My fathers watch, now mine.

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Cripes. Who sells their fathers watch.
A Rolex guy I guess.
Geez, lighten up. First, he didn’t say that he was selling it. Second, if he chooses to sell it, whose business is that but his? We don’t know the circumstances under which he acquired it or why he might want or need to sell it. If his father has passed away, would you have a problem with him selling his father’s car? His home? Last, what exactly is a “Rolex Guy?” You may not like the brand (I don’t), but there are plenty of very decent people who own them - including many members of this forum.
 
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Last, what exactly is a “Rolex Guy?” You may not like the brand (I don’t), but there are plenty of very decent people who own them Or are on the waiting list for one still - including many members of this forum.

FIFY 😁
 
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Even if he does not sell it, would you or could you really walk around having such an expensive and precious watch on your wrist? I mean some people do it but they also have bodyguards. 😝 All jokes aside, I'm always super intentional when wearing my 145022-74 and my 145022-68 never sees the sunlight. Could you imagine a 2915??? 😵‍💫
 
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@pdxleaf I think it’s safe to say he’s looking to sell, one post on OF and the only question he has is value.

I also think your assessment of ‘fairly good overall’ is a disingenuous assessment for a thing that looks like it’s been through a shredder, obviously isn’t working (check the sub dials in relation to the chronograph hand) and has incredibly heavy corrosion/rust around the case back and pushers.

I would rate this watch as ‘Poor’ based off the Speedmaster 101 rating scale.

On top of that no one here has even asked to see the inside case back or the movement which is something you all never forget to ask of anyone looking for value or info related to even the crumbiest watch.

Given the lack of quality images and movement photos I’d say there’s a high chance this thing is rusted shut and only worth its parts (which are of course valuable and of course not worth sniggering at).
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@pdxleaf I think it’s safe to say he’s looking to sell, one post on OF and the only question he has is value.

I also think your assessment of ‘fairly good overall’ is a disingenuous assessment for a thing that looks like it’s been through a shredder, obviously isn’t working (check the sub dials in relation to the chronograph hand) and has incredibly heavy corrosion/rust around the case back and pushers.

I would rate this watch a ‘Poor’ based off the Speedmaster 101 rating scale.

On top of that no one here has even asked to see the inside case back or the movement which is something you all never forget to ask of anyone looking for value or info related to even the crumbiest watch.

Given the lack of quality images and movement photos I’d say there’s a high chance this thing is rusted shut and only worth its parts (which are of course valuable and of course not worth sniggering at).

Im not sure if you’re being serious, but if you are, your assessment is hugely inaccurate.
The crystal may look like it’s been through a shredder but this is one of the easiest elements to rectify, either by polishing or replacement. Although scratches, the case looks ok.
Underneath the scratched crystal, the dial appears to be good.
The case seems worn as to be expected for a 60+ year old watch but it is generally fairly thick. Crucially, the heavy rust and corrosion you describe is actually crud and dirt and from what we can see there are no obvious signs of corrosion (although obviously we don’t know what’s under the caseback).

Overall this is exactly how many collectors like to buy watches, with scratched crystals and copious amounts of dirt. One must include an element of risk in any offer for a watch in this condition and with limited photos but it is certainly not Poor or only worth the value if it’s parts.
 
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Im not sure if you’re being serious, but if you are, your assessment is hugely inaccurate.

You’re right, I’m being a bit antagonistic but at the same time ‘never a truer word is said in jest’.

The photos are terrible, and as such an assessment whether that’s dirt or rust that’s accumulating around the pushers and caseback is still up for debate.

Until better photos are provided and a shot of the movement (which OF require as a minimum for assessment) no one knows… which is my point. It will remain a ‘poor’ example in my mind based off the Speedmaster 101 assessment criteria until those integral components are viewed, anything more would be disingenuous.

Sure, this is a rare watch and one with plenty of value. The OP wants to know that value, how can we give an accurate opinion without the entire picture… or even a clear picture for that matter?
 
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@pdxleaf I think it’s safe to say he’s looking to sell, one post on OF and the only question he has is value.

Or he was put off by the suspicious comments in response to his totally polite and even sweet inquiry.

Normal people are curious about value when they receive an item which they suspect might be valuable. We don’t have to spoonfeed info, but we can educate without the so-called «tough love » (which is tough, without love) which some members have espoused in the past.

Not every lay person can guess how the questions can be interpreted, or what pictures we expect.
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Normal people are curious about value when they receive an item which they suspect might be valuable.

‘Value’ being what others are willing to part with for said item, the object has no value until it’s sold. So yes, the monetary ’value’ is intrinsically connected with the intention to sell.

I personally find nothing wrong with him wanting to sell it, what’s problematic is our inability to give this sweet person what they want, which is a rough ‘value’ of the object in question. Some people have said ‘good’ others have said ‘fairly good’, I say ‘poor’. To rise above ‘poor’ the movement would have to be seen, I mean, we don’t even know if it’s running!

I believe our struggle to give this person what they need has something to do with the quality of information he’s given us, i.e poor photos and no images of the movement, which we generally asked for within the first two replies to a valuation question. Why haven’t we done it in this instance…?

Why is this watch is an exception?
 
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I disagree with the assertion that a movement shot is required for a watch to rise above poor. I’ve bought plenty of watches without seeing the movement and as I mentioned earlier, I simply build is a risk factor when pricing.
Even with the pictures supplied (which I agree aren’t great), in an open auction this watch would sell for wel above poor.
 
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‘what’s problematic is our inability to give this sweet person what they want, which is a rough ‘value’ of the object in question. Some people have said ‘good’ others have said ‘fairly good’, I say ‘poor’. To rise above ‘poor’ the movement would have to be seen, I mean, we don’t even know if it’s running!

I believe our struggle to give this person what they need has something to do with the quality of information he’s given us, i.e poor photos and no images of the movement, which we generally asked for within the first two replies to a valuation question. Why haven’t we done it in this instance…?

Why is this watch is an exception?

I don’t think we’re talking about the same thing.

Members have already provided tons of very valuable info, and can guide a newbie to reach a good result.

I also think it’s totally fine to say we’d like to know more before we give a reply, and also legitimate to retain information unless we feel comfortable sharing preciously acquired knowledge.

However and regardless of the information we give, the issue for me is whether we respond harshly or politely to a polite inquiry.
 
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@pdxleaf

...On top of that no one here has even asked to see the inside case back or the movement which is something you all never forget to ask of anyone looking for value or info related to even the crumbiest watch.

Given the lack of quality images and movement photos I’d say there’s a high chance this thing is rusted shut and only worth its parts (which are of course valuable and of course not worth sniggering at).

Yes, I was working from 'best case' until proven otherwise. You are working from 'worst case' until proven otherwise. (Although, I also presented pictures supporting my conclusion.)

I did make the following comment, which is similar to your point:

"It's a fabulous watch in any case. Still, higher resolution pictures of the dial, hands, lug edges are needed for a serious valuation. As a Rolex guy, you understand the importance of condition and originality. Stains or scratches on the dial diminish value."

Good advice on the movement, as that is a high determinant of value that the OP should be aware of, assuming he doesn't already know that.

Your point is a good one, that an accurate assessment is not possible without more information. Regardless, neither you nor I nor anyone else can judge his intentions. 'Let he who has never sold a watch cast the first stone."

[EDIT: i thought it went without saying, but maybe not. It's completely rational to want to know the value of an inherited item. Do I need to insure this, and if so, how much? Can I wear it to cut the grass, or do I keep it in the safe? Is it worth spending a thousand dollars fixing it or should I give it to my nephew who is into watches and really wants it?]

If you have a similar 'poor' quality 2915, then I call dibs! 😁
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The photos are terrible, and as such an assessment whether that’s dirt or rust that’s accumulating around the pushers and caseback is still up for debate.
Honestly, if you’ve handled enough old Speedmasters of every condition you know that isn’t rust on the case. Agree a photo of the movement would be desirable, although plenty of people would happily take the risk without seeing inside.
 
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‘Value’ being what others are willing to part with for said item, the object has no value until it’s sold. So yes, the monetary ’value’ is intrinsically connected with the intention to sell.

Not really. Values are needed for a variety of reasons. Yes one is to sell (and if that is the case here, it's none of our business), but also for insurance purposes, or to settle the splitting of an estate. I've been asked my opinion plenty of times for all three of these purposes by people who have inherited watches.
 
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Honestly, if you’ve handled enough old Speedmasters of every condition you know that isn’t rust on the case.

Agreed.
 
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Send to Omega…
Not valuable in that condition…
Fake as the hands where never in a Speedmaster…


You name it unfortunately. The Facebook speedy groups are fonts of bad information.
::facepalm1::
 
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Hi, I have recently inherited my fathers watch a 168.045 constellation which to me is very special and also a birth year watch being 1969/70 vintage. I have no intention of selling it but have asked advise on this forum for what would be a new for old replacement watch for insurance purposes as my company offer new for old.

In case you wanted to consider restoring your fathers watch thought I would share my recent "Sympathetic" restoration experience. When I say sympathetic what I mean is retaining any features that may have been special or unique to the watch to myself or my father as part of the restoration, yet making the watch the best it can be.

My brief was to have my watch serviced and re-finished to a standard I could wear everyday and be proud of yet retaining certain personal features so it was still very much dads watch (he hand engraved his name inside the clasp for example). I had an independent watch maker Simon Freese do it in Essex www.simonfreesewatchmakers.com. We discussed the requirement at length and what I got back was wonderful and I am so pleased with the results. I have now got a almost as new looking daily wear watch but with his personal touches that only I know are there. It was a fascinating journey to go on and one I enjoyed very much. I learnt a huge amount about the watch and watch making in general and would highly recommend to anyone to do the same. Enjoy your watch.
 
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Hi, I have recently inherited my fathers watch a 168.045 constellation which to me is very special and also a birth year watch being 1969/70 vintage. I have no intention of selling it but have asked advise on this forum for what would be a new for old replacement watch for insurance purposes as my company offer new for old.

In case you wanted to consider restoring your fathers watch thought I would share my recent "Sympathetic" restoration experience. When I say sympathetic what I mean is retaining any features that may have been special or unique to the watch to myself or my father as part of the restoration, yet making the watch the best it can be.

My brief was to have my watch serviced and re-finished to a standard I could wear everyday and be proud of yet retaining certain personal features so it was still very much dads watch (he hand engraved his name inside the clasp for example). I had an independent watch maker Simon Freese do it in Essex www.simonfreesewatchmakers.com. We discussed the requirement at length and what I got back was wonderful and I am so pleased with the results. I have now got a almost as new looking daily wear watch but with his personal touches that only I know are there. It was a fascinating journey to go on and one I enjoyed very much. I learnt a huge amount about the watch and watch making in general and would highly recommend to anyone to do the same. Enjoy your watch.
Excellent! Good on you for keeping it "dad's watch." Also, very nicely done; it shows well! When I took my Flieger in for it's first real service, the watchmaker called just to confirm the note I left him: please do NOT polish the watch. Most of his customers wanted a shiny new looking thing and I think he appreciated having a guy walk in and drop off a piece that meant more than making a statement. I want every little sign of life & memory to show on this one as it's my first "real" watch and the one I've made the most memories with. He asked about the crystal, which showed a scratch (it is sapphire). I explained that scratch isn't obscuring the dial and the crystal isn't in danger of chipping or cracking so I wanted it to stay.

Anyhow, I could go on, but you (obviously) understand! Cheers to you, my friend!
 
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Hi @Pinkpanther,
your father’s watch looks great and it’s wonderful that you’re able to enjoy it on a daily basis in your father’s memory.
Simon Freese has a stellar reputation.

However I’m not sure the level of restoration you wanted for your watch would be appropriate for the OP’s watch- and I think we would all caution very strongly against making it « like new ».

If the owner wants to use it and bring it back to its former glory, we’d recommend a movement service and crystal polish, but he should ensure the dial and luminous material are left untouched, that the case not be polished, and he should get some very specific advice if he wants to avoid destroying its value as a collectable time piece.
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