Hello!

I happened upon this forum while trying to research. Hope you can offer some assistance.

My father was a watch fan. He loved his time pieces. This Omega, I remember from my childhood. It was my "job" as a smaller child to "feed" the watch. I loved it.

Fast forward to 2015, he passed away after a battle with cancer, and I inherited some of his watches, the only important one being the one I was slightly responsible for as a child.

He had 2 Omegas, I cannot remember where I places the other one for safe keeping during a recent move, it is a Seamaster, with a gold "face" and gold wrist bracelet. When I locate it after unpacking, I may need some help identifying which model it is at a later date.

The one in question is the Moon Watch. I remember my dad telling stories of it, being the watch that made it to the Moon and he was very proud of it. Earliest memory of my dad having this watch is early 90's, when I was about 6 or 7 years old.

I have taken some photos, I would like to learn about it, it's all I really have left and since my dad is no longer around, I don't know who to ask. I figured this forum would be filled with very knowledgeable people regarding the Omega.

Thank you for any knowledge you're willing to impart.

 

The watch is Pre 1998 as it has tritium lume as denoted by the T is T Swiss Made T. They switched lume material at that time.

Late 80's to 1998 is the production period. What would you like to know?

 

As a girl who also inherited a Speedy from her dad - I got a great deal of info from reading this forum, so you came to the right place for sure.
Looks like you've got a really nice looking Speedy - enjoy wearing it!

 

What model of watch is it? I tried looking through Google photos and there are so many model numbers for the Speedmaster. I'd love to just learn anything really. History is always fascinating to read.

 

Hi Arianna, welcome to the forum. You have one of the most famous models in the world, and there a ton of people on this forum that have an amazing amount of knowledge about the Moonwatch and its variations.

If you'd like to scrounge about for info yourself, http://www.speedmaster101.com/ will prove to be a great starting point.

As you have mentioned that the watch has been handed down to you, may I recommend that you have it serviced. The clockwork mechanism (called a 'movement') inside is a very robust one, but would require TLC to make sure it runs smoothly. The inside of the caseback will also feature the exact model number of the watch. You will certainly get more info once you know exactly which version of the watch it is.

Important point: when you send your watch for servicing, insist on them giving you ALL the parts back separately. This will retain the value of the watch in the collector's market. Also, avoid getting the case polished unless you really want to, the marks of use and age are part of the 'character' and history of the watch and it's user/owner.

 

I'd love to wear it but the bezel is so large it's slightly larger than my wrist... I haven't decided yet, for now I've been just putting it on at home when I miss my dad, and continuing on with my job as a child, "feeding" the watch.

I will probably pass it to my son when he's older with whatever knowledge I can pass along about his grandfather's favorite time piece.

 

Speedmaster101 only goes to 145.022-78. This watch is much later while being identical except for some minor font differences on the dial and bezel.

The watch is called a Speedmaster Professional or the Moonwatch.

Model nuMber is 145.022 or 3570. It's the same thing they just changed internal numbering. During the period yours appears to be built. On one of the lugs is a number if you can give us the first 4 numbers im sure an approximate year can be given to you.

https://www.omegawatches.com/watches/speedmaster/moonwatch/professional/product/

It's an interesting watch, with a strong history with manned space flight. In fact this year is the 60th anniversary of this watch

Many members on this forum own these watches.

Mine was built in 1976 says hello and welcome to the club. Basically nothing has changed on the watch since 1969. But the watch from 1957 is still basically the same watch.

 

I think your Dad's watch is most likely from the 80s. To be sure you would need to know the serial number of the watch. Further, on the inside of the case back is the model reference number, which most likely is 145.022. You could also order an Extract from Omega and they would send you a certificate telling you the actual date it was produced and which country it was originally delivered.

In any event, it is so very cool to read these types of threads as an inherited Speedmaster is one of the coolest things ever. I look forward to passing a Speedmaster to each of my boys in the years to come.

Your Dad's watch looks very nice on you and I think you may enjoy the fit better if the bracelet was sized correct for your wrist. The Omega Boutique will size the bracelet for you free of charge.

Welcome to the message board.

 

Beautiful

 

Hi Ariannae

Welcome to the Forum. To add to the previous comments, I have attached 2 photos from the Moonwatch Only (MWO), which is seen as the ultimate reference for Speed masters. Your Speedmaster is fitted with the 1171/633 bracelet which is period correct for early 1980's.

Great looking watch your Dad has left you. At 42mm it is not as big and bulky as other watches. It fit your wrist just fine.

 

Sometimes changing it to a leather strap might make the watch feel smaller!

 

I actually don't think it looks too large for your wrist.

As has been said, putting it on a leather band may soften the look of it. Lots of ladies are now wearing watches that are billed as being men's watches so I don't think there is anything odd about it at all.

Whether you wear it or not it is a great looking watch and a great piece of your father to hold onto. I am sure your son will also love it if you decide to pass it down to him at some stage.

 

The 1171 bracelet was used from ~1969 to ~1980.

 

I had to Google what a lug was >.<
I got the wrist strap off, (very gently as I have some precision tools to not make any marks.)

There doesn't seem to be any numbers on either side though.

Side note: I remembered where the other Omega was packed Attached are some more photos.

 

The number should be on the underside of one of the lugs... turn the watch over and it should be there. It's possible it's been polished off over the years.

Generally, it's a good idea to keep the full serial number private, so don't post a picture if you find the number, just share the first four digits.

 

Hi Arianne, I'm sorry to hear about the passing of your father.

Many of the members here are far more knowledgeable than I am, so refer to them for details. But I wanted to say that I have in recent years seen more and more women wear watches that were originally sized for men. And this watch is ICONIC - you will be making quite a statement. Furthermore, its a way to carry his memory with you.

The second watch is the "sparkle dial" seamaster, either 166.023 or 166.032. If you show us a picture from the back, we can tell you if its gold plated or solid. These watches are also very special, and have many fans in this forum.

 

There aren't any numbers on the underside on the Speedmaster lugs. What does that mean?

Backside of the gold Omega photo:

 

Whoops sry, I thought I could see it on your watch they started putting it on the watches in the late 80's but it was just a reflection in one of your photographs.

 

Ditto on the leather band - give it a try!

Or perhaps a cool Nato strap with some color.

 

Assuming you were born in 1984 (based on your username), this could be your birth year watch. .