Moonwatch First Timer

Sorry for your loss.

Are you sure it's a 3861, since when did he have the watch as that has only been on the market for about 4 years, pictures would help?

Apologies for your loss.

Regarding winding the crown, keep winding it until you feel a hard stop. You won’t break it unless you genuinely force it beyond that stopping point. I’m not sure what you’re reading in regards to “light pressure” but yes, you are overthinking it. You can confidently wind the movement without fear.

Don’t worry about the noise you hear when you listen to the movement. Every watch movement makes a different noise when it’s running. My 3861 made a similar noise that you described, and it’s completely normal.

When the 3861 was first released, there was a known issue that would seize the movement when operated. It’s covered under the manufacture warranty. If you have the red Omega International warranty cards, you will be covered if this happens. However, it’s been several years since this watch was introduced and Omega has since put a fix in place. So, try to wear the watch and enjoy it.

Overall, the Speedmaster is quite robust. It has a long rich history of enduring tough environments. Again, I apologize for your loss, but you can wear the watch and enjoy the memories of your dad each time you glance down at your wrist.

Welcome @Strobosco. I am sorry to hear about the passing of your father, you are awfully young to loose your dad. I am sure that was hard. The reference number is listed on the inside of the caseback, but you will need a special tool and experience to open it. Because it is a Speedy people here can probably identify it from a few good pictures. As far as winding goes there is a discussion of it here:

https://omegaforums.net/threads/winding-a-3861-speedy.148801/#:~:text=I wind my SMP every,feel a bit of resistance.

I stop when I start to feel a noticeable increase in resistance. If you start with a fully unwound watch you will get feel of normal winding resistance. I am not sure what you mean about ticking, the watch "ticks" 3 times per second. It should not be noticeable unless you are listening carefully.

Wind it until you can't turn the crown any more, a full, hard stop. Strap it on, enjoy it. No more thinking or analysis required.

As far as identifying it either post some pictures or give us the serial number on the back lug.