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Is this Speedmaster 321 too far gone?

K
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Hi,

I am looking to buy an 1962 Omega Speedmaster that has been serviced by Omega. Problem is that the dial an bezel have been replaced. The buyer has the original dial and bezel. The bracelet is not original. I am just wondering if too many parts have been changed to affect the intergrity of the watch and render the watch a Frankenwatch. Any advice would be appreciated.

IMG_4115.webp IMG_4116.webp IMG_4812.webp IMG_4814.webp IMG_4820.webp IMG_4827.webp IMG_4830.webp IMG_4832.webp IMG_4854.webp IMG_4855.webp IMG_4856.webp IMG_4857.webp IMG_4858.webp
 
cuonglm
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If it was serviced by Omega, why will you call it Frankenwatch?
 
Barking mad
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It really depends on the asking price, however the original dial and bezel are not attractive enough to refit in my opinion. I also didn’t see original hour, minute and sub dial hands in the bags of bits. Case back appears ok but the case is a bit ordinary.
When you take into account the wrong bracelet and other issues if very cheap maybe a daily with a view to overtime source appropriate components to make right.
 
K
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cuonglm cuonglm
If it was serviced by Omega, why will you call it Frankenwatch?
It is new serviced parts. The Patina on the dial and tachimetre has gone. No dot over 90. The alternative would be to put back on the spare parts but they are in very bad condition.
 
Davidt
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Everything has a price. At £1500 it’s a buy. At £10,000 it’s a pass
 
Donn Chambers
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Davidt Davidt
Everything has a price. At £1500 it’s a buy. At £10,000 it’s a pass
Agreed. The collector value is low. But the value for a wearable 63-year-old Speedmaster with a likely functioning 321 movement is high. Think of it like a 1963 Corvette. One that was driven a fair bit and maintained over the years with service parts ain’t gonna be worth as much one stuck in a barn and forgotten about, but it’ll still be a fun car to own and drive!
 
ErichKeane
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I think the collectability/historical value is completely gone there. I'd call it an Omega-Franken (yes, they can franken their own watches!), but still kinda not a Franken.

That said, as others have said, that would be a fantastic 'beater' vintage 321 that I'd probably wear the crap out of at the right price. THOUGH as a 'beater'/wearer watch, I would absolutely need to do something about the bracelet, which seems pretty worn.
 
Laneside
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This is a great article. For me it encapsulates an important aspect of collecting vintage watches. Is the watch original with the service parts fitted? Would the owner be best to replace the service parts with the worn out originals? If the owner replaced the service dial with a correct dial and bezel, does this become a Frankenwatch?

To me, the main issue is what the end use of the watch is. Why not enjoy wearing a vintage watch with the service parts knowing that the majority of the watch is vintage?
 
Porteroso
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If you get the original dial and bezel, it's not so bad. Just value those, instead of their service replacements.

I'd absolutely enjoy wearing this watch with the dial and bezel swapped back. It's a wearable beat up Speedy. Not for everyone, but I love them.
 
Donn Chambers
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Porteroso Porteroso
If you get the original dial and bezel, it's not so bad. Just value those, instead of their service replacements.

I'd absolutely enjoy wearing this watch with the dial and bezel swapped back. It's a wearable beat up Speedy. Not for everyone, but I love them.
The hands have also been replaced and only the central seconds returned as far as I can see. I think I’d keep the service dial and bezel on in this case.
 
sheepdoll
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I actually was the first bidder on this when it was still at 99 cents. Had the high bid for 90 percent of the auction. Was hoping my bid might scare others off.

Screenshot 2025-08-17 at 11.29.33 AM.webp


they are never too far gone ...
 
Porteroso
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Donn Chambers Donn Chambers
The hands have also been replaced and only the central seconds returned as far as I can see. I think I’d keep the service dial and bezel on in this case.
To each their own. I would try to source equally beat up hands, you're right that that lume would be jarring alongside the original dial.

Of course it would need to be acquired at the right price. Once I had it where I wanted it, it would still be a beat up, used up, Speedy. Not very collectible.
 
JFury
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I believe that my Dad has the same watch. His was tucked away for decades. He claims that he has never had it worked on. I need to get it a tune up once it (hopefully) comes into my possession. I also need to verify the exact model. We haven't removed the caseback. If my Dad was telling the truth, no reason to lie he didn't even know what it was/is worth. I covered his name in the engraving.

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K
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JFury JFury
I believe that my Dad has the same watch. His was tucked away for decades. He claims that he has never had it worked on. I need to get it a tune up once it (hopefully) comes into my possession. I also need to verify the exact model. We haven't removed the caseback. If my Dad was telling the truth, no reason to lie he didn't even know what it was/is worth. I covered his name in the engraving.

20250309_103613.webp 20250309_104021.webp
Nice watch that is Ed White vintage.
 
Davidt
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JFury JFury
I believe that my Dad has the same watch. His was tucked away for decades. He claims that he has never had it worked on. I need to get it a tune up once it (hopefully) comes into my possession. I also need to verify the exact model. We haven't removed the caseback. If my Dad was telling the truth, no reason to lie he didn't even know what it was/is worth. I covered his name in the engraving.

20250309_103613.webp 20250309_104021.webp

That is a beautiful watch and in a completely different league to the OP watch
 
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