Hi guys Been browsing around the forum for a while and I thought j take the plunge and I've just brought my first luxury watch off eBay and its currently on its way to me, I was wondering what you guys think..? My concern is that the case back doesn't have the 'First Watch On the Moon' if it's 1979 shouldn't it be on the case back..? Thanks in advance... http://m.ebay.co.uk/itm/1979-Omega-...Ref-145-022-Cal-861-SN-39921374-/131476163044Purchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network
The answer is right there in the photos: The reference of the watch should be 145.022, but the caseback is reference 145.0222 (extra 2 on the end). That reference is for the 1990s Broadarrow 1957 Replica which looks like this and has the text deleted due to them wanting it to look like a pre-moon:
Welcome to the Forum . Well that's odd.... And I don't think the caseback from the automatic versions would fit as they were reduced in size, but I could be wrong. A quick google search of the ref. Nr. 345.022 would designate this as a Model produced in the mid 90's as a pre-Moon replica. @dsio beat me to it .
If the pics of the case back were shown in the listing, then it was disclosed. I don't think a proper caseback would be lots of dough, compared to pre moon caseback.
@jdm_si if you want a correct looking watch, ofrei still lists the caseback. Or search on eBay for a while, they pop up from Time to Time . http://www.ofrei.com/page670.html
Its a very very common caseback made for decades, you'll find a used one off a trashed or scrapped watch going cheapish.
Just because it was disclosed. Doesn't mean it should not have been mentioned that it was not the original back. Placed on an angle that the last 2 could barely been seen (knowingly) and even if seen. How many buyers (non hard core collectors) would even know that it was incorrect case back. DON
I might still be on last years prices, but for me, £2700 is a strong price for a late 70's Speedmaster and for that price, it should be completely correct. If you're willing to source a part here or there, these are available for much less.
Personally. You could do the following. Return and mentioned that the back is not original or Keep, but also mention to them and ask for some small refund to cover the cost of a proper back to your model (they might say return it). Bear in mind. Replacement back will still not be the original, so your still no better off than just using the current back. Cases most likely the same, so back fits. I would try #2 and see how it goes. Hopefully your close to them to cut down on the s/h return cost if they want it returned DON PS. Always ask first before buying. Saves on the headaches