I looking at buying a 145.022-69 Speedmaster, and I dont know that much about them so I wanted to get some more opinions. The watch supposably purchased from the original owner and is all original , and was service in nov (received a picture of the work order) I love the look of the patina but want to make sures
Just the easy part: Wrong bezel DN90 instead of DO90. And check this: http://speedmaster101.com/145-022-69/
speedmaster101 is a good place to check for rough pricing guides. Based on my limited experience (ie reading this forum and speedmaster101), I believe that the dot next to 90 bezel is correct for the serial number, although it's not as valuable/desirable as the dot over 90 bezel found on earlier 145.022-69s. I like the patina, although that's always a subjective thing. The service is a nice bonus as well. I can't tell from the pictures if the case edges are sharp or not.. maybe something to check for?
A DNN is ok for a 30,5xxxxx. Looks like an original watch. Hands etc are as would be expected, although it's hard to comment much on the condition of the case. Depends on the price...
Sorry, referenced it out of mentioned speedmaster101 page. Suppose in MWO i would have found the correct answer. Unfortunately it is too heavy to take everywhere you go.
Do you have a pic of the inside case back you can post? Is it being sold to you with papers? Box? How much are they asking? What is the service history, given that there was only one owner? Apologies, welcome to the greatest watch forum in the galaxy.
No that was the one picture I do not have, no papers or box but after almost 50 years if someone wasn't a collectors, I havent asked for the service history, but supposedly running within cosc standards now. around $3k
Others may disagree, or simply have different methodology, but I don't know if you can really tell what you are looking at without confirming the inside case back ref. To me it looks like a good, honest watch, but I would still want to see a pic of the inside case back. Have you requested such from the seller? I always follow our fellow member here Spacefruit's (Speedmaster 101) golden rule: first know what it is you are looking at. Oh, and I think I would ask for some more pictures of the case and lugs to get a better assessment of condition. The case edges don't look as sharp as I would like, perhaps it's just the photo (or just me) but the one side I can see looks rounded as though the edges have been polished out. What do others think? Cheers J
$3,000 with a documented service seems like a good price if you can get a picture of the caseback and verify that the case is in good condition/has sharp edges??
please explain what I'm looking for in terms of sharp edges? .. seller did mention it previous being polished.
BTW thank you all for your help... With vintage watches you just don't know... I'm using inheritance to buy something that I can remember my grandparents and have for the rest of my life . am I guy to love patina, wear and tear makes some better imo
For me, definitely. I don't want a Speedy case ruined by over polishing, especially if it has been hacked to the point of the fine edges being rounded. You need, I think, better photos and also pics of the crown protectors/guards. Others with much more experience than I will chime in so you can get a range of opinions, much of this is subjective like how one responds to patina, case wear, bezel wear and fade, etc. what is not subjective is what exactly is it you are looking at, for that the experts here, Speedmaster101.com and the MWO can help. Personally, I think you need better case photos and definitely a photo of the inside back case.
yes it could just be poor photography, over lighting or over polishing causing me to get the idea that the fine edge/s have been rounded. The bottom picture looks much nicer and more promising. You need some Speedy experts to weigh in now.
At first it doesn't matter much, as you will be fascinated with the rest of the watch, specially if it's your first speedy. But only after time, if you get into watches and specially if you stay on this forum, then you'll probably realize that part of the beauty of your watch is not there any more (It died on some buffing wheel). And you will want it back! At this stage you could find a donor case, another watch, or maybe you are ok with it... most probably not. This is not an uncommon reference and they pop up quite often, so without confirmation of the inner caseback and some more pictures of the case to make your own judgment, I would stay away. Be patient and you'll be a proud owner of a better example in short time. Welcome to the forum!
Thank you, I just heard back that the watch sold late last night... so i guess time to keep on looking