Hi all- Been searching for a nice Ed white and came across this example: http://www.loradelgallo.com/?p=6454 I noticed that the dial lacks the "T"s which was kind of curious. Clean bezel, hands seem original w lume, nice etching, lume on the plots looks a bit worn. Are there other condition/authenticity issues I should be aware of? Thanks so much for your time!
Not necessarily. Early examples have no t's This Serial is later than I have seen with no T's but that doesn't mean it isn't original.
The dial appears to be one normally found on the 2998-3 thru 105.002. Not normally original for a 105.003-64. It's an earlier dial.
I am from the camp that the dial is not original to the watch, if it were a 63 you might have a chance but not on a 64. Also on the very last of the no T dials the SWISS MADE was much closer to the chapter ring which to me indicates this to be earlier. This is my very early 20 mil, 63 which explains what I am talking about. It is almost like the T's were painted on after dial manufacture to satisfy the legal requirement at the time. Cheers
I also would fall into the non original to the watch camp. I have only seen non t dials in the -63 watches. As I don't know for sure, I try to word my answers leaving room for an outlier. So while I would say it is possible it is original, I consider it improbable.
Non original for me as well. Speedmasters are very well documented and described and the T's are generally considered to appear in early '64. People/sellers often try to claim outlier/prototype when accounting for parts that appear out of place. On extremely rare occasions this may be true, but the vast majority are just period incorrect replacement parts. These models are not that rare and I certainly wouldn't pay that price with that concern whispering away at me.
Hey all- Thanks so much for the advice and analysis. Looks like another pass for me :/ Hunt continues!
Hate to be late to work he party...Given the anomalies of Omega in the past, it still may take some effort to get comfortable with the watch. I'd be a buyer at the 'right' price ie, lower price. But, Curious the extract says 1965 Speedy which seems ok to the 22million serial #. So any change of dial likely to have occurred some time ago, if ever. Doesn't dial seem evenly aged?? Movement seems clean and complete - looks good If interested I like buying from members here. Do ... Get it here. Oh, sorry. Withdrawn, it seems https://omegaforums.net/threads/omega-105003-64-good-conditions.27064/ Good luck in the hunt as you've passed on this one
Although i have my doubts about the dial too, there may be a chance for dial to be original and the case back to be replaced, even for a late as Dec. 1965 specimen. Omega cannot confirm the case ref. extension on the extract. If you look at the case back, you will see nato strap marks while if you look at the lugs you will see bracelet marks. I can't tell precisely because of the poor resolution pictures, but it also seems the back case shows corrosion marks while the top is intact. Either way, something is wrong with the watch. I would also not recommend the seller.
Yes, but look at the position of the SWISS MADE, it is touching the minute track unlike the posted example.