Help with family heirloom. 1967 Speedmaster Pro

Good Afternoon, I'm new to this forum, and found it via the Speedmaster101 website. I've been doing some research, and the more I've looked into the history of the Speedmaster, and all of the variations, the more I realize I need some help. My Great-Uncle bought this watch new when he worked for Sears in Chicago after he found out it was the watch that was going to space. When he died at an early age due to cancer, he passed the watch to his brother (my grandfather). I'm not sure how long my grandfather had it (he died of cancer when I was 17 and I can't ask it's history), but I know he gave it to my father long before his death. My father is unsure of its service history. I do remember him wearing it when I was was a young boy in the 80's, and playing with the chronometer. I was ecstatic when he handed the watch to me 5-6 years ago.

I wore it for a couple of months, and then took it to a local jeweler to check it out. At first he told me it was a fake, because there wasn't a moon watch stamp on the back. But after I insisted I knew the history, he told me I shouldn't wear it because the gasket was degrading and would eventually corrupt the movement. It sat in a drawer for a couple of years, and I took it to a different jeweler to have the gasket changed so I could wear it. He offered to buy it, but I didn't even let him mention a number, but he said it would be foolish to wear the watch. So now it's been sitting in a drawer for a few more years mostly unused except for very special occasions. I don't know if it has ever been serviced, other than the gasket change I had done to it.

I'm hoping that those of you with some more experience can let me know if it is all "original" or if it was serviced and swapped some parts. My desire is to wear this watch, to enjoy the family and national history. If it has already been serviced, and the original value lost, I will probably send it in to Omega for another service. If it is original, I might get the movement serviced, insure it, and wear it. Any help, suggestions for service (in U.S.A.) or ideas on its value would be appreciated.

145.012 -67. 321 Caliber, Serial 2607xxxx, the only numbers I found on the bracelet were 1171 and 47.

Please... and thank you in advance.

Thank you for the quick replies, I'm in the midwest area of the United States.

I agree...hour hand is not correct.

yours does not have the "moonwatch" back, because yours is 1967 "premoon." your 145.012 is more collectable and more valuable than most any regular "post moon" speedmasters.

what you should consider is not having anyone touch the case or dial, those are the $$ and true heritage of your watch, changes to those would harm the collector and dollar value of your watch and you would probably end up regretting that. find a watchmaker that is skilled and sympathetic to a 53+ yr old watch.

that's a beauty of a watch, no reason you can't wear it everyday... after having it serviced.

enjoy!

I'd have it serviced by a good watchmaker, not Omega. As said before, leave the case as it is. Those scratches and dings just add character. I'd wear it daily without a doubt (I am doing that with my 69 Speedy).

Correct, I'm looking for suggestions on the best options, and if they are trustworthy enough with good reviews, I'd insure the watch first and then send it off. But to narrow it down a bit, Driving within Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, or Wisconsin are possibilities.

if you're leaning towards sending it off then try researching Eric Ku's "LA Watchworks" in Pasadena Calif. He's a nice guy and collector as well, and his techs are pros with many satisfied customers.

May I ask why and how you got to that conclusion?

Lume on the hour hand should start closer from the center of the dial. Plus it is more white than the seconds hand with hardly if any aging. But clearly not a speedmaster hour hand for that reference.

Beauty. Enjoy

Thanks. Now I can see that looks shorter and bit fattier than what it should be!!