Hello All,

First let me start out with how much I have enjoyed reading the pages of this forum. Between this forum, and other blogs I have stumbled across, I have learned a great deal of knowledge in all things Omega. Many moons ago i used to be into Seiko watches, and this is how I got my start in the expensive hobby of vintage time pieces. As the years went by, my tastes changed (as well as my budget). After a brief stint in vintage Tudor collecting I have found myself drawn to vintage Omegas, mainly the Moon Watch. I love the history of the piece, as well as the timeless look and many variations. Before really deep diving into the backstory I had no idea how technical and timeless this watch is.

With all that said I would like to buy my first vintage Speedmaster, and have settled on an early 145.022 with a stepped dial. I really love the look of the dial and the history of that era. Recently I have come across one on eBay that looks to check all the boxes, but has not made the "Recommended Watches on eBay" thread.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1972-Omega-...460697?hash=item4b09f2e5d9:g:macAAOSwHoFXuiPXPurchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network

This is the watch I have been eyeing. It looks to check all the boxes for authenticity (the bezel looks correct for the era, from the pictures it looks like the correct dial), however I do have a concern. For one, the lume looks really good for 44 years old. Could this have been reapplied? Maybe there is something else I am missing. The price looks in-line with what a watch of this era and condition should go for.

Thank you in advance for any help given as I truly appreciate it.

 

The lume on many 145.022-71 models (of which this is an example) is similarly greenish. I'd say it's likely original; the hand lume looks very good too. Many times the patina on the dial lume won't match that of the hands, so that's not as much of a worry.
The case also looks like it's in good shape to me, and the price is just a bit higher than I'd look to pay, but it's worth an offer I'd think. Good luck!

 

Thanks so much for the quick response. Much appreciated

 

Did you buy it? It says "sold" now for $3150, I believe.

 

Missing it's original dated caseback would have been an issue for me

 

Yes I took the plunge and was able to get some money off. Hopefully I don't regret it. The seller looks legitimate and has received good feedback for other vintage Speedmasters. Hopefully it works out. I try not to make a habit of making watch purchases sight unseen.

 

I missed that, buried in the listing

 

Well, firstly congrats!

The movement number, bezel and stepped dial are consistent with a 145.022-71. Chances are you can track down a proper caseback here or on eBay.

 

Very true. And thank you!! With the wrong case back I probably paid a little high but I guess it is all part of the learning fun

 

On closer inspection, your watch could also be a 145.022-69 with a straight writing caseback. Your movment number of 3283xxxx falls within the parameters of the 71 and the end of the 145.022-69. Check out speedmaster101.com for more info on these 2 references.

 

You might want request an extract from Omega to see which caseback is actually correct. Good luck with your first Speedie. I warn you from experience it is hard to stop wanting more.

 

You raise a good point, he may have benefited from the lack of a proper caseback. However, I've not known Extracts to specify caseback inscriptions, only that it's a 145.022.... and if this were produced in 1971-72, it could still have been either one, no?

 

With the exception of meeting a woman who can tolerate my watch addiction, I'm usually not this lucky

 

Amen!

 

I think a good partner would tolerate at least one crazy passion in their significant other, after all those passions are what make us interesting!

Then again, I'm single so-

 

I've seen your collection and no truer words were spoken.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

 

32,8mil is likely 73 which is borderline for 69. Without the case back to identify....what other indicators are there for 71 v's 69.

 

If I had to wager, I would think the OP watch is a 145.022-71.

Firstly, in my own collection the highest movement number for a 145.022-69 is 3220xxxx. I also have a 145.022-71 with a movement number of 3284xxx which is much closer to the OP number of 3283xxxx. Perhaps other members can check their collection as well.

The second reason for favoring a 71 is the present service caseback. Both a service straight writing caseback (69) and a service medallion (71) caseback were probably available at the time of service. In fact, they are still available today. Since the medallion 145.022 caseback was used, probably during a 1980's service, I believe an effort was made to match the original caseback and that the watch is a 145.022-71.

 

They have shoes & purses and we're forced to tolerate that, so it isn't as hard as you think to find a woman who'll put up with a watch collector. As we've discussed here before, you aren't out chasing skirts at bars - you're usually at home sitting in front of a computer scouring eBay.

I must be the exception that proves the rule.

 

Actually I'm not the Speedmaster fan I once was. I'll take an 18k 145.016 and some (a lot ) change over an early 861 Speedmaster. Though I will admit having a WG Moonphase 3689.30.31 once.