These are always interesting pieces - seems that most observed straight lugs with blue bezels have fallen in a similar timeframe (-64), though there's been a couple earlier and a couple later. What's really amazing in-person is how it changes colors in the light. If a room is dark / it's angled away from the light, you can't really tell that the bezel is any different (second picture below)...tilt it towards the light, however, and it's an amazing, metallic shade of blue that adds another dimension to the watch. This particular one was inherited by a grandson, and is capped off by a 7912 with all links and no stretch. Just need to hit it with some Polywatch and it should be a stunner. Great way to end the year of watch finds!
Who needs rockets for New Year when ending the collecting year with such a bang! Congrats, a fanastic piece
Yeah...not too shabby! Case is thick, but this one is like other -64's in that there aren't any defined bevels on the lugs. Given the sharpness of the caseback, bezel, and flat foot crown, makes me think that this wasn't polished much (if at all) over the years. Further confirmation that the -64's were different.
Badass! Heck of a way to round out the year. Quick question, how hard is it to contain your excitement in these face to face deals
Ha, well this transaction was carried out by my close, non-WIS friend, so he probably appeared to be totally uninterested
i am curious if people think the blue bezel "changes" the value of an ed white like tropical dials seemingly do. they are rare but around. . .or is it just aesthetics/ personal preference
I believe that blue bezels significantly increases the value of any vintage Speedmaster. I believe that there are fewer blue bezels than tropical dials. Less means more: Yes?
I'm biased, so take this for what you will, but I would absolutely say it affects value. A large price mover in high-end vintage watches is unique aging that doesn't detract from the overall beauty / condition of the watch (i.e. perfect tropical dials, creamy shades of patina, and situations like this). I also don't think these blue bezels exist in large quantities - I personally have seen < 10, though I readily admit that it's a small sample size. Final data point - this one sold immediately: https://shop.hodinkee.com/products/1960s-omega-speedmaster-reference-105-003?variant=48077392847