Hello. Hoping to get some advice from this very knowledgeable community on the vintage Speedy 105.012-65 pictured below.

I've been told it's had only one owner, and hasn't been cleaned or prepped for sale in any way. To my less than expert eyes, it seems all original, with some condition issues. The most bothering to me is the missing lume on a couple of indices, then the dial and bezel wear. However I don't have the budget for a collector grade watch so I'll accept some wear, as long as it's genuine and will retain its value if I take good care of it.

The seller will entertain offers and seemed receptive to $8,500 in cash. The case would get an ultrasonic cleaning and very mild crystal polish. Wondering if I should pull the trigger or wait for a cleaner example. I've been looking for a nice pre-moon 321 to wear, not a safe queen and would really like to stick to a sub $10k budget.

Thanks in advance for your opinion!

 

Looks honest with a replacement crown and bracelet. However, not a single part is in good condition, and personally I would not even consider it at $8,500 because of all the issues, the lume on the dial is particularly unappealing. Maybe offer $6k, I don't see how the seller will get much more.

 

I'm with Dan. I would set a budget and buy a watch at the best intersection of age and condition. This might be a 861 Speedmaster in your case, or maybe a 145.012. But from your post I read two things A) you want to enjoy it, obviously, B) you want it to hold value. I think a better condition watch with serve these purposes best in the long run, and I think you can get both at >$8500.

 

Hi,

What I see is:

- Not a clean dial: missing lume at 19 and 23 o’clock
- Minutehand missing some lume
- Used bezel

For 8.5k I think there is more to find.

Matth

 

Agree with the above - that's not an 8.5k watch.

 

I think there’s a good deal of the previous owner still with the watch.

 

I would definitely pass on this example...I realize the higher value of premoon, but in this case you would be paying far too much and making too many compromises.

 

I’m supporting what’s already been said. You will have to compromise on too many parameters - for a relatively expensive watch. At the same time it seems like the prices on vintage speedmasters are stagnant or even falling. I think you will be able to find a better example at this price.

Good hunting.

 

too expensive if you will check it in further for service.