with, and look how the watches are presented.

https://www.chronoholic.com/product...master-professional-145-022-69-st-220-bezel-1

https://www.windvintage.com/omega-speedmaster-professional-spillman-case-145022-unpolished

And you do have a lovely Speedy!!!
👍👍👍

 

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Harbormaster

·Jun 7, 2025

Certainly does not look like a “beater” to me!
Nice watch. 😎

 

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Wlcutter

·Jun 7, 2025

The background of the watch—who owned it before you; where and from whom you bought it—are probably as salient as anything else regarding the watch's condition (imo). It certainly looks nice.

 

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apsm100

·Jun 7, 2025·Noob taxpayer

Thanks all! I don't have my DSLR on me at the moment so here are some iPhone pics. Sorry about the quality.

@Wlcutter you are right. Unfortunately don't know much about this besides it came from a private eBay seller. I assumed it was a refinish from the photos and price.

The biggest issue with this case I would say is the left case side finishing. I would be surprised to see a sloppy angle like that pass QC.
Also, the 90's era crystal and suggests a later service. Back then they refinished everything.

The dial is what made it a beater for me! Some light handset damage, damaged lume, and a small bit of oil on the right subdial.

If it is indeed a refinish I can continue to wear it as a beater. 😳

 

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ibis888

·Jun 7, 2025

Maybe I am wrong with this but to me, if the case looks honest and sharp.. that should be enough. Worn down/rounded lugs or a case that no longer has the shape of the original case are the things that turn me away.

Whether technically polished or not, your case looks great to me!

That looks like a great watch, particularly if the price was reasonable. Don’t see many -69s in this condition.

 

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Servius

·Jun 7, 2025

Another link for comparison…

https://www.chronoholic.com/post/the-omega-speedmaster-professional-a-case-study

The red highlight of polished areas eases !

 

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SOG53

·Jun 7, 2025

Nice looking Speedy! For me an unpolished watch of this age should have some light marks of wear, if it’s pristine it is either unworn or refinished. The condition of rest of watch should correlate. Here are some closeups of my 145.012 and 105.012-65 showing signs of wear.

 

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pdxleaf

·Jun 7, 2025

That's what I was thinking. It was well cared for, based on the caseback. Strong brushing with light marks. I'd expect more light surface marks on the case. Plus, the edges are a bit to sharp. It's hard for a brushed side to not get at least a couple cross scratches. As an academic question, I think it's been cleaned up. As an enthusiast, I think it's a beautiful watch.

 

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apsm100

·Jun 7, 2025·Noob taxpayer

@ibis888 yeah you're right, it doesn't really matter unless I paid a lot for it!
@SOG53 right, I agree. The bezel is excellent so it does seem to match a near mint case.
Thanks @pdxleaf. You are most likely correct and these were my thoughts when I first looked at the watch!

An example I have saved years ago for comparison: https://omegaforums.net/threads/omega-speedmaster-145-022-69-straight-writing-collector-set.112990/

Comparing it with mine it's pretty darn close besides the case side finishing flub.

Edited: Jun 7, 2025

 

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big case

·Jun 7, 2025

and another -69 for comparing

Edited: Jun 7, 2025

 

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apsm100

·Jun 7, 2025·Noob taxpayer

big case

andanother -69 for comparing

Looks great, amazing dial!
I do see some features my case is missing comparing to yours. Any photos of the caseback?

 

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big case

·Jun 7, 2025

of course

 

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masteroftime

·Jun 7, 2025

apsm100

Looks great, amazing dial!
I do see some features my case is missing comparing to yours. Any photos of the caseback?

Make sure to keep in mind that there are 2 or 3 different case variants known for the -69 sub reference.

 

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apsm100

·Jun 7, 2025·Noob taxpayer

masteroftime

Make sure to keep in mind that there are 2 or 3 different case variants known for the -69 sub reference.

I know of the 2 mentioned in the chronoholic article. What's the third? 😲

 

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big case

·Jun 7, 2025

mine in the pictures is a late DON -69

SN 3058XXXX

Edited: Jun 7, 2025