Just out of curiosity, is there something amiss with this Speedmaster (other than the bezel) or is it not getting any attention because of its location? http://www.ebay.com/itm/Omega-Speedmaster-321-Pre-Moon-145-012-From-68-/131655541366Purchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network
It should sell for more than the start price.... But in addition to the incorrect bezel insert, it is missing lume on the dial.
Serial number looks a little scratchy too. It's not a super attractive example but as stated previously, it should sell above its starting point.
The starting price is probably what he's been offered elsewhere, so the seller is ensuring they don't get stung. It's the most common 321 Speedmaster but the dial, movement and bezel are the 3 most important aspects. Given the fact that the bezel is a modern replacement and the dial has lost the lume, it will probably sell above the start price in the current market, but I don't expect it to go nuts.
In addition to the above, it appears to have hour register creep, and (most importantly IMO) the starting bid is high enough to present a psychological barrier.
That's a good point about a psychological barrier. I often think items would sell better with a 0.99 start and no reserve. Seeing bids from other people breeds confidence that allows buyers to keep bidding. Anyway, the more I look at this piece, the more I think it might not sell. Certainly a year ago it would've struggled but it's a bull market atm which will help.
A typical example that was tweaked during it life. Not a deal breaker (if the price is right...I marvel at the price these command now!!). As mentionned here, its the most common pre-moon Speedmaster so I would wait for a better example with the correct elements. This one has a replacement bezel, crown, pushers and chrono hand as well as the tritium removed. Many watchmakers do this when the tritium degrades and flakes as it finds its way into the movement.
It is uninteresting and unattractive at this money. Poor dial, dodgy origin, dodgy serial, (because illegible and unquoted). The seller would have done SO much better with a .99 start, and probably be at his opening now. That would have drawn many people in, myself included, to support the initial interest.