Happy New Year! I have been lurking here and reading this forum for months. This is my first official post. I have a Speedmaster 145.012-67 with some markings on the back of one lug. I am wondering if anybody recognizes the marking or has any background on this practice. I appreciate any advice you can give me. Paul
I have read that sometimes retailers marked the watches in that area. I am guessing from the replies that this is not one of thise situations. You all think this impacts the value of collectability of my watch? Thank you, again.
Those markings will be on the dial i.e. an extra line of font under 'Professional', like 'Tiffany & Co'
Actually, Tiffany used to scratch mark a code number on most of their valuable pieces of jewelry and on watches. It was probably an inventory number of some sort. On watches it was usually on the back lug similar to the OP's. I have a small Tiffany alarm clock from the 60's or 70's that I bought at a garage sale many years ago and it has a code marked on the back. I don't think they do this any more as it isn't considered good practice to scratch mark items now. Such marks really don't detract from the collectability of vintage items, it's part of their history. And a company like Tiffany may be able to tell an owner more about a piece (sale date, where sold, etc), this can be valuable for jewelry and watches.
Engraving there is seen before - so far no good explanation other than a watchmakers mark. One of my 145.012's have one too:
I seen a watch for sale recently with similar markings, unless it’s something to do with NASA then it’s not welcome, why engrave pointless numbers? Saying that the OP’s watch is stunning regardless..
That watch was worn by Pvt. Cleetus Beauregard of the 4th (llll) Kentucky (KY) infantry. But seriously only the person who defaced the watch can tell you what that means.
Lovely watch, no idea what the marks mean, but not a problem. That is just what a vintage Speedy should look like!