So I get a call from a guy who knows I dislike Speedmasters for the usual reasons: you know, poor legibility, boring history, uninspiring design, and overall fragility. Anyway, I get the following story, which I encourage you to chuckle along with...at least there are no uncles involved.. "This watch is from a guy who bought it with a bunch of other Omegas, that were supposedly from an Omega executive who wanted a special Speedmaster, but didn't like the black dial. So he had this white dial fitted custom. It has a cal. 861 movement, and I display back. He wants to sell it because he was told Omega won't fix it, since it's not original." Me: "Pics?" Thinking: big whoop: a 3750.50 with a white dial and display back. Hmmm...did this 861 take a gilded bath? Looks like maybe an 863? Maybe one of those limiteds. Do you like with the white dial, or a hearty thumbs-down?
Hmmm .... the Alaska has different indices; there was a white reduced and also a white moonphase (3575.20?), but this dial is none of those. I've seen a white dial fake, but that lacked the word "professional" and the indices didn't have the outline. More photos?
Italian Albino dial. With the correct hands (dark grey) The albino aka 40th anniversary had a numbered LE caseback and a rhodium 1863 aka silver look. Note it was a sapphire... I dig it great looking hot rod! I see no issue with it as it's obvious it's not one of the original 500 from 97.
Seems like a perfectly reasonable mod to do the dial and hands but the caseback is a little OTT. Though I don't see why the seller doesn't take it back to whoever did the conversion to get it serviced?
I read this line and almost choked on my coffee! Your candor is impressive! I thought for sure you just stirred up the beehive but everyone is just rolling with it! This a gentlemanly forum for sure!
Burn him! Burn him for modding a speedmaster! Burn m'Bob for even posting a picture. Burn the watch too! @mikechi22, better?
There we go! That was the reaction I was expecting! In my 4 months of constant reading of this forum - life is a little, um, less than vibrant where I am in China - this is the first time I've ever seen a negative comment about a Speedmaster. OF is the Church of the Holy Speedmaster! I don't need one, i don't think my wrist could accommodate one, but hell, I want one!! Thanks OF! I'm thoroughly converted! Thanks for being brave M'Bob! Maybe your voice in the wilderness will save me a few grand! But did you see that 2998 on eBay...?
Oops. There we go! I should have had that second coffee first! Glad to know there are no actual apostates here!
There are, but it ain't me. Really appreciate the model, and not typically a kook-aid drinker. But you have to give credit, where credit is due.
I’m a major fan, if I didn’t already have a Mitsukoshi and Japan dial ready, the albino was my next move. So great find. pM the price oif you don’t buy it.