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I received Grandpa's SMP 145.022-69 on a 1116/575 bracelet

skoheels
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I recently received my Grandpa's Speed Master Professional. It is an absolutely stunning piece and I am honored to have received it.

My main goals: I want to clean up some of the dirt and grime but leave the marks of character that show it's lived a full life. I'd like to get all the internals serviced and in top working order. I want to keep as many as the original parts on it as I can. Clean out the buttons/crown but as long as those are not broken keep those same ones in it. I want it to be in top functioning order while maintaining the heirloom qualities so one day I can also pass this down.

Any advice on how to best go about accomplishing this without fear of those who do the work replacing all the original parts or polishing it so it looks like a new watch? If I wanted a new watch I could go buy one.

Thanks in advance!
 
SMP_FRONT.jpg SMP_BACK.jpg
wagudc
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Looks to be a nice honest watch. I appreciate your desire to keep its originality and character. You need a good independent watchmaker with an Omega parts account. It would be good to get a recommendation, but to do that we need to know what part of the world you are in. You could also search the site using Google using a phrase like this:

site: omegaforums.net watchmaker New York
 
Davidt
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That’s going to clean up wonderfully. Let us know where you are and we can recommend someone.
 
Dan S
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Hopefully all the watch needs is a full service/cleaning by an experienced watchmaker, but TBH, you never really know until it is carefully inspected. This is a pretty standard approach for most of us, and many watchmakers are familiar with how to handle collectible watches.

Unfortunately, it looks like the bracelet may be a bit stretched out. There is not really going to be an economical way to address that. If it is tolerable, you should probably just use it as-is. You could also replace it with a period-correct alternative. Or put the bracelet aside and wear the watch on a strap.
 
skoheels
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Davidt Davidt
That’s going to clean up wonderfully. Let us know where you are and we can recommend someone.
Cant wait to see it. I'm in NC closest to CLT.
 
skoheels
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Dan S Dan S
Hopefully all the watch needs is a full service/cleaning by an experienced watchmaker, but TBH, you never really know until it is carefully inspected. This is a pretty standard approach for most of us, and many watchmakers are familiar with how to handle collectible watches.

Unfortunately, it looks like the bracelet may be a bit stretched out. There is not really going to be an economical way to address that. If it is tolerable, you should probably just use it as-is. You could also replace it with a period-correct alternative. Or put the bracelet aside and wear the watch on a strap.

Personally think the bracelet is past its time of safe use. Would consider keeping the original bracelet but getting like a black leather strap for wear.
 
skoheels
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wagudc wagudc
Looks to be a nice honest watch. I appreciate your desire to keep its originality and character. You need a good independent watchmaker with an Omega parts account. It would be good to get a recommendation, but to do that we need to know what part of the world you are in. You could also search the site using Google using a phrase like this:

I'm in the NC CLT area. Would love some recommendations if you know any in the area!
 
Davidt
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skoheels skoheels
Cant wait to see it. I'm in NC closest to CLT.

Is that in the US? Worth bearing in mind this is an Australian forum with worldwide audience.
re the bracelet, a good way to test the stretch s hold the watch side ways on (ie crown facing skywards) and see how droopy the bracelet is.
 
SOG53
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skoheels skoheels
Personally think the bracelet is past its time of safe use. Would consider keeping the original bracelet but getting like a black leather strap for wear.
Nice watch looks like 145.022 from 1969 or early 1970 with DON bezel- before they changed to the 220 error bezel in fall 1970- it has 1116 bracelet with 575 endlinks which are probably original to watch- I have this bracelet on my 1970 220 Error bezel version and it is very functional and comfy- the top link next to endlink can easily be tightened up a bit, but the bracelet is actually very nice to wear. Enjoy and post more photos when it gets opened up for service.
 
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