Dear friends I'm looking for opinions on this other Speedmaster Mark II. Questions: a) Anything wrong with its movement? (i.e. missing parts, etc) b) What about the dial? Any sign of water damage? What I've noticed: - the hands seem to be original - there is a scratch in the crystal (but not so bad) - weird dirty (rust maybe?) in the regulator tail - o-ring case seal seems to be in a good state (maybe a sign of service, definitely not the original from 70's as they generally melt down/degrade). - *maybe* unpolished case
Broadly feeding back The case looks good and I would suggest that’s the original finish which looks in. Wet good shape for a 45 year old watch The dial looks excellent and original as do the hands, the crystal is a service replacement but that shouldn’t impact. Bracelet is original omega, can’t tell the condition from your images Overall looks like a nice piece but it all boils down to price Hope this helps
@Tom Dick I will ask for lug photos and report back. This are the photos of the sides. Is it my impression or is that a service crown?
I'm holding my never polished MkII from 1972 and that is definitely not the original style crown. Pushers look like replacements, too. I'm no expert but that side shot of the case looks like it has had some brushing done. It just looks too fresh for a 45 yo watch. The polished edge also looks too shiny for its age. But I could be wrong.
@Evitzee really interesting feedback! Would you mind to post a photo of your Mark II (crown + side polish) to compare?
Looks a really nice example to me. The crown might be a newer replacement but does it really matter. I personally don't think it's been refinished but tricky to tell. Looking at it side on the crystal looks correct depth and they ride high if they've been heavily finished. If I was after one i'd go for that if price is reasonable. The tritium has aged really nicely which is always a nice bonus. Here's side of mine if it helps.
@all: what you guys would think is a reasonable price for this Mark II? I known that what is reasonable depends on a few factors (i.e. how much you desire a watch x how much you are willing to pay x watch's state x market), but what would be a ballpark number for a good Mark II on the current market?
I would post some pics but don't have camera or phone with me. But mine looks very similar to what Tet has just posted. I don't think the crown being replaced means much, things like crowns, pushers and often hands were considered items to be replaced during a service. I think too much emphasis is placed on originality for what was/is a tool watch. And if we can't tell if the case has been touched up is that really important either? If it all hangs together visually and its mechanically sound that is what is important. Sorry, don't know enough to figure what the value would be.
Sorry I can't remember what county you reside in. For me here in the UK I would go up to £2,000 for that one, again I do think that is a nice example so anything below that would be great IMO.
@Tet I live in the USA (California to be more precise). I decided to pull the trigger, let's see how it goes. A few photos of the bracelet + rear case:
I do love an advice thread that ends in a purchase Excited to hear how it is in person (I tend to find watches improve in the hand). Wear it in good health
Well done and best of luck. Looking at the above pic I think it may have been refinished at some point, but if so then clearly professionally by somebody with a lapping machine. I certainly wouldn't be put off by that. Here is mine at similar angle, notice the top chamfered edge is almost in line or below the top lug corner on your example compared to mine which is untouched(sorry the pic isn't the clearest as have a strap fitted at the moment but you can get the idea)? Could just be the angle of the pic though. Either way I think you have a lovely one there.
@Tet thanks for sharing the photos of your Mark II. This is precisely why I love this forum: the depth of knowledge and the great community spirit of its members in sharing information. \o/
Pleasure, I'm not nearly as knowledgeable as half the people here but I try to help where I can and tend to research overkill before making any of my own purchases. So if it's something I own myself, I will have spent hours upon hours reading about it first(much to my wifes dismay)