Hello all, I was on this forum a few days ago trying to decide what vintage watch to buy under 5k I have decided that I am going with the Omega Speedmaster, however I want an older year version and wanted to know what would be the most ideal to buy? Thank you
It would be a good idea to repost in the Vintage Omega section. Not that it makes much difference these days, but 5k in which currency?
What's your birth year? There is not really any best year. 5k is going to keep you in the 145.022 model. -72 was the last step dial, 74 and some 76 had a slightly different font. Then identical till the mid late 80's. The 145.022 transitional and early DON's are outside your budget.
Best year? Last year. Or 20 years ago. Back when you could get a 2998 for £250. As it stands, the best year to buy one is this year. Next year they will cost more.
+2 on the 145.022 I'd also get to know the nuances of each reference using Spacefruit's Speedmaster101 website. Good luck
I would spend a little more and get a 145.022-69. A good one will probably run about $1K over your budget, but the last of the transitionals would be one that should be a good keeper / daily wearer.
The few I'm seeing for sale are moving faster in price than I can believe. That said, all the early 145-022's are. Expect to be paying £8000 for a 145.022-69 with a 220 bezel and correct bracelet (1039) ... and more tomorrow. By the way, £1500 for a badly stretched 1039? That's what I saw last week.
8000£ for a 145.022-69 with a 220 and 1039...man, not that long ago @pitpro and I were discussing that number for our tropicals with blue/grey DONs..man how things have changed.
It's scary. Not that long ago I was thinking that a pre-69 Speedmaster was something I could no longer dare to buy. Now, I'm in discussions about picking one up but it needs a bezel and the price of that alone is worrying me. It's not the actual buying of the thing, it's wearing it. Years ago I said I wouldn't get a Patek or something "flashy" but these days my vintage tool watches are just that - expensive, recognisable and flashy.