Inherited Speedmaster 105.012-65 - need advice before I touch anything

mpv22 · Sat. 6:28am

Hey everyone,

I’m in Orlando, Florida and wanted to start a thread before I do anything to this watch.

This was my grandfather’s Speedmaster, then it was my dad’s. He actually got into a motorcycle accident while wearing it, which is why it looks the way it does now. He later gave it to me, and I plan to keep it and pass it down to my daughter one day.

From what I can tell:

105.012-65 case
Caliber 321 movement
Missing bezel
Missing chronograph hand ( I have the hand. )
One pusher looks wrong or replaced
Crystal is pretty scratched up
Bracelet is missing

When my dad gave it to me, it was on a very old vintage Rolex bracelet.

The watch is not really wearable right now, but I want to bring it back to life the right way.

Big thing for me:

I want to keep it as original as possible. I don’t want it over-restored or looking new. The wear and story matter to me.

I’ve been told not to send it to Omega because they might replace parts and refinish things. Your thoughts on this ?

So before I do anything, I’d really appreciate advice on:

What absolutely needs to be replaced vs what should be left alone
Sourcing the correct bezel and parts
Recommendations for a good vintage Omega specialist (preferably in the U.S.)

I’ve attached a bunch of photos of the movement, case, and dial.

Just trying to do this the right way and not mess up something that’s been in my family this long.

Appreciate any help

Dan S · Sat. 7:30am

Yep, you need some parts and a movement service at the least. What you didn't mention is that the lume has been removed entirely from the hands and the dial. That will probably be the biggest decision for you to make.

I wouldn't tackle this job until you are prepared to invest about $5k USD in it. And that is not including a bracelet, which is not an absolute requirement. If you are lucky, it may be a little less, but don't count on it. The biggest chunk will be purchasing a correct bezel in decent condition. It doesn't need to be perfect obviously, because of the overall condition of the watch, but it will still probably be about $3k unless you are prepared to be extremely patient. Then you need a proper wide pusher, and someone to service the movement and make whatever repairs are needed. It's hard to say in advance what that will entail.

The parts aren't that hard to find if you are willing to pay for them. People are sitting on them but they often prefer to keep them for their own restorations unless you make it worth their while. Reach out privately to various experts and get some suggestions, you will know when you have contacted the right people because they will know exactly what watch you have and exactly what you need.

It won't look good without lume, IMO. A proper bracelet will be at least another $2k USD.

SOG53 · Sat. 8:51am

Congrats on your heirloom.
I think your assessment is good.
You need an independent watchmaker with Omega parts account, who is specifically experienced with 321 movement. Take your time before choosing you may need to ship it out.
Take your time and best wishes with the project!

ibis888 · Sat. 9:05am

As others have said, it will not be inexpensive but could absolutely be worth it to preserve a family heirloom.

Chronotek in PA comes highly recommended by many on this forum.. for a US based watchmaker.

mpv22 · Sat. 9:06am

Dan S
Yep, you need some parts and a movement service at the least. What you didn't mention is that the lume has been removed entirely from the hands and the dial. That will probably be the biggest decision for you to make.

I wouldn't tackle this job until you are prepared to invest about $5k USD in it. And that is not including a bracelet, which is not an absolute requirement. If you are lucky, it may be a little less, but don't count on it. The biggest chunk will be purchasing a correct bezel in decent condition. It doesn't need to be perfect obviously, because of the overall condition of the watch, but it will still probably be about $3k unless you are prepared to be extremely patient. Then you need a proper wide pusher, and someone to service the movement and make whatever repairs are needed. It's hard to say in advance what that will entail.

The parts aren't that hard to find if you are willing to pay for them. People are sitting on them but they often prefer to keep them for their own restorations unless you make it worth their while. Reach out privately to various experts and get some suggestions, you will know when you have contacted the right people because they will know exactly what watch you have and exactly what you need.

It won't look good without lume, IMO. A proper bracelet will be at least another $2k USD.

mpv22 · Sat. 9:12am

Dan S
Yep, you need some parts and a movement service at the least. What you didn't mention is that the lume has been removed entirely from the hands and the dial. That will probably be the biggest decision for you to make.

I wouldn't tackle this job until you are prepared to invest about $5k USD in it. And that is not including a bracelet, which is not an absolute requirement. If you are lucky, it may be a little less, but don't count on it. The biggest chunk will be purchasing a correct bezel in decent condition. It doesn't need to be perfect obviously, because of the overall condition of the watch, but it will still probably be about $3k unless you are prepared to be extremely patient. Then you need a proper wide pusher, and someone to service the movement and make whatever repairs are needed. It's hard to say in advance what that will entail.

The parts aren't that hard to find if you are willing to pay for them. People are sitting on them but they often prefer to keep them for their own restorations unless you make it worth their while. Reach out privately to various experts and get some suggestions, you will know when you have contacted the right people because they will know exactly what watch you have and exactly what you need.

It won't look good without lume, IMO. A proper bracelet will be at least another $2k USD.

mpv22 · Sat. 9:13am

Hi Dan,

Thank you for the detailed reply, I really appreciate it.

I didn’t realize the lume had been completely removed from both the dial and hands, that’s definitely something I need to think through. In your opinion, what would be the best approach there? Leave it as-is, or have it relumed? I’ve read mixed opinions on that, especially when trying to preserve originality.

I’ve started looking into DON bezels and I’m seeing them in the $1.5k–$2k+ range depending on condition, so your estimate makes sense. I’m okay being patient if it means finding the right one.

Originally, I was considering sending the watch to Omega for service, but after reading more (and your comment), I’m now leaning toward finding a vintage Omega specialist instead to avoid unnecessary replacement parts or refinishing.

My goal is to make it wearable again while preserving as much of its original character and history as possible.

If you (or anyone here) have recommendations for trusted specialists in the U.S., I’d really appreciate it.

Thanks again for taking the time, I’m trying to approach this the right way

mpv22 · Sat. 9:14am

ibis888
As others have said, it will not be inexpensive but could absolutely be worth it to preserve a family heirloom.

Chronotek in PA comes highly recommended by many on this forum.. for a US based watchmaker.

I will definitely look into chronotek ! Thank you !

ibis888 · Sat. 9:29am

I would personally have it relumed.. especially if you aren’t a collector nerd. Having a “washed” dial and ugly hands isn’t attractive at all and doesn’t speak to originality., at least to me.

A decent Dot over 90 bezel and the correct short/wide pusher are far more important in my opinion.

You want a watch that you will enjoy wearing and looking at.

PS - I’m sure you already know but never polish the case.

AHW · Sat. 9:34am

Congratulations on the watch. I am not an expert like some of the others, but personally I think it would look really nice relumed. The dial is slightly brown or is that just the picture?

mpv22 · Sat. 9:44am

ibis888
I would personally have it relumed.. especially if you aren’t a collector nerd. Having a “washed” dial and ugly hands isn’t attractive at all and doesn’t speak to originality., at least to me.

A decent Dot over 90 bezel and the correct short/wide pusher are far more important in my opinion.

You want a watch that you will enjoy wearing and looking at.

PS - I’m sure you already know but never polish the case.

mpv22 · Sat. 9:45am

That makes sense. I’m actually leaning toward reluming, I want it to look right and be something I enjoy wearing.

I’m focusing on finding a good original bezel first. Besides eBay anywhere else I can look ?

Anything else you think I should prioritize?

SOG53 · Sat. 9:55am

mpv22
That makes sense. I’m actually leaning toward reluming, I want it to look right and be something I enjoy wearing.

I’m focusing on finding a good original bezel first. Besides eBay anywhere else I can look ?

Anything else you think I should prioritize?

Keep eye on Watch Parts and Accessories FS thread here. @Aludic just sold a nice one he may have suggestion. Beware on eBay lots of fakes. I would only buy bezel from trusted seller (here in OF best )

And @cristos71 may have correct pusher IIRC

Vinz Clortho · Sat. 11:00am

What a great family heirloom! A new crystal will do wonders but wouldn't polish the case given it's history of the motorcycle accident. Adds to the whole story of the life of the watch and of your grandfather.

Go with a vintage restorer as they are passionate about keeping the character intact when servicing a watch. Sending this back to Omega, they would restore it back which is the last thing you want.

Don't rush into it, take your time with it, and you'll definitely be rewarded at the end of the process.

Dan S · Sat. 12:02pm

mpv22
Originally, I was considering sending the watch to Omega for service, but after reading more (and your comment), I’m now leaning toward finding a vintage Omega specialist instead to avoid unnecessary replacement parts or refinishing.

The thing about Omega, is that they would use authentic parts (e.g. bezel), but they wouldn't look period correct. You would get a new dial, new hands and new pushers. It would all be correct, but it wouldn't look like a 105.012.

mpv22 · Sat. 12:12pm

A AHW
Congratulations on the watch. I am not an expert like some of the others, but personally I think it would look really nice relumed. The dial is slightly brown or is that just the picture?

mpv22 · Sat. 12:12pm

Yes it’s brown. I believe it’s called chocolate but I could be wrong.

mpv22 · Sat. 12:13pm

Dan S
The thing about Omega, is that they would use authentic parts (e.g. bezel), but they wouldn't look period correct. You would get a new dial, new hands and new pushers. It would all be correct, but it wouldn't look like a 105.012.

mpv22 · Sat. 12:16pm

The guy from omega store said that yes authentic parts. But not original from era. From my understanding, with regards to bezel I would get a new one and it would not be a “DON”

Porteroso · Sat. 12:18pm

Great heirloom. As others have said, stay away from an Omega service.

I vote for a relume. A good one will not be cheap, but as it is, it looks a bit skeletonized, to me. And one day, that lume will be old too.

If the intent is your enjoyment, that is one thing. If originality and resell value, another. Seems you want the best of both worlds, which is hard. Just pick a direction and don't look back.

Inherited Speedmaster 105.012-65 - need advice before I touch anything

mpv22

Dan S

SOG53

ibis888

mpv22

mpv22

mpv22

mpv22

ibis888

AHW

mpv22

mpv22

SOG53

Vinz Clortho

Dan S

mpv22

mpv22

mpv22

mpv22

Porteroso

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