As announced in the introduction thread, here are some pictures of my first speedmaster. I always wanted a speedmaster, but never even thought of buying a vintage one until I came across this forum. After a lot of reading and getting familiar with speedmaster101 (I believe I have to thank Spacefruit for that), I started exploring eBay. I only bought small things using buy it now in eBay stores before, so I first practiced bidding. Nothing serious, just trying to work out how the max bid etc. works. Next, I found out there are people who give the opportunity to make an offer, besides the buy it now price. Well, I decided I had to practice that as well. Thinking I was completely lowballing, I purchased my first speedy. Of course I didn't bid on something completely random, it was the model I was looking for. Not a 321 (above my budget), but a 1968 transitional, mov. number seemed correct (26,555xxx), with applied logo and DON. Therefore I wasn't too disappointed when my offer was accepted. I still have to have the watch cleaned (its pretty filthy imo) and serviced, I already bought a new crystal. I'm curious what the experts think of it. I know the dial is not in a very good condition, there is a minute marker missing and the last s in swiss made is gone (maybe has something to do with the lume), but I like the way it looks in real life. Although if possible I would like to have it cleaned a little bit. Even though the seller said it didn't come with the original bracelet, I noticed it came with a 1116/575, which I believe actually is correct for the model and year, that was a nice surprise. (assuming its not fake, maybe someone can verify?) Ow and I apologize for the picture quality, I have to practice my watch photography skills.
I actually quite like faded dials if the lume is still largely intact and the bezel suits the character. The only issue I can see is that the case and back look to be quite polished but the photos maybe exaggerating this. Even so, it'll make a great daily wearer and this is a great reference.
Thank you! I hope indeed it won't be the last! Actually the photos do the opposite, they help show the seahorse, the caseback is polished quite severely indeed. However, it seems the rest of the case isn't as much, but that might just be my untrained eye.
I love watches with character. That one has many stories to tell Including how it lucked upon a new home. Congrats ...and careful what you bid on. You night accidentally end up with a new car too.
Congrats, J.J., great way to start! Try asking here first, before bidding, and you'll eliminate alot of risk... great job on your own this time, however .. Cheers
Thank you all! I'll be more carefull on the Bay from now on, already own a decent car Thanks Dougiedude, I'll keep that in mind for my next purchase, no doubt there will be more.... Had a great laugh about the transitional comment, maybe I should nickname the watch Bruce?
A lot of grime has got in there, I assume from the crack in the crystal. A good clean should put it right. Surprised to see the spear chrono hand in 68 and on an 861. I have the same bracelet and it is a bugger to take links out of! When you say the 321 is out of your budget, what have you seen them starting at? I have been trying to workout what the price difference between 861 and 321 is these days.
The crack in the crystal is indeed what I think caused a lot of the dirt. Already have a new one, now its just a matter of getting placed (and a bit of cleaning). I was also wondering if anyone has advice on how to clean the bezel? It's quite dirty and I'm afraid to start cleaning, thinking I might remove the numbers. Is that a possibility? Or am I being over worried about it? I think its hard to say what the price difference is, as it depends very much on condition. But between similar conditions I think it might be around 1000$ ?? assuming the 861 is a non-transitional and the 321 is not an early one. I happened to get a good deal on mine, that's why it was within budget.
The bezel on mine was a bit crusty like yours when I got it and cleaning it was the first thing I did with the same worry! What I learnt is that the bubbling is from the lacquer layer which has nothing to do with the numbers. There seems to be 3 layers to the sticker on the steel bezel insert; the white adhesive layer that gets exposed where ever you have chips in it, a black layer which has a matt finish, and then the lacquer on top that makes it shine. The numbers and dots etc are cut into the black and white layers to expose the steel underneath that makes them look metallic and then the lacquer over the whole thing. Your first photo clearly shows how your lacquer has lifted, and completely gone in some areas of the outer edge. If you try to clean it, you will lose most of that lacquer layer as it has started to fail so much, but your numbers are safe unless you scrub really hard. It looks a bit patchy after cleaning which isn't great. I guess you could look into getting that painted back on. I just put a bit of oil on mine to give it a bit of a sheen to it while I decide what to do. Just use a damp cloth with soapy water on it at first. You will be able to get rid of those brown/rust looking bits easily enough, but again you will lose a lot of that lacquer. I keep going on about it because you might like that worn look to it which will wash off easily and be gone forever. I was expecting the difference between a painted logo 861 and non straight lug 321 to be a lot more than $1000, quite interesting. That would put a transitional 861 pretty close to a later 321. From what I have seen (in the UK), is that there is quite a difference between 321 references, but they all sit massively higher than an 861 of any kind. They seem to carry big premiums, and as you say earlier ones are right up there with similar vintage Submariners. I was initially after an early 861 as 321s were so thin on the ground. Then a broken 2998 came up and sold for a whooping $11,000 which made me realise how special early models were. The right condition 321 came up at the right price so I went for it. Really happy with it and it wants for nothing, other than I will change the bracelet for the right vintage strap which I am still looking for.
Thanks for the advice on cleaning of the bezel. I'm a bit more confident now in trying to get rid of some of the dirt. I'll give it a try. I'm not a specialist in prices, so it might be more, but I indeed think a transitional 861 is rather close to a late 321. I also looked at the price table at speedmaster101, gives a good indication as well. However, it sounds like you found a nice 321 already, enjoy it!
First of all... I must say congrats for your exploration and finding. I think hunting in this case is much more exciting than purchasing in a shop. Apart from that, seems to be a nice transtional example. My advice: clean the bezel but dont touch the dial, as tritium may be destroyed.
this one would even qualify for the Zombie Speedy thread (well, the thread where some members showed their 'well worn' speedies - and some of them were awesome!)