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HELP FOR AN ED WHITE ISSUES

Probo
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Dear all, I am a speedmaster enthusiast and taking my first steps in this world. I write from Italy. I ask for your help as I am considering purchasing an Ed White which has good points in its favor (Extract from the archives, dial, bezel, hands, lumens, bracelet, winding crown, pusher, all original and in good / fair condition and at the timing machine the mechanism is beating well) but two issues that I would like to bring to your attention:
1- The start-stop button is broken and needs to be changed
2- There are corrosion of the steel on the back cover and on the case
The question are:
How much does the presence of corrosion affect the watch?
Are they bound to get worse over time?
Is it possible to repair them?
Is it possible to find and replace a 3.5 millimeters by 4.5 millimeters pusher?
Approximate cost?
Thank you in advance for your help.
 
ed white 3.jpeg ed white 2.jpeg ed white 1.jpeg corrosion back cover.png corrosion case.png broken pusher.jpg timing machine.jpg
Dan S
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Based on those photos, I wouldn't worry too much about the case corrosion.
 
Davidt
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Is that corrosion or gunk?

Worst case, it’s corrosion - it would impact the value of the watch to me, but wouldn’t stop me buying it.
 
Aludic
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Probo Probo
13500 euro ( about 15280 US dollars )

Serious price, for a serious watch. I don't think it is outrageous though. It's in a much better than average condition.

To your questions; yes, it is possible to source the right size pushers. Done so myself for another Ed White. See: https://omegaforums.net/threads/who-nabbed-this-105-003-65.124054/page-2
Don't quite remember the exact cost, but it wasn't too much.

Personally, I wouldn't worry too much about the 'corrosion' either; it looks like gunk coming from a very worn caseback seal.

If I'd be in your shoes, I'd buy it. I'd almost be inclined to say; let me know if you don't. 😁
 
Probo
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Thanks Aludic for your information and advice.
According with the dealer's watchmaker report the one on the case and back is corrosion, not dirty. What I'm wondering is if that corrosion can increase over time. Because I don't think it can be repaired.

As for the pusher, I did a quick search on chrono24 and found only one at a price (500 euros) that seems quite high to me.

https://www.chrono24.it/omega/coron...105003-st-65-105003-st-66-etc--id15116573.htm

I will also try at my watchmaker
 
Dan S
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Probo Probo
What I'm wondering is if that corrosion can increase over time.

Corrosion can always increase if you continue to expose the watch to moisture, especially salt water, perspiration, etc. It won't happen quickly, since the case is stainless steel, but obviously it can corrode. If you are careful with the watch and avoid excessive moisture, it should be fairly stable.
 
Probo
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Yes. That's understund.
Thanks Dan!
any advice where to look online for a serious place to buy pusher?
 
Dan S
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I would have a good watchmaker look at the pusher before rushing to buy a replacement.
 
Archer
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Dan S Dan S
Corrosion can always increase if you continue to expose the watch to moisture, especially salt water, perspiration, etc. It won't happen quickly, since the case is stainless steel, but obviously it can corrode. If you are careful with the watch and avoid excessive moisture, it should be fairly stable.

Rust never sleeps...
 
Archer
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If it matters, you should be aware that the watch will likely require a full service.

The photo on the timing machine is quite misleading, as the lift angle is set to 52 degrees. The correct lift angle for this movement is 40 degrees. The balance amplitude number of 313 is grossly overstated, by as much as 72 degrees.

If that is fully wound at the time of that reading, the watch is running quite poorly.

Cheers, Al
 
Probo
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Thanks for your comments. Any other is welcome.
I am considering how to proceed with this watch, because despite its flaws it retains its charm for me
 
Denarius
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To my eyes the hands look in comparison to the dial lume, if the dial lume had mold then the hands would probably have the same patina.

The screw heads on the movement look in good condition too, some 321's have quite rough screws which indicates servicing but not to a good standard, 506 end links are quite valuable on their own as is the bracelet so that needs to be considered when looking at the asking price.

What this watch needs is a full service and clean by an independent watch maker like STS here in the UK or Simon Freese who serviced my Ed White just before I took ownership of it, they know how to handle and treat vintage Omega and you have a much more personal service, I would suggest having £500+ set aside for this work or try to haggle the dealer down.

Regarding the corrosion, as its stainless steel it seems strange that it has corroded, if that is the case I would imagine it would only be light and on the surface, again a trusted service and clean would deal with this and not be an ongoing issue.
Edited:
 
Probo
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Thanks Denarius.
The dealer's watchmaker has found that the button is broken and the spots are corrosion.
It is becoming clear to me that if I want to proceed with the purchase I have to take into account a full service, this is the only way I will understand what to do.
I have read about Simon Freese via Spedmaster IOI and I know he is good. But writing from Italy I'll have to look for an equally good one here.
 
Denarius
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If the pusher is broke then like you say finding an original is not easy and can be costly, keeping a watch like this original is key, if you can guarantee its 100% original parts and been serviced by a trusted name in the watch world then you will have a great watch to wear and a dare I say it sound investment.
The other thread about the Antiquorum Ed White that went for crazy money may well have an impact on collectors HODL'ing their best watches knowing prices are going up, this may also impact dealers/watches like the one you are looking at..
 
Probo
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I'm perfectly agree with you.
The whole story is that I paid an advance for it and only AFTER did the problems come up. Now I can choose whether to get the advance back and look elsewhere (but I know how difficult it is to find vintage speedmasters in good condition for an affordable price) or take the watch as it is and try to fix it. The price of the watch is set at € 13,500. What I will definitely do if I go ahead with the purchase is try to get an extra discount
What do you think?
 
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