Hey all, Glad to have joined the forum, I've been reading for a while but only just joined. I understand it's polite to get involved before posting threads, but I need some help quite urgently. I think my speedy is underinsured. I inherited a Speedmaster from my father under sad circumstances and it has taken years to give it some attention, avoiding it I guess. I have now and while I knew it was special, I wanted it all checked and made official, and get it serviced properly. I took it to the only authorised service centre in Birmingham, UK, and they had to send it to Omega to get the work done. I also asked for a valuation as it was only on my insurance as a normal speedy. But I believe it is an Ed White edition. I might be wrong but either way I know it is a Pre-moon straight lug from 1964/1965. So when the valuation came back valuing it the same as modern speedy at £3,250, and next to no other paperwork - I was a bit annoyed. They said that this was policy but I've looked into it more and there is little info about it. I called the Omega boutique in Birmingham, who are not an authorised service centre, for some info and they have said that they would like to see the watch but that their valuations come with several pieces of paper, showing it provenance and authenticity and would expect a valuation to take into account and rarity of the watch. I'm seeing them in 2 days time. To buy an Ed White now looks like it costs about £8-10k. If mine was stolen, I would expect to be able to re-purchase one off the second hand market. Obviously, if is not an Ed White or is simply worth £3,250 then there is no issue here, but I need some help in lieu of my old man. The valuation states (only) - Wristwatch - Gents Omega Speedmaster. Featuring a black chronograph dial, fixed black tachymeter bezel and manual wind movement. Fitted to black leather strap. Model now retired. Model Number: 5105003 64.
Sorry to hear about your father, and yes, I think it does look like one but with a bit of issues. Do you have any other pics of the back/inside?
I guess that Omega replaced the hands when they serviced it. Did they return the original hands to you?
Yep, it’s an Ed White. Hope you still have the original hands, kills the value of the watch with those new hands.
Yes it looks like an Ed White. To clarify - have you already had the Watch serviced in Bienne? If so, didn't their service sheet show the serial and reference number? Did they include any returned parts?
Hi all, thanks for the replies. The watch was sent to Bienne. They wanted to replace everything but I asked to not replace the face as I didn't want it to look new. The old parts were sent back. The original hands were ok but they had a notch in one so I said it was ok to replace. To be honest I didn't want anything replacing but the shop in Birmingham said that that is what happens in a service. Omega will do everything to make the watch work properly else they wouldn't be doing their job... I can send pics of the parts sent back. Yes the face is rather discoloured. I'll never sell it so not too bothered what someone else would like. I just didn't want it to get into a state of disrepair and forgotten.
It's an honest well-loved example of a desirable reference, and obviously it's priceless to you. In my opinion, you should have the old hands re-installed by a qualified independent watchmaker, and enjoy it fully.
Ooh you've got the original crown on your bag of parts there. That's worth a pretty penny and likely been on the watch since new. Either have it refitted or at the very least keep it safe.
I was really surprised that they took that off. Internals and glass I understand but the crown I didn't. I'll look at getting the hands put back on. I sort of wish they had given me the choice. Thank you for all your feedback. Very useful for me. What should I do about the valuation? Does the contents of the one provide seem fair? I'm being bias but I don't think they've put any effort into valuing this watch especially as you all managed to identify it straightway.
It’s a beaut of an honest watch. And to know it’s been in your family, I’d wear the hell out of it. But if you decide not to... Dibs
The seals in the crown degrade over time so they're renewed at service to increase water resistance. The valuation is low but bear in mind your dial isn't in great shape so it's not a watch that will be worth towards the top of the spectrum. On the other hand the bezel alone is worth a couple almost 2 grand.
It's standard for a service center to give a valuation equal to the MSRP of the current "replacement" model. They do not generally provide appraisals of vintage watches. You should talk to your insurance agent about what sort of appraisal would be required. We can give you a number, but if the watch were lost and stolen, you might need documentation of some sort, so it's best to ask your agent.
If one day you decide to sell it, i would check if you can put back crown and pushers.....but i don't think you will Great piece.
Great heirloom and wonderful that they returned the hands and crown. I would say value around 8-10 Euro assuming movement in good shape and serial correct. Please see and read: speedmater101.com.
I was wearing it everyday after the service but since learning more about it I've taken it off. Until it is properly valued for insurance. Hence my dilemma. I'd wear it if it was insured properly. I guess I need to know whether to go back to the jeweller and ask for a proper valuation. And what should I tell the insurance company. Should I go to a specialist insurance provider. Thanks again.