I inherited my very first Speedy from my saintly father years ago. When I first got it, I knew nothing about Speedmasters. I thought what I had was a great watch that was all original. Little did I know it had the wrong bezel, dial (refinished or just relumed?), crown, no bracelet, and the hour and minute hands had definitely seen better days.



Well here's a pic of it when I first got it.




After years of sourcing for parts. I finally found all the right parts, right down to a tropical dial! All except the period flat foot crown, as I would only accept a NOS one.


Then it was off to Mr. Simon Freese of Simon Freese Watchmakers (http://www.simonfreesewatchmakers.com) who undertook the service and assembly of the parts. Great turnaround time and he adhered to my every instruction. Highly recommended.


Here's how it looks like now. (Yes, it is the same watch!)





And here it is, in different lighting with a flown tie pin. Pretty fitting I must say, the first watch worn on the moon, with a flown item!








As for the bracelet, I've found a period correct 1506 for it. However, the search for the elusive no.16 end links continues....



Thank you OF for the space, @Spacefruit for his invaluable website and much thanks to the readers for taking the time to read this story...

 

Fkucne A

Well done good Sir! Wear and enjoy in good health...

 

Wow! Nice to see the result! Enjoy it to the fullest!

 

So nice! I really look forward to receiving my 105.012-65 Speedmaster (with elusive no.16 end links )
Could you put a picture of the crown please?

Gorgeous watch indeed!

 

EDIT : I come to see about the crown.

 

Congrats. Tremendous results. Well done!

 

How on earth did you ever find a flown item

 

brilliant looks stunning

 

brilliant.. looks awesome!

 

Great looking watch!

 

Nice watch,...but that Pin! WOW! Where have you found something like this? Or is it part of your family history?

 

Looks fantastic!!! Really!!

 

AMAZING STORY, hope i get the chance to see this in the flesh one day! fellow singaporean here!

 

That is an amazing Job but not suprising considering you had Simon Freese on board. Well done for sourcing all the right parts!
Beautiful watch!

 

Lovely watch with a great back story.
You must feel very satisfied with your efforts.

 

Thanks guys for all the kind comments! Hope to eventually wear my 105.012 when it has the correct 1506/16 bracelet and period flat foot crown, together with my tie pin for a speedy gathering!

 

lots of sources online for flown items for sale: I collect Snap-On flown tools

 

Congrats! That's a nice looking Speedy. If you don't mind me asking, did you have the hour and minute hands repainted/relumed?

 

Great story, lovely watch. Wear it in good health!

 

Purchased a set of Original tritium hands. Old hands are in my drawer.