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Is the Serial number a factor when buying vintage speedmasters?

  1. Polynwa Dec 27, 2015

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    This question might strike you as silly, but i was wondering. I noticed the 145.022 69 ST production started at 28420000 (correct me if i'm right). My speedy (which i sent to servicing, thanks) is among the first thousands serials (2842XXXX). Is this a noticeable finding or it wouldn't matter at all, even as a curiosity? How many 145.022 69 ST where ever produced? It just striked me with great curiosity to own a non-limited edition watch with a very low serial number for it's model.
     
  2. Geo! Dec 27, 2015

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    It was when I purchased mine. I won't say what it is, but it relates directly to the age of the moon and the distance from Earth.
     
  3. incabloc Dec 27, 2015

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    i dont know how much -69 are produced, but i think they are a long time in production. I have 2 -69 on the table right now, the older one with a 30.589... serial was produced in Sept. 70 and the other one with serial 31.313... was produced in April 71.
     
  4. siguzzi Dec 27, 2015

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    Most -69 have 29,30 (1970) or 31 (1971) mil serials. So you lucky guy has got one from 69. congrats
     
  5. Davidt Dec 27, 2015

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    Doesn't really make a difference to the value, unless it has a variation that is known to exist within certain serial nos, such as brown dials with 2911xxxx, 220 bezels etc.

    On the whole, condition is a much stronger determining factor to value.
     
    Edited Dec 27, 2015
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  6. oddboy Zero to Grail+2998 In Six Months Dec 27, 2015

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    A serial within the correct range wouldn't change the value of the watch. As Davidt3449 says, condition is more important.

    However the serial does need to fit within the known and expected range for a given reference.

    For speedmasters, http://speedmaster101.com/assessment-guide-2/
     
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  7. Spacefruit Prolific Speedmaster Hoarder Dec 27, 2015

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  8. browncow Dec 28, 2015

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    Agree with above, but the serial will come into consideration IF you're looking specifically for a 145.022-69 that was actually produced in 1969.
    I used to own a 145.022-69 with 28426460 serial (see attached pictures) with Archive papers dating it's production to 29 Jan 1970.
    So a true 1969 production watch would have to have a lower serial number than that.
    Usual disclaimer regarding Omega serial numbers being non-linear applies, of course.
    And most collectors are not that anal about serial numbers and production date.
    My 2 cents.

    ben
    Singapore

    $(KGrHqVHJBME9!Hdm5rFBPVjq7!F5w~~60_57.jpg $(KGrHqZ,!i4E-yJK)n9CBPvVYou(hw~~60_3.jpg
     
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  9. Polynwa Dec 29, 2015

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    Very interesting, thank you very much.