Incoming Speedy 145.022

LeBapt · Feb 25, 2022

Hello Folks,

I came across this speedy 145.022 today and I will meet the seller (pro) later to see if I can grab it. Description as following "A close to NOS late 80’s Speedmaster Professional with undated card, non serif think font insert, 1479 bracelet and light Patina Long R Tritium dial"

Priced at USD $5,600 at the moment

Anything I should be careful about regarding this one?

Thank you!

LeBapt

Sa Calobra · Feb 25, 2022

I'm in the market for a same type of watch (no worries, not looking outside EU). When I look at the serial number, I get back that it's more likely from the early '90s (august '91 as one of the below sources says).

https://www.ilovemyspeedmaster.com/productiondateprediction/
https://serial-number-decoder.co.uk/omega/omega.htm
https://www.bobswatches.com/omega/serial-numbers

Question for other members that are much more experienced than I am - is that aligned with the long S/R dial?

ext1 · Feb 25, 2022

Bezel has no serif at 70 so I don't think it's a B2 bezel, plus the overall tachy font looks too fat to me.

LeBapt · Feb 25, 2022

According to this website and unless I am mistaken, the bezel should fit for a post 1990 watch if no serif at 70

https://speedmaster101.com/base500-bezel-identification/

If I understand correctly, watches from 1991 should be just in between the transition from serif to non serif. Maybe it can explain it.

Sa Calobra · Feb 25, 2022

I'd also be curious what others have to say about the hands - they look a bit dirty, but you see it more often for comparable references.

And as said, the long S/R (which I think looks really cool) - I'm not sure if that is correct for early '90s, I think to have read somewhere that they are more '80s dials. But you can treat this as gossip as I'm by no means an expert, so hope someone knows more about it 😀.

iamvr · Feb 25, 2022

Do the pictures show the same watch (I doubt it)? The second picture shows a bezel with serifs and a dial with a long closed S (as opposed to an long open S in the first picture)

Sa Calobra · Feb 25, 2022

Oh you are right! The second one has serif on the 70, first one doesn't!

JwRosenthal · Feb 25, 2022

Watch in blue background also has a small dent near 100 on the bezel, these are two different watches. Which one are you contemplating?

LeBapt · Feb 25, 2022

I haven't had notice it since they were on the same IG post, which should display the same watch. Let's say that it is the one with the card underneath. I will find out soon.

gbesq · Feb 25, 2022

This looks like a reference 3590.50 from the late 80's. Dial, hands, bezel and bracelet all look correct for this reference. $5,600 is steep for this watch IMO. I would expect to pay more in the range of $4,600-$4,800, give or take.

LeBapt · Feb 25, 2022

Ok so he had a bunch of speedmasters to sell and he got mixed up with the pictures on instagram... That's why it did not make sense.
The good watch is indeed the one with the card underneath with the non serif 70. Here are 2 pictures that I have managed to take in a car by night so pardon for the poor quality.
Once he gets back home he will shoot me some more pictures and with the case back open for me to check the serial because there is nothing on the lug. He told me that it was indeed a model from the 80's. The watch looks really nice.

Sa Calobra · Feb 25, 2022

But if it's from the 80s, are all these websites for serial numbers that say that it's 91, incorrect?

LeBapt · Feb 25, 2022

The website is right. The serial number on the lug of one of the first pictures referred to the watch that got mixed up (blue background) with the one I am interested in. That one has been already sold and was, indeed, from 1991.
The one still up for sale is the one on the first picture.

gbesq · Feb 25, 2022

If memory serves, the 3590.50 was produced from 1989 through 1996, so if the serial number of the watch in question places it within that date range, it would be correct for that reference.

LeBapt · Feb 25, 2022

gbesq
If memory serves, the 3590.50 was produced from 1989 through 1996, so if the serial number of the watch in question places it within that date range, it would be correct for that reference.

I am waiting for the seller to send me a picture of the mov. number once he will be able to remove the case back from the 80's one so I can check the exact model.

Regarding the one from 1991, you are right. Here is the extract of the archives regarding a speedmaster that I already own since 1 year now and it is indeed a model 3590.50

TheGreekPhysique · Feb 25, 2022

Looking at a couple of different references for serial numbers the watch with blue background looks to be a 3590.50 from late 80's to early 90's. I am not completely sure if that dial is correct for that reference. Quick search of 2 similar references (one my own) with serial numbers 48 3xx xxx so just a tad bit later than yours shows a short S dial. Spacefruits says long S is correct for 145.022-78 but doesn't necessarily mean its wrong just don't know when they transitioned the dial to short S.

LeBapt · Feb 25, 2022

Hello everyone,

I got the pictures of the movement, so here is it to sum up everything.

Serial number is 48259813 According to the above websites, the watch should date back from June 1990 ~1991 and here are the pictures of the back (should therefore be a model 145.022 as stamped on the caseback).

I confirm that there is no serial number on any lug, but only on the caseback.

I should give him my answer by today and I have managed to drop the price.

Sherbie · Feb 26, 2022

Chrono second hand doesnt seem to line up to 12 o’clock, which would drive me mad

so you may need to factor in a service

personally, i would pass - the bracelet also doest fit very well, so think this watch has had a hard life

LeBapt · Feb 26, 2022

Thank you, I see what you mean about the bracelet. I did not notice it I have no idea if it means that the watch has been polished or that the bracelet worn out the case.

Incoming Speedy 145.022

LeBapt

Sa Calobra

ext1

LeBapt

Sa Calobra

iamvr

Sa Calobra

JwRosenthal

LeBapt

gbesq

LeBapt

Sa Calobra

LeBapt

gbesq

LeBapt

TheGreekPhysique

LeBapt

Sherbie

LeBapt

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