I picked up an omega speedmaster from a local seller in my home town for $180. The watch did not run or wind and was missing a pusher, but I decided to gamble and get the watch. I sent it into LA Watchworks to see if they could get it running. They identified it as a 145022-76ST and sent back a picture of the dial without the crystal and it looked pretty bad. Is there any hope in saving this dial and should I go through with the repairs and servicing knowing they don’t do dial restorations?

Thanks for the input. I am including pictures with and without the crystal

 

$180???!!! wow what a deal. Any chance you can post pictures of the movement or case back?

 

Sure, here is all I have.

 

Okay now we wait for the experts to chime in. However it goes, I think you still came up on top, price wise.

 

I would be more worried about if the movement is shot. Think of the patina as character unless it is interfering with function. Even if you do get it serviced you should still come out ahead. Good luck!

 

Here is a list of the services they recommend

MOVEMENT SERVICE/OVERHAUL
MAINSPRING
LUBRICATE CASE THREADS
DRIVER WHEEL
FOURTH WHEEL
PUSHER/S SUPPLIED/INSTALLED
REPAIR HAND/S
CRYSTAL (ACRYLIC)
ULTRA SONIC CLEAN CASE

 

I say keep bottom pusher don't change the hands or dial rest idk

 

At $180 you didn’t gamble... you stole.

Gorgeous watch. I would leave the dial as is. It’s not perfect, but matches the hands and bezel IMO. Original is always better. Get the watch fixed and then you can decide if you want to replace the dial later.

You shouldn’t haven too much trouble finding a donor or you could go try a professional relume and age the markers. I doubt the relume route is worth it because the dial has some other issues.

Enjoy your watch - I am super jealous

 

Honestly, the dial isn't that bad. The outer track is clean and while there's a bit of spotting it isn't anything too egregious. That is more than a nice pick-up for $180.

However, if you had the idea of re-selling it then pricing will probably be towards the lower end of the band or you'd probably have to wait for the right buyer due to the dial condition. Consider that as you start investing into the restoration of this piece.

 

The problem with having a vintage Speedy in near-perfect condition is that I am worried about adding new scratches and dings. Once you have your Speedy up and running again you can enjoy wearing a great vintage Speedy everyday without worries!

 

Very nice. I would be more than happy to just have that serviced, repair any defective parts and wear it more or less as it is. I would keep the hands, dial and pusher as there's nothing defective about them. The watch has that look of an honest, original piece that's seen good service without being actually worn out and I would keep it that way. And what an absolutely amazing purchase - hardly a gamble! It's the sort of luck I need if I'm ever going to own a Speedmaster

 

You need a motorcycle to wear it with

 

Thanks everyone for the comments! I feel a lot better about going through with the repairs. I only wish the bracelet fit me. It is stretched out so even at the smallest setting it is too big for my 7in wrist

 

I agree! I used to have a 76 Suzuki but I sold it. I will be looking for a 70’s Honda next summer

 

Wow! what a steal. The movement really doesn't look too bad either, from the pic of it.

I wouldn't replace the hands, but what they described to get the movement going doesn't sound too ridiculously expensive. I can't imagine how you wouldn't come out very on top, unless they try to gouge you with the service price.

 

The total was pretty expensive, but they said that they are going to repair the hands and not replace with new ones. I like the look of the watch and want as much of it to be original as possible. I am excited to be able to wear a watch that would otherwise be out of my price range.

 

180! Amazing

 

Leave the dial man. It's part of the watch's story, and looks pretty cool!

 

What do they mean by "repair the hands"? Those hands don't need repairing. Do they mean relume the hands? I'd leave well alone if it were mine.

 

The minute hand is damaged. Lume has cracked. I would have them repaired and matched up with vintage looking compound to match the dial markers.
Cracked lume is a pig if left as is. It will deteriorate further and pieces of it will end up in the movement.
I fully support the proposed repairs.
But: Don’t touch that dial!!! It is great and authentic looking.