Evening gents, Could I please get some feedback on this piece? Looks alright. I think maybe relumed. The hands appear to be empty/hollow. Not sure about the bracelet.. seller says it was original in warmer countries in late sixties and early seventies.. Has applied logo, DON bezel. The As always, your help is greatly appreciated! J
im really at the beginning but i think that the strap does not fit the model u have a caliber 861 transitional model 68/69 i guess. http://www.speedmaster101.com/145-022-6869-transitional/ (scroll down) but please listen to others which can examine far better btw: what does the seller ask for?
I am no expert, but I have the same 145022-68st that I got new back in 1969 and mine came with the 1039 bracelet and the applied logo. Some of the experts here on the forum can give you more info.
Dial is fair but not great, hands have had the lume knocked out but you can refill with a tritium looking material and they'll look fine. Bezel isn't bad, bottom right lug looks a bit weird like some deep damage has been polished out. Needs a 1039 bracelet.
I believe the 60's speedmasters did not come with a definite bracelet. Mid 60's straight lugs tend to use the 1035, pre moon pros usually have a 1039 and then the 1171 was phased in. However, if a customer preferred another from the separate bracelet line, this could be specified at the dealership. Given the fact that the dial, hands and bezel look original, I think the bracelet could be.
Does the lume look redone, or just worn out? Thanks for the info on the bracelets. I was expecting a 1039, but seller swears this one is original to the watch. Serial is 26m.. It's close, but I'm not sure about this one.
I actually really like these bracelets on straight lug speedys. Not so keen on pro models. Hard to say for certain as the pics aren't great, but I'd say the lume looks original.
@Davidt3449, in you opinion, if I were to have only one transitional, would this be it? I'm leaning to an almost yes.. which doesn't quite set my heart on fire..
I have one of 68 as yours and S/N is 27m , so this should be Ok , as my info . Make sure to put to service before use .
There has to be a gradient and it depends where and how you balance availability, condition and price. If you have your heart set on one good transitional, this possibly isn't it. However, I think these photos aren't great and this could be nice if the hands were repainted and filled. If the price is good, I'd consider this one, knowing Id have a nice watch that I could sell for what I paid for it should I find another. I wouldn't be paying a premium though. Better pics or seeing it in the flesh would help.
General concensus, is this a Running, or a Good? Or between? Edit: thanks David, appreciate your opinion as you have landed some nice ones and haven't been at it all that long..
Sorry, when I say "if the price is good" I don't mean 'good' according to the 101 price chart. I meant if it's a good, reasonable price Overall. Most definitely running according to 101.
For instance, I recently bought a '68. It has an original bezel in good condition but the dial has lost most of the lume, although it's nice in other respects. However I paid less than the poor price on 101 sand he person who will be wearing it will be just as happy with white hour markers. Therefore I'm happy with that. If it was for me, I would have waited and paid more for a better example.
The dial doesn't look attractive in the pictures, may be better in the metal. There's a big dent on the bezel, lots of corrosion on the case, and some signs of rust on parts of the movemet. There should be better examples out there. Buy only if you must have it, or better go with the call of your heart.
Looks to me like genuine, not messed with, If it a good price why not? If you need to think about it this long maybe not what you want though, you can always know when you see the right one, like ive said before, bit like the right bird when you meet her...