As a new but devout convert to the Speedmaster, I recently acquired my first one, a 2017 311..304 which I've worn every day since & love. Having always failed to "get" the birth year watch concept, it's now growing on me.
My ideal birth year watch would be a 1969 145.022 on a 1171 bracelet. I've looked at the Speedmaster 101 guide to vintage pieces & Fratello's 2 part guide to 145.022s, both of which were illuminating.
Can I ask members for experiences of buying a 145.022, some pitfalls & experiences of living with them. For example, is it a practical daily wearer despite its age & value?
Many Thanks,
Jason

 

Hey Jason

Welcome.

That would most likely make it a 145.022-68 ... so a transitional. Very lovely piece, very hard to come by in decent condition.

Verification that the watch appears correct and unaltered is key. Learn what you can before spending coin, so that when you do, you do it in confidence.

Yes! Just lovely, not much different to the modern one, just with a touch more character and appeal.

Cheers,
E

Edit : The first batch of -69s were also made in the end of '69, so may just work out for you..however, these were made up to '71, so you may need to verify the production via extract. A touch cheaper and easier to find than the -68's...

 

I agree with the above, a '68 would be in order for you to fit your BY. The '68 offers a nice balance of modern movement (cal. 861) with the vintage applied metal logo. Cal. 861 movement is very robust and can withstand daily wear without any issues, also parts are readily available if necessary. I own a '68, it's easily one my favorite pieces in the collection.

Hang around here long enough and you'll find one eventually for sale. All I have to say, is be patient and buy the seller. Nothing wrong with paying a slight premium if it means having piece of mind.

Good luck!

Here is a quick pic.

 

E,

Thanks for the welcome & the tips. I reckon there's a fair bit of studying to do but that's OK because there's also going to be a fair bit of saving to do...

 

Thanks very much. Thanks also for the picture, What a beautiful piece! I have set it on my desktop to motivate me..

 

Hey Jason, been in the hunt for 20 years for a decent birth year watch.
Problem with being born in 1974, is that apart from traditional pieces, they made some mighty ugly pieces too.
But as ATWG says, bide your time, and the right watch will find you. Can’t go wrong with a 145.022-68, great mix of vintage details and reliable modern movement.

Hard to believe but my birth year watch I found, turned out to be a 74 Speedmaster manufactured on my birthday!! As per extract of the archives.
Good luck with the search.

 

I tried on a 145.022 transitional on Tuesday. The guy in the Omega boutique in Burlington Arcade pointed out that being born in '69 will add to the cost of a birth year piece, which hadn't occurred to me!

 

@Speedy2254 You might also check here:

https://www.ilovemyspeedmaster.com/productiondateprediction/birthdate/

 

Sounds like you went to Somlo...interesting: "being born "xx" (add any year) will add to the cost of a birthyear watch", at least there I assume, always.

Be patient. Don't pay a premium for a watch just because you were born

 

Yes, it was Somlo, I spoke to Daniel. He was very helpful & let me try on a very nice transitional. His point was that being born in the year of the landing means that '69 watches are more in demand & thus more expensive.

 

I agree with @mr_yossarian. I am sure these guys will always make a point to squeeze for extra cash, whilst selling sub-par quality.

Here is a phenomenal transitional from a very knowledgeable member with a very good eye:

https://omegaforums.net/threads/196...ransitional-stunning-dial.84071/#post-1083880

Its not cheap, but then these watches in this condition seldom are. 'Condition, condition, condition' as the saying goes...

 

..or 1968 ( Apollo 8 circles the Moon 10 times, first picture ever of the "Earthrise" on Dec. 24th, ) or 1970 (Apollo 13 disatster and triumph) or 1971 ( Apollo 15, Lunar Rover extents exploration radius for the Astronauts) or 1972 ( Apollo 17, last man to leave the moon)..I have difficulties with this generic sales pitch, you know what I mean?

I think I saw that transitional on display 4 weeks ago, what did they ask for it?

 

Absolute Top one. Negociate, buy, be happy every day. This is the kind of Speedy you should go for.

 

I would check the production date first. Bracelet is stamped 1/69 and the serial is not fully provided...

 

£12.5K. It was beautiful but that's a lot of cash. He also said that if I was to opt for a 145.022 from the 70s, it became more like £6.5K.

 

That translates to north of 14k Euro. If you want a beautiful 145.012-67 Pre-Moon including 1039/516 bracelet, servied and Extract from the Archives for that money, let me know.

 

Thanks very much. I don't think I will be able to buy another piece this year, having bought 2 already, but I will keep it in mind.