Hello, everyone,
I would be happy if you could give me your opinion about this watch that I am thinking about buying. What is your feeling for originality and the right price. Is 4.500-5.000 USD to much for it?

The buyer says that the watch was worn as a "Sunday watch" and that it is in good condition. I have already compared all apparent features with the usual specifications and it seems to be genuine. But almost too good to be true. Am I missing something?

The seller also offers personal delivery, but is very far away, but I can arrange a demonstration via Skype.
What else can I look out for?

Many thanks for your help
Harry

 

Did the seller use all those photos on the original listing, or were some sent in reply to requests for more images ? If the latter, then I’d take the fact you’ve got three different straps and different backgrounds as a red flag. Definitely take up the Skype offer if you plan to proceed.

 

Nice catch!

The watch(es) look fine, even nice.

 

It looks correct.

Why do you say it seems too good to be true? I certainly wouldn't say it's a bargain.

 

When I see threads like this, I look at the images and guess what the experts are going to say. Testing my knowledge if you like. After looking at these images I was sure the experts were going to say it’s had a re-lume on the dial as it looks very fresh with no patina at all. Also, I wondered about the case back but will now be reading up about these as I really know nothing about when the changes happened from etched hippocampus, straight writing, etc. not sure this is right on a ‘71.

 

Here’s my -74, which I’ve owned since 1982. It hasn’t been relumed or any such thing.


That caseback is correct.

 

Nice watch. Yeah, I’m still learning and comparing to my ‘76 on which the lume has changed colour a lot. Is this due to yours not being used and kept boxed up and in the dark for long periods?

 

Not an expert, but does the lume 3D shape seems a little flat?

 

The lume looks perfectly fine for the period.

 

Thanks. I wore it for years in the 80’s. Granted, I was a white collar worker, inside all day, but I didn’t treat it like it was precious. I swam with it repeatedly during my honeymoon in the Aegean in 1982 without a problem. It’s been serviced only twice in my care.

It’s true that when I wasn’t wearing it, it was put away ‘in a dark place’. And, I haven’t worn it in rotation in the last ten plus years.

I think it held up very well. It makes me wonder at the hard lives many Speedmasters on eBay seem to represent.

 

For what price would you think it’s a bargain? To good to be true because I would say the watch looks very good, not polished, nice dial, perfect bezel etc.

 

Dealer would not have you believe it but from -69 onwards it's not hugely difficult to find excellent Speedmasters.

I'd say that's around to right value if unserviced and no bracelet etc. It's not a bad price, but certainly not too good to be true by any means.

 

Looks fine to me - here's my '71



The only thing I would say is to check those pushers carefully - one looks a little 'further out' than the other (mine had the same problem when I got it - wasn't a problem to fix).

 

Thanks, I hadn't noticed. But of course it's clear to see. I am curious if the seller is willing to negotiate.