Just got my 1970 Speedy + replacement band so I can say I have joined the club, but in 24 hours it goes to my Dad for a late Fathers Day / early Birthday present.

Thanks to ulackfocus, dsio, Steve, and MSNWatch for answering all my 'n00b' questions while considering the purchase.

Now I just need to find one for myself

 

Nice one! Hey, if you're interested there are enamel pens that can be used to refill the black into the engraved letters on the case back.

 

Its my 'work from home battle gear' My Army days are long gone...so now all I wear is the Gucciflage camo shorts

 

Cool.. recommendations? Assuming it doesn't knock down the caseback value

 

It was enamel paint in most of them anyway. When I get home I'll try to remember to post a picture of it. A lot of the vintage American (Elgin, Hamilton, etc) guys use it to fill in the engraved bezels after the black wears out of them.

 

Cool thanks! I would deffinetly like to fill in the writing.

I'm totally in love with the watch (starting to get jealous since its a gift)..but does look a little tiny on my 7 1/2 wrist

 

HAHA. IDK how much its really going to shrink. Even in my days of being in great shape (boot camp) my wrist size didn't really drop all that much I'm 6'4, so think the watch will always look a little small, but its an iconic piece...so its ok

 

Great looking watch, You did well to find one with that case back.

 

Thanks Largely in part to your guys help!

Now to track down a good speedy for myself...I'm really falling in love with watch. Hate the 1171 replacement band (too thin), but LOVE the watch.

 

I love that model, as you know made to commemorate the 1969 moon landing and only in production for a year at most. Its surely going to be one of the most desireable Speedmaster models in years to come.
You're right about the 1171 bracelet - its way too lightweight and is almost certainly incorrect for the watch. Mine came on a 1039 bracelet (also lightweight) and I have seen quite a few on the no.12 (looks like a flat-link 1039 but is more sturdy and has no stretch links.) I end up wearing my Speedies on a Nato strap as they're strong and comfortable. Well done!

 

Yeah, the original 1039 bracelet that came with it is way too small. My wrist is 7.5 and it only went to like 6 3/4 or so. I was considering getting the current version of the band, but at 700+ bucks...kind of turned me off.

Still need to pick one up for myself

 

Are you after the same model? Although the Speedmaster Professional is actually one of the larger vintage Omegas, If you find it too small for your wrist you could look at the vintage Omega 'Ploprof'. The case reference is 166.077 and is a massive 55mm wide and its possibly one of the coolest (and most collectable) of all vintage 'tool' watches. Unfortunately it has a price tag to match its size!
A similar, but less expensive Omega diver is the 166.0177 'Shom' 200m. Another large stainless steel chunk of diving watch, but most of these on the market have been put together by Watchco from new Omega parts mated with old movements. Still a cool watch though.
As for the Speedmaster itself, there are a whole load of slightly different vintage models (as you probably discovered on your search), although they all look fairly similar at first glance. Prices vary massively depending on the model. If you want any further info don't hesitate to ask!

 

Here's a quick pic of my 145.022-69 just as it arrived in the post last week.

 

Yeah, I'm looking to get the same watch & same case back. The watch I think is a fairly acceptable size, but the vintage replacement bracelet is what really killed it for me. Next time I would probably do the replacement modern version.

I think I'm going to end up getting a Panerai as a 'bigger' watch, but still would like to rock a speedy Just want to get the same one as what I gave to my dad.