Community Stories

Inherited This Speedy Pro, My First Omega!

TechGuyJ
Posts
45
Likes
78
Ok experts, need some advice-

Watchmaker has recommended that we replace the crown, pushers, and crystal. I am VERY hesitant to do so. I want to preserve the originality of the piece as much as possible. Obviously, gaskets and such will need to be replaced. Can the baskets simply be replaced on the crown and pushers instead of replacing the whole part?

Past 2- I am torn on what to wear the watch on. I love the look of the Speedy on NATOs, but some have expressed concern over the nylon wearing on the case back. Is this a common problem? I do want to get a bracelet for it, but original (1039 I believe), or the newer more comfortable bracelet (1171)? I am also looking for recommendations for any good straps to wear it on.

I appreciate any input you have, thanks!

Jason
 
OddSpeedy
Posts
68
Likes
113
I think they look great on brown leather so I'm totally biased, I honestly don't know how long it takes a NATO to start wearing on the caseback, but prob a long time. I only mentioned it bc I'm not a huge nato fan lol. Anyways, I'm very happy with a strap I got from Toshi-Straps.co.uk

More knowledgeable people than me might be able to chime in on the replacement parts, but I'd take the watchmakers advise.

I saw that a nice looking 1039 sold on here for $12 or 1300, kinda wishing i saw that post sooner... ebay 1039 prices are nuts!
 
TechGuyJ
Posts
45
Likes
78
OddSpeedy OddSpeedy
I think they look great on brown leather so I'm totally biased, I honestly don't know how long it takes a NATO to start wearing on the caseback, but prob a long time. I only mentioned it bc I'm not a huge nato fan lol. Anyways, I'm very happy with a strap I got from Toshi-Straps.co.uk

More knowledgeable people than me might be able to chime in on the replacement parts, but I'd take the watchmakers advise.

I saw that a nice looking 1039 sold on here for $12 or 1300, kinda wishing i saw that post sooner... ebay 1039 prices are nuts!

HOLY CRAP. You ain’t kidding.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/RARE-NOS-O...ITH-516-END-LINKS-NOS-CONDITION-/222715144254
 
This website may earn commission from Ebay sales.
stefman
Posts
386
Likes
692
Happy to hear you’re keeping the watch in memory of your grandpa. It’s a great watch.

May I suggest you change the caseback to a see through caseback and keep the original one in a safe place, you can then see the movement and not worry about wearying the watch on nato.
 
TechGuyJ
Posts
45
Likes
78
stefman stefman
Happy to hear you’re keeping the watch in memory of your grandpa. It’s a great watch.

May I suggest you change the caseback to a see through caseback and keep the original one in a safe place, you can then see the movement and not worry about wearying the watch on nato.

I didn't know this was an option... where would I find a sapphire case back for it?

Jason
Edited:
 
dougiedude
Posts
7,293
Likes
76,579
TechGuyJ TechGuyJ
I love the look of the Speedy on NATOs, but some have expressed concern over the nylon wearing on the case back.
You can also stick one of those clear film covers you find on new watch case-backs/crystals on there to protect it. Might find these on eBay...
 
TechGuyJ
Posts
45
Likes
78
Thanks for the feedback on the case back wear issue. I have ordered some protective films and will try those out for a while. I am intrigued by the idea of a sapphire case back on the piece though!

Already have a few NATOs on the way!
 
OddSpeedy
Posts
68
Likes
113
TechGuyJ TechGuyJ
Thanks for the feedback on the case back wear issue. I have ordered some protective films and will try those out for a while. I am intrigued by the idea of a sapphire case back on the piece though!

Already have a few NATOs on the way!

"Free" Speedmasters have an uncanny ability to produce lots of little receipts 😉
 
TechGuyJ
Posts
45
Likes
78
OddSpeedy OddSpeedy
"Free" Speedmasters have an uncanny ability to produce lots of little receipts 😉

How true this is!
 
propervinyl
Posts
423
Likes
946
TechGuyJ TechGuyJ
Watchmaker has recommended that we replace the crown, pushers, and crystal. I am VERY hesitant to do so. I want to preserve the originality of the piece as much as possible. Obviously, gaskets and such will need to be replaced. Can the baskets simply be replaced on the crown and pushers instead of replacing the whole part?

This is a very important question, and I hope some more experienced members can chime in, but here are my thoughts:

Replacing the crowns/pushers would make the watch more resistant to water and moisture. However, my understanding is that speedies from this period were not super water /moisture resistant anyway, and restoring water resistance on a vintage watch may not be possible for a number of reasons.

Many people, including myself, are generally opposed to replacing crown/pushers because it detracts from the originality of the watch. As a result, I dont wear vintage when its raining or super humid outside, or when I'm cooking or doing any activity where it could come in contact with moisture.

More senior members here will have much better advice than I.

Cant wait to see the pics when this is done!
 
stefman
Posts
386
Likes
692
TechGuyJ TechGuyJ
I didn't know this was an option... where would I find a saffire case back for it?

Jason
I’m not very sure because when I got my Speedy from my friend, he had already installed it on it. There’s a few options out there. Hope you find the one you like.

The two watch pic is with a VC, same movement

FB89BD30-FF13-4B3C-B77B-B3B31BF561C9.jpeg 695FDEE0-1AC6-4D7A-928E-8F1F8AD42EB9.jpeg
 
padders
Posts
10,440
Likes
16,324
Natos can and do chew up casebacks so I would definitely suggest some kind of protection. I had a Danasko with an ice hardened case which showed Nato rash, nothing is immune.
Edited:
 
TechGuyJ
Posts
45
Likes
78
For now, I have some case back protectors coming in the mail. Still may look at the sapphire case back option though. Thanks for the feedback!

Only decision left is whether or not to replace the crown & pushers. Oh, and what bracelet to get.
 
Sign up or log in to reply...

Similar threads

A

I need your advice on an inherited Omega OT 14707 Cal. 268

airxon Vintage Omega Watches Help, Discussion and Advice
Archer
Archer
Posts
13
Views
357
M

Inherited My Father’s Omega, Could Use Some Info

morris.shane Vintage Omega Watches Help, Discussion and Advice
padders
padders
Posts
27
Views
750
RobSnoo

Omega Seamaster Memomatic 1969/70 inherited from Father

RobSnoo Vintage Omega Watches Help, Discussion and Advice
hieu123
hieu123
Posts
12
Views
1K
Marty_D1

Inherited (2007) Omega Speed Master (Moon watch)

Marty_D1 Vintage Omega Watches Help, Discussion and Advice
Marty_D1
Marty_D1
Posts
9
Views
906
F

Inherited Omega: Store couldn’t help!

fmack Vintage Omega Watches Help, Discussion and Advice
Radius321
Radius321
Posts
4
Views
1K
oyvindbl

Inherited a Omega Seamaster DeVille

oyvindbl Vintage Omega Watches Help, Discussion and Advice
gatorcpa
gatorcpa
Posts
19
Views
3K