I recently acquired a 1969 Omega Speedmaster cal 861 pre-moon watch which is a welcome addition to my collection. However, the bezel insert is not original. I am ordering a new bezel for this watch. My question is did this model come with the DON or just the regular moon bezel?

Pre-moon cal. 861
.


My other Speedies: 71 moon with ghost bezel, 69 moon with Mitsukoshi panda dial and 67 pre-moon

 

Nice collection

 

Nice.

That first watch can use the less expensive tall TACHYMETRE DN90 bezel. Of course no one will argue if you put a $600-1800 DO90 on it.

I would avoid a new bezel, with the small TACHYMETRE writing.

Best get a second hand one to match the existing patina.

 

I'm afraid that any new bezel you order is not going to be a DON.
'69's came with both btw.

 

Yes I was unclear.

Any replacement should be a second hand one if it is to look attractive to those of us who value watches that look original!

 

The original insert was given to me but it is not so nice anymore. Should I just use the old one so it will be all original?

 

Not so nice as in crappy, or ...

as in perfectly imperfect vintage aging?

I prefer the latter over new any day.

 

The one on your watch is aftermarket .Find the missing numbers on it. Start with 275.

 

Yes short of saying its crappy but I will give it a try and post a photo again with the crappy but original insert installed.

 

Unreal collection. Love that they're all a bit worn it and show they've been worn and loved.

 

This is the crappy bezel insert that was removed from the watch. Still worth using it?

 

Ahh....The mythical Meteor Bezel.....

 

I wonder what could happen to the bezel to make it like that

 

I think that one is JUST past the using stage in my book.

 

Well now. Having seen it, I would personally prefer to use a service replacement and look for a better correct one.

If this one were mine, I'd post it for sale on eBay, with clear pictures & and a oh-so-flowery description of its incredible vintage patina, just out of curiosity to see what it would fetch on the open market.

 

Actually, under magnification it appears to be a DON bezel. That would be cool to post it for sale on ebay hehehe.

 

Do it.

 

More like Cookies and Cream....