Help! I Killed My Speedy!

2022 is going to be the year I don’t buy a single watch. However, I’ve always wanted a Speedmaster -- but could never afford one. Then in the closing days of last year I was offered a 145.022 from 1980 (cal. 861; movement number 4482xxxx). And it was cheap. In fact, it was an offer too good to refuse. But it has issues: some signs of past moisture damage and the wrong caseback (“145.002” and underneath that “345.002” - but I confess to not knowing what that means). On the plus side the case is unpolished, it has a nice tritium dial and the original bracelet. So at last -- one in my price range! Reader, you'll be delighted to know that I bought it. (The seller was an absolute gent by the way.)



It arrived yesterday. New Year’s Eve 2021. Like a goal deep in extra time: my last watch purchase for at least 12 months. And I love it.

But guess what? This morning, having had it for about 19 hours, I dropped it. It’s stopped. I’m assuming it’s the balance staff. But I am so disappointed. And it’s completely my own stupid fault.

Here’s hoping it’s an easy (and inexpensive) fix.

What a crappy start to 2022. But, hey, it’s only a watch. I’m healthy. I have great friends and family, a nice home, a good job. God loves me.

Still, my long-awaited, and very newly-acquired Speedy is dead.

Anyone know of a watchmaker in the UK who could have a look at it?

Thanks - and Happy New Year!

Yeah, don't rub it in already. I feel bad enough as it is.

Maybe with 1/6th gravity I'd have got away with it?

Very bad luck indeed! But it certainly can be fixed. Don't panic!

Send it over to Tanner at TM Watch for a full service and refurbish.

Sorry to hear about the mishap. Do you have an idea of the service history? If you plan to wear it often you might consider doing a full service with the money saved during the acquisition. I am afraid that any watchmaker will be recommending this, and unfortunately it will not be cheap, specially if the balance spring was damaged with the blow.

Ollie please stop taking off the watch to admire it! Hope you find someone to get it sorted reasonably. Congrats btw, it looks a good size for your wrist.

It’s a lovely watch! Congrats! Get it serviced as soon as your wallet allows you and in the meantime use as it is (no winding!). Who needs a watch to tell time anyway?? 😝

Can’t help with a recommendation but hope the fix isn’t too costly and fingers crossed it will be back with you soon!

I’ve done that, dropped my just purchased 44 Elgin UDT watch the day I bought it. I was a while getting that corrected but in the end it was fine.

so get it fixed and stop dropping it!

beautiful watch by the way.

Happy new year and congrats to your amazing watch.
It seems like you added a new chapter to the history/ story of that watch. Now ist is really yours!
Let it have a good service and enjoy.

Plus one, for WatchGuy or http://www.simonfreesewatchmakers.com/

In return, keep looking as I need one too.😉