Found Granddad's speedmaster and other omega in closet, looking for ID and service advice

[goingonstrong2]

Hi everyone,

Reddit told me to post here for more specific advice. My dad just found some of my granddad's old watches in a closet that probably have not seen the sun for about 15 years, and I am starting to do some research on which models they are and how to go about getting them serviced to working condition by someone who will not replace any of the original vintage parts, and potentially could tell me more specifics about each model. If anyone here has 1) knowledge on which specific models these are, or 2) recommendations on a watch repair person or service that could be trusted to open these up (preferably in the DC area), I would be greatly appreciative. Thanks in advance!

Edit: I am not looking to sell either, only to get information on them and how to responsibly own them. I am located in the Washington D.C. area if that makes a difference. Thanks!

Both watches:

Speedmaster:

Speedmaster Up Close:

Speedmaster Caseback:

Unknown Omega:

Unknown Omega Caseback:

Edited: Aug 24, 2023

 

[myatt]

The Speedy is a 105.012-66 CB with decent facet lugs showing. As for service, it's best it goes to an vintage Omega specialist and not your regular watchmaker (Electricians who replace batteries!). There are some on the West Coast if you want it in CONUS, but others can chime in here to guide you.

And never send to Omega - they will most certainly ruin this watch. Read this forum, learn a lot before you ship it out to a trusted watchmaker. Simon Freese is the absolute best, but he's across the pond in the UK. And mind you, servicing takes time depending on the state the movement and other parts are in - sometimes upto or more than a year - so don't expect such a watch back in a week.

 

[Dan S]

Speedmaster looks to be a 105.012. Great find. The other may be a ref 2639, with a 30mm movement (e.g. cal 265) probably from the early 50s.

 

[Aludic]

Welcome!
Feel free to introduce yourself.

As to the watches you share; the Speedmaster is a 105.012-66 CB in what appears to be a nice condition! Also, it comes with the original 516 end links (which are worth quite something) on an otherwise unoriginal bracelet. Can't tell you much about the other ones, or your other questions raised.

 

[myatt]

Also, never ever elect to polish a watch or replace slightly degraded components (like the bezel e.g.) with shiny new ones.

 

[myatt]

myatt

Also, never ever elect to polish a watch or replace slightly degraded components (like the bezel e.g.) with shiny new ones.

...though polishing the crystal (glass!) is perfect normal as there are not glass but thermoplastics - so it will buff our perfectly fine and will become nice, shiny and clear. of course a good watchmaker will ensure it does not crack during the buffing process. Original parts like crystal and crown are important to collectors, so keep them on....and don't try the aforementioned buffing at home if you have never dealt with watches at home. Best to ship it out to a vintage Omega specialist.

 

[goingonstrong2]

Wow you all work quickly, thank you for all the info already. For finding a vintage Omega specialist, are you all generally comfortable shipping the watches via mail? I assume you opt for high insurance but even so the thought of dropping it in a box and handing it off to someone makes me a little weary

 

[gbesq]

I can recommend Chronotek in Souderton, PA (a suburb of Philadelphia) for service. They are very experienced in servicing vintage watches and they have an Omega parts account. The contact is Michael Scriniere @ 215-799-1912.

 

[Dan S]

goingonstrong2

Wow you all work quickly, thank you for all the info already. For finding a vintage Omega specialist, are you all generally comfortable shipping the watches via mail? I assume you opt for high insurance but even so the thought of dropping it in a box and handing it off to someone makes me a little weary

Only the Speedmaster would be a concern, IMO, because it is likely a 5-figure watch including the bracelet. Still, it can be insured using registered mail.

 

[myatt]

goingonstrong2

Wow you all work quickly, thank you for all the info already. For finding a vintage Omega specialist, are you all generally comfortable shipping the watches via mail? I assume you opt for high insurance but even so the thought of dropping it in a box and handing it off to someone makes me a little weary

It is perfectly normal, putting high insurance value will only subject you to customs duties both ways if you ship overseas, but in CONUS you can opt for USPS insurance which I think works out cheapest. Best to hand it in personally if you can, that way you can talk to the watchmaker. I leave detailed written instructions with the watchmaker.

 

[gbesq]

Dan S

Only the Speedmaster would be a concern, IMO, because it is likely a 5-figure watch including the bracelet. Still, it can be insured using registered mail.

I agree with Dan's advice. If you're going to ship the watch for service, USPS registered mail is the best choice. You can get a rough idea of what the Speedmaster is worth (and how much you should insure it for if you ship it) by consulting the price chart at Speedmaster101.com. Keep in mind that the price chart is somewhat conservative and is for the watch head only. As Dan noted, the bracelet adds additional value. So if you are going to ship, err on the side of insuring for too much and not too little. All of that being said, it's always best to hand deliver the watch to a watchmaker if you can so that details of the service can be discussed.

 

[itsjustausername]

Your grandpa had a great sense of style! That Speedy is a very cool watch, just get it serviced (Cleaned, Lubed, Adjusted) and polish the crystal, and you'll have super-wearable watch with a personal (his)story.

 

[Bruce235]

What,else did you find? Looks like a nice seiko on the left and a Heuer on the right. There are members on this forum that can help you with these too.
Welcome and wear in good health. Grandad had great taste in watches.

 

[CPRwatch]

Your Grandad certainly had a good eye for watches . Looks like the Seiko could be a 7548 -700B Pepsi Quartz diver made between 1978 & 1985 looking at the Bezel & has the suwa design mark at 3PM on the dial .And from what I can see looks to be in good condition .

Edited: Aug 24, 2023

 

[joeshoup]

I remember your Reddit post! Glad you took our collective advice to come over here.

Prepare yourself for the costs of vintage watch ownership - it'll cost you around $1000 to get these fixed up and running properly.

 

[Larry S]

joeshoup

I remember your Reddit post! Glad you took our collective advice to come over here.

Prepare yourself for the costs of vintage watch ownership - it'll cost you around $1000 to get these fixed up and running properly.

However. 1000 bucks is rounding error in comparison to the value so very worth it. My watchmaker is now a bit north of 500 for vintage chronographs. MJ Watch Service in Glenview Illinois. Omega certified.

 

[Dan S]

gbesq

I agree with Dan's advice. If you're going to ship the watch for service, USPS registered mail is the best choice. You can get a rough idea of what the Speedmaster is worth (and how much you should insure it for if you ship it) by consulting the price chart at Speedmaster101.com. Keep in mind that the price chart is somewhat conservative and is for the watch head only. As Dan noted, the bracelet adds additional value. So if you are going to ship, err on the side of insuring for too much and not too little. All of that being said, it's always best to hand deliver the watch to a watchmaker if you can so that details of the service can be discussed.

Just to add, there's no reason to ship the bracelet if you can remove it. Personally, I'd only send what is necessary.

 

[gbesq]

Dan S

Just to add, there's no reason to ship the bracelet if you can remove it. Personally, I'd only send what is necessary.

Good thought. Agreed.

 

[pdxleaf]

Dan S

Just to add, there's no reason to ship the bracelet if you can remove it. Personally, I'd only send what is necessary.

Be careful removing the bracelet. This is where most scratches occur. It's pretty easy to scratch the case if you haven't removed a bracelet before, although with a liitle care and experience you won't scratch it. Just don't try it without some preparation and advance experience.

Secursus is an insurance option. Insure it for around 12k. If you ship, wrap it in thin bubble wrap or sytrofoam, with some between the back of the watch and the bracelet. If you ship the bracelet. I like to tape the wrapping together around the watch, then tape the watch to the box to keep it from moving. USPS is what I use. Use a box within a box.

People are likely nervous for you now because these are in beautiful original condition. There have been many stories of watches found like this that got devalued heavily between when they were found and serviced. So this might come across as repetitive or too motherly, but it's only original once. There are well meaning watchmakers who don't all understand that some people with old watches want them to remain old looking, just clean and lubricate the movement.

To have a nice watch that is passed from grandfather to father to son (or daughter) is a dream of many. Your grandfather would no doubt be very happy to see your care and interest.

 

[gbesq]

pdxleaf

Be careful removing the bracelet. This is where most scratches occur. It's pretty easy to scratch the case if you haven't removed a bracelet before, although with a liitle care and experience you won't scratch it. Just don't try it without some preparation and advance experience.

Secursus is an insurance option. Insure it for around 12k. If you ship, wrap it in thin bubble wrap or sytrofoam, with some between the back of the watch and the bracelet. If you ship the bracelet. I like to tape the wrapping together around the watch, then tape the watch to the box to keep it from moving. USPS is what I use. Use a box within a box.

People are likely nervous for you now because these are in beautiful original condition. There have been many stories of watches found like this that got devalued heavily between when they were found and serviced. So this might come across as repetitive or too motherly, but it's only original once. There are well meaning watchmakers who don't all understand that some people with old watches want them to remain old looking, just clean and lubricate the movement.

To have a nice watch that is passed from grandfather to father to son (or daughter) is a dream of many. Your grandfather would no doubt be very happy to see your care and interest.

If he's shipping within the US, I don't believe that Secursus will cover that. In addition, I'm wary of using Secursus in that I find their terms and conditions to be vague and, frankly, unreasonable. In particular, they state that the value of the watch cannot appear anywhere on the exterior of the package. For international shipments, that is pretty much impossible as you must declare a value for customs on the paperwork that is attached to the exterior of the box. USPS registered mail is a much better option IMO.