Examining a 345.0809 (Speedymoon)

My Speedmaster 345.0808, one owner (me) since 1990. Only difference is that mine has the calibre 863 (gold plated) movement and sapphire case back, and no calendar or moon phase. Same bezel and bracelet as the subject watch. So, no problem with the subject watch.

Well, that bezel is indeed wrong for this model. That said, it’s not a later service bezel, but a vintage DON. Quite valuable (if not fake). At first glance, it looks good and could be worth a lot more than a matching DNN would.


Agree with your assessment, except for the bezel… 😉

This is an interesting one and honestly, this seller is one of the last places I would expect to find this. Let alone, be a place to go look for watches in general. I won't name the seller if you are actively trying to purchase it, but as this item has over 330 watchers, it seems to be somewhat public knowledge. They are an online clothing consignment store that recently got into selling watches. At least, they recently started advertising this on TV. The reason I find it interesting is because in their commercials they heavily push that each piece is "thoroughly inspected" and "authenticated by experts in the field." However, each watch listed for sale has a linked "valuation report" and in that report, whether the watch is modern or vintage, the store says: "The knowledge of (redacted store name) in relation to each such item is partially dependent on information provided to us by the Consignor, and (redacted store name) is not able to and does not carry out exhaustive due diligence on each item."

As they are a clothing consignment store, and this watch is under consignment, I'm curious if they will open it up for you. Take this with a grain of salt, but this listing is advertised as requiring a service as it keeps time poorly. They have other listings that are advertised as "keeps time within spec" but regardless, it's always wise to factor in the cost of a service when purchasing a vintage watch. From a quick search, the price on this one does seem significantly less than other readily available examples (as much as half in some instances). That could boil down to them clearly not doing any research or "due diligence" and possibly not knowing what this is... As they have beat up pieces with highly unrealistic prices, I would wager they just don't really know what they are doing.

Sorry, I know I'm not adding helpful information to further your decision. I have just never looked into this store, as they are a trendy fashion consignment clothing place, and found the whole authentication, or lack there of, interesting.

Also, depending on the store location, their photography is really hit or miss. From what I have seen, the moon phase listing is one of their better ones...


*Edited for clarity.

Im no expert on these, but something does look off about the ends of the hour and minute hands. From others I’ve seen from a quick search the hands should be more pointed. Where as the ones from the Original Post look more like Speedmaster Professional Mark 4.5 hour and minute hands. But as I said I’m no expert so here’s a link to one of Chuck Maddox’s writing on the reference. His writings are a really great resource for anyone looking to learn more about Speedmasters.

http://chronomaddox.com/speedmaster_moonphase.html

Edit: Was researching something elder and saw this article on this reference that may be helpful to you researching.
https://themasterofspeed.com/2019/04/25/1986-speedymoon-345-08-09/