Just found this in my father's drawer after sitting there for 50 some odd years. Runs like a Gem, I believe it was purchased in the late 60's or early 70's. Any information would be great? Also still waiting on an extract from the Archives.
Awesome find. Let's run through some firsts: -Just because it runs fine doesn't mean it doesn't need to be serviced. It definitely does if it has been sitting for 50 years! Think even if you found a car in a garage for 50 years that ran, you'd still definitely change the oil and lubricate all the parts. -The most information will be on the inside of the caseback. To help date the watch a picture of the serial number would be best. -Try taking pictures in natural lighting without flash so we can get a better sense of what you have, -Get the metal bracelet off of the watch immediately it will kill the lugs. -It will clean up so nicely but don't let them change any parts. -speedmaster101.com will be a good resource. -My guess is that it is from the mid 60's and not the 70's as the logo is applied, the bezel is from the older watches, and the caseback doesn't mention the moon landing. Enjoy the watch and hopefully it serves as a beautiful family heirloom. It's definitely worth a pretty penny.
So it is a 105.012-66. According to ilovemyspeedmaster.com that puts your watch production a: 1967, June http://speedmaster101.com/105-012/ Depending on your location we can recommend someone who can service in your area. If you have no qualms about shipping from anywhere to anywhere people love Simon Freese or Swiss Time Services.
I'm near ATL. I don't really want to ship this watch. I can make a trip and do a face to face but I'm waiting on a Extract from the Archive of Omega before I do anything. Im also in the process of looking for the original watchband. All I know is it was purchased in Chicago in the Gold Coast in the late 60's for 100 dollars. Not sure what it's worth nowadays.
The movement serial number seems to match the case reference number, DON bezel, stepped dial so looking good
Thanks for making a separate post! This watch deserves it. Information on pricing can be found here. http://speedmaster101.com/price-chart-2/ In my honest opinion, yours is closer to "running" than good based purely on photos. BUT, the fact that this is a family-owned watch makes it more desirable to many of the people here...so maybe just under the midpoint of running and good? That's a matter of opinion. As for servicing, are you planning on keeping or selling this watch? If you plan on selling it but are unwilling to ship it to a distant recommended watchmaker, then I wouldn't bother servicing it, just let the next owner send it to whomever they wish. If you plan on keeping it, you may need to reconsider your stance on shipping it away for service, unless someone from your area chimes in with a recommendation. Otherwise you are gambling that a watchmaker you select at random will overcharge, replace valuable original parts with newer service parts, polish the case, or not be able to source the right parts for a cal. 321. Or all of the above.
Great watch, great find, great heirloom. Have a read of speedmaster101 for plenty of info. Bear in mind this is a global forum, albeit based in Australia, so you may need to give more info on your location - is ATL Atlanta U.S?
I would be willing to sell it after I receive the extract from Omega. I would also be willing to get it serviced. I don't know what a service would cost, But if it adds value to the watch I mine as well make sure it's in tip top shape before I sell it. Hopefully someone near me knows how to service them without degrading the value of the watch. Also the 50th Anniversary of the moon landing is right around the corner I might try to sell it then. Should I get this watch appraised before I sell it? Or is that chart accurate?
Yet another person skirting the sales rules with fathers/grandfathers/uncles watch I found by complete accident in a drawer
Better to sell it as is. You won't get more money for it by servicing it or getting an extract. In the future t's always nice to be up front about your intentions before soliciting advice...
There wont be future. It will be sold through PMs, which was his intention from the getgo, and then he will disappear never to be seen from again.
Not to be petty but your watch looks more like it's been sitting in a drawer that was opened and closed daily.
I'm really not sure what I want to do with the watch. I really found it on the 17th of November 2017. I immediately contacted and went to an omega dealer and ordered a extract from the Omega Archive on the 20th of November 2017. They said it can to take up to eight weeks to get back. I never knew about it and I'm 30 years old It was in a hidden compartment on a drawer that he had as long as I could remember. He told me that he bought it in Chicago in the late 60s or early 70s after I asked him about it. He is 74 and getting older by the day now. After doing limited research and with the help from these forums I have a better understanding of what this Speedmaster professional is and the significance of this timepiece. I'm just trying to get as much info on this before I decide what to do with it. Everything in this world or moon has a price on it. Thanks for all your help I appreciate knowing what this really is and it's authenticity. Knowledge is power!
If you want to sell it, don't bother getting it serviced, the people who pay the serious money (like collectors on here) want their own watchmaker to restore it. Don't even clean it. The dirt acts like a seal, confirming that it's a barn/drawer find and hasn't been fiddled with in years. I'm not entirely sure that an extract adds that much value.
I'm sure the drawer was opened numerous times over the course of 40 plus years. The watch was not cased and just sitting in the hidden campartment on the top drawer. Also when the watch was purchased in the late 60s or early 70s. I'm sure It was worn considering it was a everyday watch to wear back then. Not sure I wasn't alive so I don't really know anything more than that.