Hello all, this is my first post on these forums. I've read quite a bit of threads and am begining to get a grasp on some concepts, but would like to ask your help on something - unfortunately my father recently passed away and I inherited his Speedmaster Moonwatch. Now I have absolutely no info on the watch, besides that it was most likely bought between '69 and '74 (according to my mother's info). He wore it pretty much all the time, so the condition is not great, and the bracelet has been replaced once due to damage. What I'd like help on, is identifying it. Every watch shop I take it (even omega brand ones) refuse to open it and always say they'll send it back to Omega for technical assistance. Thing is, the watch is functioning perfectly well (wearing it for sentimental value for some weeks and hasn't skip a beat, always accurate afaik).

Is it possible to identify without opening it? Here are some pictures, I used some polywatch to take out some minor scratches but it still has several deep ones (how can I take those out?)

Thanks for any replies, regards
gafa

 

It has a caseback with straight writing, so that dates it to 1970.

Here's some more info.

 

To remove deeper scratches from the crystal, you can try using ultra-fine sandpaper (over 1,000 grit). You can pick some up online or from an auto supply store.

Lightly sand it using water, and then follow it up with polishing paste.

 

I urge you to service it.

It looks great.

Tell us where in the world you are and I am sure locals will recommend a sympathetic watchmaker.

 

Also tell us the number on the bracelet clasp and number on end links and we can tell you if that is a bracelet that would have been issued with the watch.

It's a straight writing, -69* on space fruits Speedmaster101.com web site.

 

Yep. Reference No is 145.022-69.

It was probably sold in 70 or 71.

As well as the sentimental value it also has significant monetary value. As it may not have been serviced in decades, a service and clean would be advisable.

 

Could have been sold later as well. Mine was bought on Dec. 5, 1975

Check out this link
http://speedmaster101.com/145-022-straight-writing/

 

Means a watchmaker that will service the watch while maintaining originality. Don't send the watch to Omega in Switzerland.
Originality=$$$$

 

First of all thanks for the info, now I know which reference it is

Thanks, I like it more each day. I live in Lisbon, Portugal.

I know the bracelet wasn't issued with the watch, my mother had the original replaced (since it broke) on my dad's birthday some years ago. The current one reads on the clasp "32 Stainless Steel Omega 1171/1" with an Omega symbol next to it, and the end link has "633" engraved.

Thanks again for all the help,
gafa

 

Even though the bracelet is a replacement, it is a version they released with that watch model.

You have a wonderful heirloom. Get it serviced and enjoy it. It's one you can pass down to your children.

 

In regards to servicing it (I'd say the last time my father had it cleaned/maintenance was about 20 years ago), from what I gather sending it to Omega technical assistance is not worth it, but how can I find a trustworthy watchmaker to ask for a service?

 

this might seem like a dumb question, but why would Omega be a bad option to service this or other vintage watches?


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Omega in Beine, Switzerland will go through the watch and replace what they think is needed to bring the watch to a "like new" condition. This may include replacing the dial, bezel and refinishing the case. The three main components that give most of the value to a vintage watch. Currently a vintage "dot over ninety" bezel in decent condition may be worth about $2000. Omega might replace that bezel with a new one that cost about $300. Looks good, worth less. Same would be true for a dial replacement.

 

Because using the brand service center, you have little to no control over what happens. They believe that what they determine to be right, is right, and your wishes are secondary (at best).

For example, if you prefer to keep the original pushers or crown, because they are worth more or you simply like them more, and are willing to live without any water resistance, well too bad - Omega will insist on replacing them or decline the service.

If you have cracked lume in a nice tritium hand, they will simply walk to a drawer and get a new Luminova hand, rather than stabilize the lume in the existing hand and use it again.

There have been isolated instances where people have had extraordinary communication with Omega, and managed to keep things original, but my opinion this is somewhat of an illusion. If vintage parts were kept on the watch, you can be sure Omega thought they were fine to begin with - if Omega really thought parts should be replaced to adhere to their policies, then really the only option is to agree, or they send the watch back without doing the service.

For modern watches, the only concern is the quality of work, but with vintage its that plus the lack of respect for the watch owner's wishes.

Cheers, Al

 

oh thanks for the information Al! don't have any real vintage watches (just a seamaster 300 reissue and a new mark ii) but it's good to know for the future, have my eye on some nice vintage pieces!


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http://speedmaster101.com/blog/why-dont-we-want-service-parts-a-quick-guide-for-a-newcomer/

 

thanks!


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