First vintage Speedmaster : share / assessment

Hello OF,

I’ve finished 2020 in a very pleasant and surprising way, by getting the watch that got me into watches. I wanted it as a reward for my final diploma and concomitantly my 30s (yeah, took my time), and didn’t wanted to hurl myself at the first one... Almost two years later, finally got my present !

Funny thing, it was part of my plan to get it during 2021, and the thing moved from the « Watch hunt goals for 2021 » to the « What did you add to your collection in 2020 ? » thread at the very last moment, receiving it on the 30th of December 😁

According to my bill of specifications, and in ascending order, I wanted a step dial, a uniform yellow patina with period correct parts. Within a budget that only allow me to dream about applied markers. You guessed it, I leant toward -69, -71... or eventually -74 references. Didn’t wanted a unicorn piece, but something that I could wear without fearing a scratch.

And this one popped up : fair case with some scratches, incorrect chrono hand (and probably also wrong hour and minute hands... But how can you tell the difference? 😉 ), correct DN90 bezel, and a nice step dial, with a pleasing patina. I don't know why, I felt that this was the (first? 🙄) one.

The price was ok to me (a tad over 4k euros), the watch coming from a dealer with all what it involves. And after one (very long) week of wait...



I was concerned at first about the dial originality, even if I knew that some -74 were originally born with stepped dial. I completly missed a thread about those (here) : fortunately, mine is also part of this 35.579.XXX stepped-dial equiped batch.

I wanted to change the incorrect hands at first, but after all I quite like the charm of the tear hand chrono. To hell with originality

As I said, I already pulled the trigger on this one, but I’m ready to take public backlash if necessary... Let this goes educational at least if I did a huge mistake

Anyway after a few days or so of partial wear, I'm more than happy about it 😀

Kind regards and stay safe,

Bottom Line: Are you happy with your first Speedmaster? If so then that's all that counts 😀
BTW: I like it too 😉

I’d wear it. You’d wear it. So we are good. Nice watch

It looks fantastic and is a very elegant watch.
I am very happy for you, it is a great catch.

Thanks for all your comments !

A friend just made me noticed that with the step dial, tear end chrono hand, and this back, I was pretty consistent with the new Speedmaster... Just lack the DON 😉

Nice score - hope you enjoy wearing it in 202, a wearable and usable vintage piece

Congratulations. Very nice first Speedmaster.

nice one !!!

That looks good to me, and even buying at a dealer, that feels like a fair price (with the bracelet included).

The teardrop chrono hand is a nice addition, I think 😀

This is a great looking watch. Congrats and wear it in good health!

Thanks again all !

@ewand

😵‍💫

The watch was sold head only, I added the steel bracelet later 😁

What I got was the watch (serviced), the leather band, a 24 months guarantee, and a 14 days return policy.

I'm located in France, and from what I've seen (and IMHO), good deals between collectors are above prices from OF market. And if I want to profit from those bargains from OF (essentially from US sellers), I have to pay VAT which turns bargains into a hefty bill 🙁

I realise how much that thread is lacking of pictures.

Almost forgot the dial, the thing that got me get it 🙄

Congratulations!! A good price