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Inherited a Omega Speedmaster Professional

Rick73852
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I inherited a Omega Speedmaster Professional and I cannot find a serial number of identify a year of manufacture. Band number 516 and an other number of 1039 at clasp. It is not running correctly and I would like to get it repaired. I can't and have no desire to remove the back. any help would be appreciated. see attached photo. I know the outer bezel must be missing. It runs about 10 seconds and then stops. Chronograph seems to be working erratic also but, is working.
 
omega.jpeg
dsio
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Not a bad watch, probably 145.012-67, needs a bezel and a full service by a qualified independent that specializes in these pieces ideally. It’ll be very nice afterwards and well worth restoring to wear for special occasions.
 
Dan S
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Good advice above. If it's in your budget, restore it with a period-correct bezel. I think it will clean up nicely.
 
wagudc
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Everything Ash has told you is spot on, except "not a bad watch" is a bit of an understatement. This watch has great potential, and with the proper care it will be a very nice piece. Let us know your location, and someone can recommend a specialist that can preserve this classic watch. I also recommend spending sometime on the site of one of our members: http://speedmaster101.com
 
J
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great hands, great dial, case looks sharp, original bracelet... got the makings of a happy owner!

congrats
 
Socks
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Lume looks particularly pleasing. Does the OP know how much he will need to throw at this to get it up to scratch? Yes, the forum members can recognise the investment but can the OP?
 
kingsrider
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Rick73852 Rick73852
I cannot find a serial number of identify a year of manufacture.
This cannot be determined with total accuracy until the back of the case is removed. Have a professional watchmaker do this, not the battery changer at the mall. At that point the the serial number of the watch will be be available. The reference number (like a model #) of the watch will be seen on the caseback. The serial number will help determine a more precise time frame for the manufacture date. The reference number will be one factor in aiding you to determine value.
The cost to service will be high, but do not let this dissuade from doing so. The results, if you intend to keep this as an heirloom, will be worth cost many fold.
If you intend to sell... well that;s another set of recommendations entirely.
 
JwRosenthal
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Socks Socks
Lume looks particularly pleasing. Does the OP know how much he will need to throw at this to get it up to scratch? Yes, the forum members can recognise the investment but can the OP?
This is what the OP needs to know. Cost of service on these can be hefty to the non-watch crowd, in the realm of $4-800 depending on location (and provided there aren’t any parts that need replacement- that adds to the service cost). A new factory service bezel can be had for under $200 if you don’t want to choke down the eye-watering price of a period correct bezel (eye watering akin to being sprayed with Mace).
If you were hoping to sell it, don’t do anything to it- just sell it as is since you won’t recoup the cost of service and it is worth more to collectors in “as-found” condition.

If you plan to keep it, then service the movement only, give instructions to the watchmaker to not polish or refinish the case in any way- only polish the crystal and replace the waterproof seals (a new crown and pushers may be needed to make it waterproof so you need to evaluate is that is a priority- or keep the originals in place and treat it as having no water resistance whatsoever). Half the value in watches like this is originality, so you want to keep it as original as possible- battle scars and all.
 
Rick73852
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Thanks, I fully intend on keeping it. Cost is not a deterrent from what I have seen the value of this watch is. Would like it back as original as possible though. new crystal would be nice. Just dont know who to trust to send it to for repair.
 
kingsrider
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You will have a number of options. Depends on where you are at.
 
Thommas
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Beautiful heirloom. That dial looks beautiful under the scratched crystal 🥰

Great advice given so far! Get the watch gently restored (hopefully with a period-correct bezel) and it will be a real stunner.
 
Dan S
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Rick73852 Rick73852
Thanks, I fully intend on keeping it. Cost is not a deterrent from what I have seen the value of this watch is. Would like it back as original as possible though. new crystal would be nice. Just dont know who to trust to send it to for repair.

Try a google search for vintage speedmaster service or vintage omega service, using the google "site" command to restrict the search within omegaforums.net. You will find many threads on the topic, which will allow you to do some good research on where to send it. I always recommend this approach over just considering the small number of responses you will get in a single thread.

Most likely you will need to source your own DON bezel. They are often for sale on eBay or the for-sale parts and accessories listings here on OF. Don't buy a fake.
 
MikiJ
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Dan S Dan S
Most likely you will need to source your own DON bezel. They are often for sale on eBay or the for-sale parts and accessories listings here on OF. Don't buy a fake.
As Dan Said: "Don't buy a fake"! The Golden Rules apply here too. Buy the Seller and If it's too good to be true, it is 🙁
 
JwRosenthal
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Or he can get a factory service bezel for $200 and happily live with that if he doesn’t want to blow a mortgage payment.
 
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