As I'm on the hunt for my first vintage Speedmaster I constantly check ebay and of course stumbled over this great forum.... so I just found this...as the seller was quite controversially discussed here for his base 1000 bezels I'm wondering if this is genuine or not... what are your thoughts guys?


http://m.ebay.de/itm/GENUINE-1965-O...003-65-ED-WHITE-MINT-/121792897376?nav=SEARCHPurchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network

 

Ah yes we have had a few comments regarding this seller. Here's how I see it.

No serial number given. Deliberately xxxx's out even the first 4 digits.
Poor photos. Perhaps they have been touched up.
Hands appear to be replacements
Assembling a watch is child's play compared to manufacturing bezels.
Buy (or don't buy) the seller.

 

Pretty annoying not to have picture zoom

 

Second look reveals serial number bridge a different copper shade compared to rest of movement.
One of two movement anchor screws is gauged. Does not match other screw.
These movement characteristics indicate a watch assembly.

 

There are several things wrong with the listing. Most notably, the poor quality pictures, the sellers attitude on here previously and the fact that the first 2+ digits of the serial can't be seen.

However, that aside, I think the watch itself could be great. All the parts are correct for a 105.003-65, down to the pushers and crown. They also show very similar levels of wear, which is minimal. No parts stick out as been excessively under or overly damaged when compared to others. The hue of the hour markers matches other lightly worn examples of this reference and the case appears unpolished (although the pictures make it hard to verify).

Although the sellers attitude here previously left a lot to be desired, it was generally accepted that he got into the game some years ago and it's very possible that this is genuine. BUT, the 'buy the seller' mantra would be ringing in my ears.

 

Thanks for the fast replys! I will keep an eye on this. Further question: whats with the numbers on the bezel being somehow printed onto the outer steel ring? Is this common with this model? As I have never seen this before. Sorry if this is a somehow newbyish question but I'm just starting to dive into the vast world of vintage Speedmasters.

Cheers.

 

Just about everything you will need to know on Speedies can be found here: http://speedmaster101.com/ I suggest you read and study it before you outlay a single cent on a Speedy.

 

I see what you mean about the bezel printing.
Even without that I would give this seller a wide berth. Personally I don't find him trustworthy.

 

Movement serial number starts with 25 which puts it in 1967 145.012 territory, not 105.003.................Hhhmmm.........an artifact of historic servicing at Omega, where I understand they were not always careful at keeping the movement with the watch it belonged to , or a shoe-in..................

 

ah.........good to know

 

Yup. The 105.003-65 was produced until 1967 and sent to distributors as late as 1969. Many serial numbers in the lower half of the 25 range