Having dropped off a Speedmaster Mk3 that was slightly worse for wear off at STS in November last year, I was very excited to get a call yesterday to say it was done. This morning, I was greeted by this, couldn't be happier. For the detail fans, I know this isn't ideal, but the clasp is no longer available... and what went to STS was bent in half, and looked like it had been chewed by a metal hungry rodent... so given what they had to work with, the result is nothing short of spectacular.
Wonderful - love it!! That expanse of metal you see when a profile shot is taken from "low down" from the 6:00 side makes me smile every time I see it.... ;-) Congratulations - enjoy it!!
Wow, I really need to get one of these! I thought they had a sunburst finish though...yes according to this http://forum.tz-uk.com/showthread.p...5c203f7f0e34&p=2580804&viewfull=1#post2580804 but then STS would know, or did you ask them specifically for a circular finish ? EDIT - found one my old posts where it says "Sunburst brushing Flightmaster (ST145.026) and a Circular brushing Flightmaster (ST145.036)." so that explains it I suppose ;-)
I asked for a return to stock... It was was highly polished when I bought it, and they laser welded before applying the finish. Talking to Simon, a lot of work went into this.
Great information. Thanks. I hadn't heard of STS getting involved with laser welding before and was assuming I'd have to send mine to a couple of different places for the full restoration I need. Time to get some money together and make that call to Simon.
They're offering the full deal... it does take some time though, so factor in maybe 12 weeks turn around...
Apologies for taking this slightly off topic and away from that terrific Mark III, but... Does anyone know if Bienne do laser welding (if needed) as part of a "Restoration", or is it an optional extra that needs to be requested (and paid for)? The link above to the thread showing the laser welding process/results impressed the hell out of me!!
Not sure about Bienne but STS got a lapping machine around 2013, before you had to go to Rocco (the link above) for lapping and welding. Not sure why you'd want to send it to Bienne rather than STS? What's the reference of your MkIII? Think I need to start the hunt now!
Thanks chaps, it's ST176.002 - I went looking for one after seeing this FW article - http://www.fratellowatches.com/speedy-tuesday-omega-speedmaster-professional-mark-iii-176-002/ My budgets are pretty tight, so I bought one in need of some love. The minute hand looks to be a service item on mine, originally it would have likely had a needle tipped version - but these are NLA. I went for a full service, deep clean and restore.