Originally PO wanted to make a trade deal with me on this watch that would have been at a higher value. After meeting this morning, being able to see and handle it in person and open it up, we came to a more reasonable deal.

First, couple of issues....When I opened it up I expected to see a 145.002 78 reference, but it's stamped 71 rather than 78. I could be wrong, but I'm almost positive that couldn't be correct. Also, hour and minute hands look to be newer luminova replacements.

I had hopes, but really didn't expect this to work out as a birth year speedy. Serial is 44xxxxxxx which matches up with the expected 78 reference. It also matches up to 1983 which is my birth year. Movement looks very clean and not abused. Dust cover present.

Chrono hand matches dial lume and both look great. I like the faded bezel, and the 1171 bracelet is a bonus for me and has screw pins and 633 end pieces.

Case still seems nice, with 'honest' wear.

What do you all think?

 

Quick phone pics, I beg forgiveness

 

As a side note, this Hamilton was worked into the deal. Again, not great pics.

 

Cool Hamilton.

 

Doesn’t appear to have a stepped dial, so if so not a 71...

 

Yes, I don't think the caseback is correct. Other than the caseback, and hour/min hands, I think it's all consistent with a 1983 145.022 78

 

And the hands are just normal replacements. The case-back is fishy, but certainly not worth any less than a -78 case-back. So you can keep your eyes open and eventually do a replacement if it matters to you.

 

Not much to add bar I like that faded bezel a lot.

A birth year watch, to my mind, should not be pristine. It should wear its years of use well, not appear to be a time capsule from the year.

My '72 Mark II on an 1171 agrees.

 

Thanks Ascalon, I agree and haven't been able to get this one off my wrist since picking it up.