Just learned that I had a speedmaster ACP

In 63 the Automobil Club Peruano commissioned 50 speedmasters to be available to its members, the Peruvian auto club is in charge of organizing all the auto racing in the country. My father used to race and purchased one of these. I was also born in 64, and I recall this watch and trying to wear it even at a very young age.

To make a long story short went to the Omega store yesterday to drop it for service and to get a leather strap, as we are going through the watch and chatting with the salesperson about how the watch was in my family all these years and so on he suddenly asked me if I knew what A.C.P. was, I did not have any idea, so I said maybe something like accurate chronometer or something like that, then he got up and said that was coming right back. To my surprise the first thing he said when he came back was if my father had something to do with the Automobil Club Peruano, I was like how the hell you know about that? Well it was in the Omega registry book.

It almost brought tears to my eyes, I felt like the old guy was playing a joke on me. He passed away 15 years ago, but yesterday it was like we were sitting next to each other. I always cherished this piece, now is even more special knowing its history.

50 acp. amazing racing speedy.

I got it back already this morning.

I’ve sent in a vintage Speedmaster Professional (861, pre landing) to Oméga service in Bienne with these instructions and they fully complied, they in fact suggested not to replace specific parts to maintain its value and authenticity.

Would you be open to sharing before and after photos? If so, perhaps start a new thread on the topic?

That's a very good idea. I know first-hand that's the exception rather than the rule.

Great story and you got it back in time!

There are quite a few stories like this out there, although I admit them recommending that parts aren't replaced to maintain authenticity is something I haven't heard before. If that is in writing, can you share exactly what they recommended?

The thing people must realize with these stories is that although they may be completely true, people tend to draw the wrong conclusions from them.

If I send in a watch that has a vintage dial and hands that are in perfectly good condition (no flaking on the dial finish, no lume that might fall off, etc.), and the watch comes back with the dial and hands intact, that's exactly what I would expect to happen. Yet when people send a watch in with the same condition hands and dial, and send a letter along with it asking the service center not to change those parts and they don't get changed, suddenly people say "Bienne will not replace these parts if you just ask them not to!"

This is not the case.

The reality is those parts would not be changed even if you didn't send a letter - they change parts only if they determine they need changing. And if they need changing in Omega's eyes, there's no letter that is going to prevent them from either doing what they deem is required, or refusing the service and sending the watch back unserviced.

They will not risk putting parts on the watch that might lead to a warranty claim, and they will not take steps to mitigate the risk by stabilizing the lume or things like that - the only options they have are use the existing parts if they are good, or swap them for modern replacements if they are not acceptable.

So for those who may read the post by our new member Gregory891, his experience may be completely true, but that doesn't mean Omega will bow to your wishes.

Cheers, Al

What a sensational story! Enjoy your watch man.