Obviously the chronograph seconds hand isn’t correct/original, but is there anything else that screams “Step away from the watch and Run Away!”???

Thanks as always for insights and wisdom. *tips cap*

 

IDK, but it would concern me that the previous owner(s) didn't care enough to keep the watch serviced. It sure seems like there is a bunch of grime in that movement.

 

I was thinking that too. Such a shame. Although I guess some people just want to use something till it breaks and get something new. I have several friends who are that way with shoes, cars, etc...

They don’t value maintenance like most of us do.

 

Well, somebody had to replace that chrono hand with an incorrect part....

32M movement is pretty late for a DON and pre-moon caseback. Not late enough that there are no outliers, but given the condition of the rest of the watch I'd be concerned that this is a put-together and the movement may come back for a later Speedmaster - or Seamaster.

However, the DON is nice and the bracelet, caseback, and dial are quite valuable. I'd say in parts alone this is worth $7k or maybe a bit more. So it all comes down to price IMO

 

It has a Delrin brake, which as far as I know shouldn't have been in use till '74.


*edit*

found some info when searching the forum, from a post by @alfanator:

https://omegaforums.net/threads/ohpf-straight-text-speedmaster-pro.30044/

"Straight texts ranged from SN 31,000,xxx to 32,857,xxx, with 145.022-69 cases(MWO)
Delrin movements started in 1971 with movement number 32,849,xxx (MWO)
Thus, there are no more than 8,000 861 movements with delrin breaks that could have made it into 145.022-69 cases"

The serial on this neatly falls into that 8,000 range, but that should have been too late for DON, and likely would have had a straight writing case back - at least that's how I interpret that info. As always take it with a grain of salt as my knowledge is only what I've gleaned from reading here mostly.

 

The serial looks too late for the watch IMO

 

Wow. It is really hard to buy a nice straight one of these eh??

 

The dial looks relumed to my eye and obviously the chrono seconds hand.

 

Kudos to you guys. If I ever throw the towel in and buy one, I'll probably do it from the ads here!!! It's a minefield out there...

 

Replacing a chronograph hand Proper servicing.

The balance is tarnished, the regulator arm is not highly polished as it should be, but very matte - I would be concerned that the movement has seen some moisture, and it may need much more than just a regular service...

 

Agreed.

I’ve decided to move on from this one.

I just started a new thread with a new Speedy in hopes of having the collective expertise take a gander.

 

What I was implying was that someone was inside that watch, and whoever it was didn't do a very good job

 

I was implying they didn't do any job, other than replacing the hand...same result in the end...