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  1. mcpick123 Apr 4, 2019

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    Hi everyone, I just picked up a Moonwatch today from a friend. We agreed on a decent price at about $2k. We both don't know a lot about these, just glanced online. It has a chrono issue where the hand doesn't line up right. Here are the only pics I have:

    http://imgur.com/a/VT8yucD

    http://imgur.com/a/SQ7i7SI

    It's too late for you all to talk me out of this, but I'd like some reassurance that the price was fair. And I'd love to know any idea of how old this watch could be. I was hoping the experts here could help.

    Btw, I've read speedmaster 101 and it's very overwhelming. My best guess is that this watch is from the 70s - 80s. Any other info would be great.
     
  2. Foo2rama Keeps his worms in a ball instead of a can. Apr 4, 2019

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    It’s a 145.022-78 maybe a later -76 based on a 39.9m serial.

    Looks like a good deal to me. Nice pickup.
     
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  3. robinhook Apr 4, 2019

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    The serial number on the movement seems to start at 399... according to this chart, it should be a 1979 145.0022:
    http://www.chronomaddox.com/romans.html

    A good one of these could be easily worth $4K+. I say at $2K you've got a huge bargain. Chrono second hand should be a easy fix, I don't think it is a big problem.
     
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  4. vbrad26 Apr 4, 2019

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    For $2k, as long as it works, you got a pretty great deal from the looks of it.
     
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  5. Uniqez Apr 4, 2019

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    Not 79?

    Edited: never mind someone already pointed out)
     
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  6. Foo2rama Keeps his worms in a ball instead of a can. Apr 4, 2019

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    There is no -79 ;)
     
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  7. mcpick123 Apr 4, 2019

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    '
    Oh wow! missed my birth year by months. I'm going to pretend this is a 1980 so it is extra special. This is just what I was looking for. Thank you!

    BTW. How are the chrono hands an easy fix? I figured it would need a servicing for $750. Can they adjust the chrono hands so they line up? How much should that cost and where can I get that done? I am in the SF bay area. Yes the chrono works, it just doesn't line up.
     
    Edited Apr 4, 2019
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  8. robinhook Apr 4, 2019

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    I'm 1983, at some point I need to get one of that year. I wish it could cost only $2K.... Congrat for the nice pickup!
     
  9. wagudc Apr 4, 2019

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    I am sure the chrono would be fixed in a service. When they service the watch they take everything apart, clean each part separately, and replace any broken or worn parts. Everything gets put back together in working order. I am not a watchmaker, but if nothing is broken fixing the chrono will not add to the service. Small parts are usually not too expensive. I just had my Speedmaster serviced by an independent watchmaker in Portland, OR that was recommended here (Kelly Hunter at Art of the Watch). The chrono could not be stopped once started. It cost me about $25 to ship it registered and insured mail from Northern California. The base service price was $550, new genuine Omega crystal was $85, new Omega crown $50 and the part to fix the chrono was $70, and he charged $55 to ship it back. The watch looks great and works beautifully.
     
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  10. mcpick123 Apr 4, 2019

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    Can you share the name of the watchmaker? I'll have to do this with mine soon.
     
  11. Foo2rama Keeps his worms in a ball instead of a can. Apr 4, 2019

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    I’d you service it. Do not let them change the dial, bezel or hands!!! Do not let them polish it!!!
     
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  12. wagudc Apr 4, 2019

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    Kelly Hunter, Art of the Watch:

    http://artofthewatch.com/

    He focuses on vintage watches and understands preservation. My watch is a Speedmaster Professional from 1970.
     
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  13. mcpick123 Apr 4, 2019

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    I was wondering that.. does Omega go crazy on polishing these? I too prefer the original vintage look and am ok with the dings.
     
  14. robinhook Apr 4, 2019

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    WOW... I'm in the SF Bay Area too... What a small world!

    I have been using Son Nguyen at World Time in San Jose for about 4 of my Omega watches. Great job every time. He is Omega Certified (and also Rolex and other brands). https://en.yelp.ch/biz/world-time-san-jose?start=80 Also recommended by a few people in this thread:
    https://omegaforums.net/threads/recommended-watchmaker-in-bay-area-california.12253/#post-141307

    Some other options are here but I have not personally tried them:
    https://omegaforums.net/threads/repair-in-san-francisco-bay-area.21748/#post-236690

    I'd say bring it to Son for a free timegrapher read. You'll know if it needs a service. If not, I'm sure he'll quote you a price to just fix the chrono hand.

    Glad to find another Speedy love in the same area!
     
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  15. Uniqez Apr 4, 2019

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    I'm confused now)
     
    SmartSelect_20190404-192944_Samsung Internet.jpg
  16. Foo2rama Keeps his worms in a ball instead of a can. Apr 4, 2019

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    There is no 145.022-79

    There are 145.022-78 made in 79.

    39,925,8xx is late 1978 production.
     
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  17. wagudc Apr 4, 2019

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    Omega has a habit of replacing vintage parts with brand new. Their goal is to make old like new. A good watchmaker with an Omega parts account will do same quality work as Omega, but preserve the original parts. They are often cheaper as well. You can search the forum for watchmakers, see below. I think you have two good recommendations here.

    https://omegaforums.net/search/10550254/?q=World+Time+in+San+Jose&o=date

    https://omegaforums.net/search/10550260/?q=kelly+hunter&o=date
     
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  18. robinhook Apr 4, 2019

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  19. mcpick123 Apr 4, 2019

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    Now I'm confused too. According to that site, this watch was made in 1979, right? I'm seeing 1978's as 37XXXXX.

    Also is the model of this watch, 145.022 or 145.022-78?
     
  20. Uniqez Apr 4, 2019

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    Oh, got it now! Thanks.
     
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