Hi all.
So I just turned 40 and have decided that I want my birth year watch to be an Omega. Just starting to search and see what I like. I am a huge fan of dive watches, but don't have a chronograph in my collection. Just wondering, when it comes to 77, what should I be looking for? I know that's subjective, but I don't own an omega yet and don't know what 77 had to offer. I would like to keep this purchase in the under 4 grand range. Thoughts from all you fine folks?

 

Good chance a early Speedie 145.022-76 was produced in 1977.

 

looking for a 145.022-76 with a 39.5M serial number for a 1977 manufacture date. You can get a better match for dates here.
https://www.ilovemyspeedmaster.com/productiondateprediction/

I have a 145.022-76 as my birthyear, alas new info has come out in the past year that shows mine was most likely made in 77 ;(
145.022-76 is the model, there is no 145.022-77.

A good 145.022-76 made in 77 with the more preferred earlier dial font should be in your budget with no problems. The all black one on the right is a 145.022-76

 

Nice! I was thinking speedy was probably the way to go. You have given me a great place to start! Thank you.

 

I also turned 40 last June. Here's my 77 Speedy 1045 (Lemania 5100) which I got last year

 

I think the Soyuz are also produced in 76 no?

 

Well I was born in 1957 so a birth year Speedmaster is well out of my reach! I settled for a new Speedmaster '57.

 

I just started looking at the 1982 options I have after someone at work noticed my current watch and asked when it was from. I have a feeling I'll be settling for a non-speedmaster no matter what I do.

 

Go for a 1977 Speedmaster 145.022 Moonwatch.

 

Hello, congratulations on turning the big 40.
I imagine that 99.9% of people on here will direct you towards the speedmaster. No harm in that but there are other options; a seamaster 176.007 might be a good alternative. Maybe the omega albatross or perhaps something like an f300 speedsonic? They might be a bit over the top, design wise, for your taste but have a look.
Seamaster 176.007

F300 speedsonic, also comes on a lobster bracelet. Different case but very nice. View attachment 420456
Omega Albatross. A hunky beast of a watch and definately an acquired taste.

 

Cheaper alternatives do exist, though these seem to be climbing lately. Watch out for replacement bezels with a different font.

 

I just posted this on another thread; but I just purchased a '77 GMT - but not for my birth year. For my wife's birth year (and just to clarify, the watch is for me). It was much easier to justify to my wife

 

I like your style.

 

I had always wanted a birth year Speedy (1977 for me as well, I turn 40 in September). Last year I pulled the trigger on a very poor picture quality Speedmaster Pro on ebay for $2K on a whim. I lucked out and got a very decent -76, which according to "I love my speedmaster" was likely produced in June of '77. This is pretty much the exact same date I had figured by seeing a couple other extracts. Obviously it's not perfect, but I feel pretty confident that it was made in '77.

 

Can you pm me your serial and verify your tall S dial for the 74/76 dial research I'm doing?

 

Wifey: OMG! "Another" new watch?? You're insane!
Me: Yes honey, but it's for 40th anniversary.
Wifey: God! Have we been like 40 years yet? For real? Ohh you're so sweet..
Me: No honey, actually it's "MY" 40th years anniversary.