Hello everyone, First post and (potentially) my first vintage watch and first Omega--exciting! I've been in the market for a used Omega Speedmaster for a few months, and I stopped into a reputable estate jeweler and talked watches with their watch lead (who's openly a Rolex specialist). He found a 145.022-69 ST DNN circa 1970 on a 1171/633 bracelet and contacted me about it. This piece is not tropical, but it does fall in the 2911XXXX range where tropical dials are most common. Service history is unknown, but the action is said to be "smooth" and "keeps excellent time". He found the watch through a dealer he claims to be trustworthy and someone he does a fair amount of business with. I've done all of the research I can in comparing known high-quality, correct examples vs. the pictures I've seen of the watch (below). I cannot find fault with this piece, but that's where I hope you all come in. Additionally, I have not seen this watch in person yet, but I will when I pass back through the area for the holidays. Here are my asks: 1) Is this an honest watch and/or are there any replacement parts or pitfalls that I am not aware of? 2) Asking price is $6,250. Is this a fair price, and how would you rate this watch's condition? 3) Newbie vintage watch question: assuming a full (independent, non-Omega) service of the piece, what level of water resistance can one reasonably count on? No, I'm not going to swim or dive or shower with it on, but should I be worried about rain, hand washing, dishes/cooking, etc.? I would like this to be a watch I wear regularly (office job), and while I will of course be treating it with respect, I want to enjoy it, not put it in a vault. Is that realistic/reasonable? Thank you in advance for the help, guidance, and hopefully this is posted in the right place!
The photos are not really adequate to judge condition, although I sense I am seeing a moderately polished case, mainly based on the first photo where the 1 o'clock lug looks pretty smooth and rounded. It would be nice to see better photos of the case. Importantly, the bezel is not DNN, but a later service bezel, which definitely hurts the value. This serial number should have a DON bezel anyway. Would need to see the clasp to determine if the bracelet is period correct or not, but probably not. I will add that it looks like a gorilla has been fiddling around with the movement. It's not to say that there's anything that can't be repaired, but it's all scratched up and nearly every screw-head is marred. It's not worth anywhere close to the asking price IMO, maybe half. Once serviced, it should be able to tolerate some casual moisture if the seals are replaced properly, but it's always best to keep vintage watches dry.
What he said ^ Pass on this watch. Many other & better examples of a -69 at this price range. Also, don't rush into buying. Especially since this is/will be your first vintage one. Don't get tempted by "Deals" on junky examples. Take your time. The right one will come to you eventually.
It's good that you asked here first, not after the purchase It has a look of a modern PRO. That's probably because of the service bezel and shiny case. If you want to have top condition 69 with a bracelet then you probably have to pay more than 7k and with DON even more. Considering the DNN bezel will set you back for 800 USD (one is for sale in OF) then this watch would eventually cost you stupid money. You could have an original 69 for 5k easily. Don't rush. My rugged 69SW says hello.
Pass for me. The case is over polished, the bracelet is a modern version and the bezel is wrong. Overall it looks like a dealer prepped watch.