Moonwatch Only is a better reference than The one you are using.

 

Hi, the only copy I can see for sale is over £1000, might someone who has a copy and on the forum be able to confirm? Ie whether a 27xxxxxx serial moonwatch should always have a DON bezel, or whether there were some DNN ones too?

 

I can confirm it should have a DON. That serial is nowhere near the transition to DNN. My comment about MWO was just a general one.

 

Thanks, here is a photo of it, serial number 27m but has DNN. Thoughts on it generally are welcome

 

Get an older copy for less... probably only missing some of the pages around more recent LE's? Cant believe it though ... the only latest edition on Amazon is £1800 !! mental!

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Moonwatch-...on+watch+only&qid=1567011259&s=gateway&sr=8-4

 

Just be careful if you do buy a piece that should have had a DON, but comes with either an old DNN or more modern service replacement, and you decide to source a correct DON for it. Whilst nowhere near Rolex fat font insert levels of depravity, you do still have to be very careful when buying a 'nice' DON for your new baby. Fakes do exist, and they're getting better all the time. Obvious giveaways are the print, font, colour (brightness/depth), dot placement on other numbers, i.e. the 70 etc etc. If poss, post up a pic on here of any you're keen on, and let the forum experts chime in - it could save you a pretty penny.

 

Hi @omegaman1973

The picture you have posted is not that great, but it looks like the watch shown comes with a dial with the Omega logo applied onto it (AML) instead of printed on it. If so, it is either a late Speedmaster with a 321 movement (145.012-67/68 ?), or an 145.022-68. This would align nicely with the 27m serial number you mentioned and leads me to conclude that it most likely a nice 145.022-68.

Either way, this Speedmaster is produced no later than 1969 and should have had a DON bezel when it left the factory.

On the plus side, the bracelet and end links look pretty good and the dial is certainly very nice!

 

Hi, thanks for your posts. I’ve found out some more info, it is a 145.022 ST cal 861 manufactured in Feb 1969 and sold in Switzerland in Oct 1969, it comes with box, warranty card and papers and also a nice 4/69 stamped bracelet. All in great condition. It’s clearly been well looked after, and worn very sparingly. Unpolished and largely scratch free case. No service marks appear in the case. Omega logo in the crystal.

Given this I’m not sure how/why the bezel may have been changed, bezel has nice patina to it too

 

DON bezels are found on early 145.022-69’s. It more then likely it got swapped out in a service sometime in the next decade and a half.

Transitional 861 dials with applied logos are super rare though.

You expect a hippocampus case back with this.

 

Hi, yes it has applied metal Omega logo, plus a flat hippocampus back

 

Looks like one to at least consider... I for one would!

 

Some more photos

 

You rarely see DON bezels on 145-022 69 models at dealers because consumers don't get the price difference.

 

Ok, so what would a fair price for something like this, with box and papers?

 

speedmaster 101 lists:
Reference Project Running Good Collector
145.022-68 - – 4000 -7200 -11000
http://speedmaster101.com/price-chart-2/

 

A non NON don bezel does, 3600 5300 7200 so almost a 20% difference for a 861 movement while still having the possibility to have a period correct bezel.

 

Hi all, I took the plunge and acquired it, so I’m now on the hunt for a nice DON bezel to go with it...! If anyone knows of one in VG condition that may be available, do message me
Thanks

 

Your going to need at least $3,000 and you have to hunt one on ebay and watch the enthusiasts forums. Beware fakes are out there. Honestly if you want a very good one it will cost alot more.

 

Here is a better photo of the watch, transitional with AML and hippocampus etc and faded DNN bezel which might be a 1970s service one. So, question would be whether just to leave as is, or whether to get a nice DON for it given it’s a full signed set one in nice condition. Views would be very welcome