Hi, I have seen this watch and am consideration purchasing. Price looks okay for retail and it is in very good condition as far as I can tell with an almost unmarked bezel, a stepped dial and some patina to the indexes and hands. The icing on the cake is that it also comes with box and papers (with a sale date of 1974).
Being ever cautious I would be very grateful for comments from those on the OF who are far more knowledgeable than me.

Many thanks

 

Here's a better photograph from the seller

 

Looks like a nice step dial and correct hands & Bezel. You need to get a shot of the serial # on the movement

 

I don't see anything wrong although I'd want to see the movement before buying it.

 

Thanks, I just read on the Fratello buying guide that the stepped dial ceased with the 145.022 - 74 so I will ask if this is actually a 74 as the sale date does not mean it has to be a 74 reference.

 

It seems all regular: dial, hands and DNN bezel. Check the serial number of the movement.

 

thanks, I will ask to see the movement.

 

74 is not unusual for a sale date of a 71. As others have stated you need to see the movement and serial as well as better pics of the dial in better lighting. The bracelet is incorrect for the model.

Cheers

 

74s with step dials have been seen more than once, so wthis wouldn't be a showstopper, either ways. Inside caseback and movement shot with serial are essential though.

 

Thanks, why do you refer to it as a 71 and are you able to advise what the correct bracelet should be? I am keen to learn!

 

Www.speedmaster101.com

 

A correct bracelet for a '71 Speedy should be a 1171, as far as I know.

 

A late production 71 maybe, and that seems to be what the OP's pics show, otherwise an undated 1039 would be correct.

 

There is some argument that a step is not correct in a 74... that being said step 74's are accepted. It could be a -71 sold in 74.

My concern is 2 fold... as with any Speedmaster does the serial fall in the correct range? Does the caseback match? I've got a sinking feeling it has a new caseback.

 

I tend to agree, the caseback should have oblong notches, not square.

 

But it has the correct font I believe? e.g. Flat Q. Serial number starts 328xxxxx by the way.
Bracelet definitely later so I think I will give this one a miss. Thanks to everyone for the really helpful advice and information.

 

Notches are absolutely right.

 

1175 would also be correct, but that should be a minor concern.

 

I wouldn't be so quick to walk away from this just because it has a later bracelet. You can sell this bracelet and purchase a 1171/633 or 1175/640 and almost break even. You stated that this is listed for a good price and comes with box and papers, that's pretty tough to find these days. The caseback is correct and the serial is fine for a 145.022-71, which this most likely is.