Back from STS - Speedmaster MK3 Refinished Content Inside

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OSP

·Feb 20, 2016

tyrantlizardrex

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.

Great job. It goes to show if a job is worth doing, do it well. Even if it costs you short term the savings are long term. 😀

 

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webvan

·Feb 20, 2016

Thanks for the reference, the hunt is on!

To help I'll wear my Blue sunburst TV Speedie today ;-)

 

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Darlinboy

·Feb 20, 2016·Pratts! Will I B******S!!!

Excellent work on that case!

 

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jds1017

·Feb 20, 2016

Nice results! I may be wrong but I believe the circular and sunburst finish are acceptable for the Mk3. Here's my Mk3 with sunburst finish. Have had this for almost 10 years now but only worn on special occasions because of the chunky case

 

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tyrantlizardrex

·Feb 20, 2016

jds1017

Nice results! I may be wrong but I believe the circular and sunburst finish are acceptable for the Mk3. Here's my Mk3 with sunburst finish. Have had this for almost 10 years now but only worn on special occasions because of the chunky case

That's lovely - and I tend to agree, I've seen both finishes on the Mk3, both pre/post the automatic labeling.

 

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Ken G

·Feb 20, 2016

webvan

. Not sure why you'd want to send it to Bienne rather than STS?

I can get an attractive discount if I go through Bienne...

I don't actually have anything in need of laser welding right now - just wanted to know for future reference.

 

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webvan

·Feb 20, 2016

Ok, but how does one get discounts from Bienne ?!

It seems that unlike for the Flightmasters where there is a different reference based on the circular/sunburst finish (maybe other differences too) the reference is the same for the MkIII. How did you decide which one to go get? I think I might be partial to the sunburst ;-)

 

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tyrantlizardrex

·Feb 20, 2016

I didn't decide to be honest.

The watch was in such a state that Simon wasn't 100% that they'd be able to refinish it - I think that's what took time, the laser welding to build back up some of the case.

I left it in his capable hands to return to spec... And this is the result.

I'll be honest I would have been chuffed with either finish. 😀

 

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Ken G

·Feb 20, 2016

webvan

Ok, but how does one get discounts from Bienne ?!

I'm incredibly lucky in that a family member works for Swatch Group/Omega 😀

 

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webvan

·Feb 20, 2016

Good for you ;-)

@tyrantlizardrex - indeed !

 

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tyrantlizardrex

·Mar 6, 2016

This may now be going up for sale... As I have my eyes on something else... And a sacrificial lamb is required.

I'm going to think on it for a week, but get your dibs in if interested.

 

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kingsrider

·Mar 14, 2016

Does anyone here know how the sunburst finish is achieved?

 

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ricky3334

·Mar 14, 2016

Beautiful piece and in great condition after spa treatment ! really wearable even on medium size wrist although the chunky look.Hope to find one soon..Congats!

 

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tyrantlizardrex

·Mar 15, 2016

kingsrider

Does anyone here know how the sunburst finish is achieved?

On a lapping machine as far as I understand it.

Edited: Mar 15, 2016

 

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Archer

·Mar 15, 2016·Omega Qualified Watchmaker

kingsrider

Does anyone here know how the sunburst finish is achieved?

Cheers, Al

 

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Lonestar

·Mar 15, 2016

Thanks for sharing 😀 couple of comments:

1- gotta love the watches on both wrists 😁
2- wouldn't using such a "small" wheel create an "arc-ed" sunburst? I would think the factory ones look almost completely straight...

Paul

 

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Archer

·Mar 15, 2016·Omega Qualified Watchmaker

If you read the description for that video, I took it while at the Swatch service center in New Jersey for some training...that is what they use for these. If set-up correctly it gives the right finish.

 

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Lonestar

·Mar 15, 2016

Thanks - I didn't read the description, I just used the embedded player. I'm just surprised such a small wheel is used... Some basic maths and estimations show that on a "big" case like a Speed MkII, such a 30cm diam. wheel would drive about 2/10ths of a mm of deflection at the 6 and 12 o'clock position, where there is the most metal. I would think this becomes visible, but I guess if that's what is used, then it isn't so visible after all 😀

Thanks for sharing the vid, it's awesome anyway!

Paul

 

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tyrantlizardrex

·Apr 28, 2016

And now up for sale: https://omegaforums.net/threads/ome...ts-refurbished-warranty-until-17-02-18.39252/

 

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sky21

·Apr 28, 2016

tyrantlizardrex

And now up for sale: https://omegaforums.net/threads/ome...ts-refurbished-warranty-until-17-02-18.39252/

Very nice watch, GLWS. You pruning the collection to chase the EXP 2?