My first post here and a question regarding my vintage speedy

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Hi there. I was lucky enough to stumble across this 145.012 last year. I absolutely love it. I now understand what all the hype is all about. It is such a cool watch and the history behind these speedmasters are fascinating. I feel lucky to own a pre-moon speedy with 321 movement.

I had the watch serviced by someone reliable and experienced. I have attached before and after pics. The hands, the plexi, and the crown were changed. Also, I added a 1171 bracelet to replace that horrible aftermarket thing!

My question is, should I put the original hands back on. I dont care if they lume or not. I'm starting to think it would look cool. The original hands are a weird color though. It seems darker than a natural patina. Maybe corroded?

What do you guys think? Leave new hands on or put original ones back on?

Thanks
 
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One vote for original. Mixing new with old just looks WRONG. Why'd you replace the crystal? Original didn't look bad--should have buffed out nicely.
 
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Great watch there! I would put the original hands back on...looks better with more character...

I don't mind the new crystal as long its genuine omega that fits the model
 
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Originals by a long shot. Have your watchmaker make sure the lume and hand paint is stabilized though - you don't want flakes coming off and getting into the movement.
 
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One vote for original. Mixing new with old just looks WRONG. Why'd you replace the crystal? Original didn't look bad--should have buffed out nicely.
Was not proper plexi for this reference. wanted to make it as close to original as possible
 
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Originals by a long shot. Have your watchmaker make sure the lume and hand paint is stabilized though - you don't want flakes coming off and getting into the movement.
noted. thank you
 
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The hands, the plexi, and the crown were changed. Also, I added a 1171 bracelet to replace that horrible aftermarket thing!
😲😲😲 :whipped:
Hang him in the public square!
 
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😲😲😲 :whipped:
Hang him in the public square!
lol. the crown had some sort of defect in it and to prevent moisture from entering the movement, the crown had to be replaced. Arghhh. I know. It was not my wish but had to be done.
 
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I prefer the original ones.........hands down 😉

Did you get all the original parts back?
 
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I prefer the original ones.........hands down 😉

Did you get all the original parts back?
yes. have the original hands. I'm going to try and take better pics of them. give me 10 min
 
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yes. have the original hands. I'm going to try and take better pics of them. give me 10 min
NO. I'll give you 5 minutes! 😝
 
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Well, I for one find the previously installed hands to look horrible. So there. That said, the new ones look too... New. None of the looks are attactive, IMO.

Get the newer ones relumed with an "patinated" compound or buy some older ones to install. That's what I'd do if I had control over your finances 😉
 
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I vote original hands but maybe have them touched up lightly by someone who knows what they are doing!
 
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I think you should keep the new hands and sell the old ones to me.

Seriously. Originals look better, and you can always keep looking for ones you like more.
 
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Nice example.... Originals for shizzle, 1171 looks great,
 
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Original. The new ones are way too white.