Considering this 145.022, thoughts? *Purchased, updated with PICS :)*

A newbie here just getting into vintage Omegas (Speedmasters in particular). I have done a fair bit of reading here (thank you to this forum for the wonderful information), as well as places like Speedmaster 101 and Fratello.

I am considering this watch below and would very much appreciate any opinion.

Here are my admittedly somewhat uneducated thoughts;

145.022-78 with correct bezel, caseback and I believe crown and pushers. Bracelet appears period correct as well. Dial appears in good condition and handset looks to be original tritium. Patina is pleasing to my eye, although is lighter than many I have seen. Handset patina matches the hour markers on the face. Bezel is dinged/scratched quite a bit but I like the look of it. I’m certainly no expert on the movement, but it looks clean to me and while the serial is hard to make out it does appear to start with a 4 which would be correct. I find it very difficult to ascertain what constitutes an over polished case, but this doesn’t appear too bad?

Based on Speedmaster101 price guide, I am guessing this would be somewhere close to a “Good” rating, which would place the value of the head at $3,500 USD plus perhaps a few hundred for the bracelet? No box/papers.

Thanks for feedback. Here is bracelet/clasp.

Nothing better of the case unfortunately.

Sorry I missed this, no service records but reports that it is running +16 seconds per day. I am going with the mindset that the watch will require a service.

It seems to be a very nice Speedy.

Be careful of the possible custom fees if the watch is not located within your country...
According to your avatar you are maybe in Canada and those photos have a typical japenese style, so import duties may be applied (if I'm right).

Thank you. Yes, it seems I will be subject to local sales tax + 5% duty.

I've taken the plunge and purchased the watch off eBay. $3900 USD which seems like a fair price. I will be sure to post pics and an update once it has arrived.

Can you recommend a reputable private Omega watchmaker in Toronto who can perform routine service on a vintage Omega?

Unfortunately I cannot...this will be my first Omega and it's my first vintage watch of any kind other than an old Seiko I got a few years ago (which I've never serviced).

I will be looking to get my Speedy in for a service sometime after it arrives, so I'll let you know where I decide to go, but opinions would be welcome from any others on the forum here.

I can't vouch for his work personally, but the Omega Enthusiast is in Markham. Not sure if he services pieces he hasn't sold, but it may be worth reaching out to him to see what he recommends.

You might also ask @Archer I understand he is also in Canada

Jason at Little Shoppe of Horology is located in Port Credit. He is Omega certified and has access to parts.

Thank you. Now that you mention it, I have heard good things about this shop as well. I will definitely drop him a line when my Speedmaster comes in.

My opinion is that you need a new avatar 😲

Who do I see at the top of the NHL standings currently?😁

Good luck tomorrow and Saturday, should be two great games.

Watch has arrived from Japan, and pardon the pun, but I'm over the moon. Very happy with the eBay seller 'hiroki-japan'. Shipping was quick via DHL although I got tripped up with the duties for a few days as the DHL system wouldn't accept my credit card (although it didn't give me an error saying so). As a head's up to any Canadians, I did pay about 5% duty and HST on top of purchase price. Also I should have realized, but my credit card screwed me for a few percent on the currency conversion to USD. I paid $3869 USD for the watch and bracelet which I think is a very solid price.

Quick reactions:
1. The bracelet is fantastic! I am typically not a big bracelet guy, but I have been really enjoying this one (although I've already swapped in a NATO just for fun, bracelet will be going back on soon). It has the typical endlinks rattle, but I find it charming, perhaps one day I will tape up some needlenose pliers and try to fix. Really surprised me how much I like the bracelet.

2. Couldn't be happier with the condition of the watch. Patina looks great and has a little more 'pop' in real life that is hard to capture in a pic. There is just the right amount of 'character' on the bezel for me. I love the hesalite.

3. Watch wears very well on my 7 inch wrist. I thought 42mm might verge on being a little big for me, but it has a very nice presence without being too large IMO.

4. Can't believe it, but appears to be keeping time within +/- 1 second a day currently. I will continue to monitor and plan to take it in for a service/look over once the pandemic restrictions are lifted here.

A few pics below, apologies for the smudges. My sincere thanks to all who commented earlier on the thread, really helped me with my purchasing decision.

congrats on your purchase, wear it well!