New guy checking in...

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JCS266

·Aug 27, 2013

Greetings to all, I found your Forum while trying to research and learn a bit more about an Omega Speedmaster my son has inherited from his grandfather.

I'll be searching for threads on this watch and would be appreciative of any advice or suggestions.

I'm guessing it's from the 1960's or 70's. I have some pics if that would help. It has no serial number anywhere that I can find, so it must be under the rear cover I'm guessing?

The rear cover is just plain stainless steel with a Seahorse in the center and the Omega symbol under it. Over the seahorse is "SPEEDMASTER" in capital letters. It has a black face and bezel

 

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JCS266

·Aug 27, 2013

 

J

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JCS266

·Aug 27, 2013

 

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MSNWatch

·Aug 27, 2013·Vintage Omega Aficionado

Nice speedmaster! Cal. 321 movement in case ref. 145.012. The bezel is original and is in good shape as is the case and the dial. Bracelet is not original but that's a relatively minor issue here.

 

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UncleBuck

·Aug 27, 2013·understands the decision making hierarchy

Hi and welcome!
We have many Speedmaster experts here, so you've come to the best that there is.
Please post all pictures by clicking on the camera icon at the bottom of the post, the better the pix and the info, the better the guidance you will be able to receive.
Some Speedmasters can be extremely valuable, so please don't wind, set, have refinished, polish or do anything til you hear from the experts.
Sounds like Grandpa had great tastes!

 

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JCS266

·Aug 27, 2013

Wow that was quick thanks for the reply. Any way to know it's year of mfr or approx age?

 

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MSNWatch

·Aug 27, 2013·Vintage Omega Aficionado

Likely 1966-67.

 

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JCS266

·Aug 27, 2013

Ok Buck thanks, I'll do the Photo Button next time. 😀

 

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Kringkily

·Aug 27, 2013·Omega Collector / Hunter

Please be sure to find a reliable independent watchmaker who can keep the watch all original. Nice watch!

 

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Spacefruit

·Aug 28, 2013·Prolific Speedmaster Hoarder

MSNWatch

Nice speedmaster! Cal. 321 movement in case ref. 145.012. The bezel is original and is in good shape as is the case and the dial. Bracelet is not original but that's a relatively minor issue here.

could it be an early 861, so called transitional?

 

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TLIGuy

·Aug 28, 2013

Spacefruit

could it be an early 861, so called transitional?

This is what my money is on.

Very nice watch. Heed the advice of others and find a competent watch maker to bring the movement up to speed but keep her as original as you can. You son is a lucky guy and his grandfather has excellent taste.

 

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MSNWatch

·Aug 28, 2013·Vintage Omega Aficionado

The transitional shouldn't have that teardrop seconds hand.

 

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JCS266

·Aug 28, 2013

Thanks to all for the responses!

TLI,

Now when you say bring the movement up to speed can you clarify what that means? (Noob here 😀 )

TLIGuy

This is what my money is on.

Very nice watch. Heed the advice of others and find a competent watch maker to bring the movement up to speed but keep her as original as you can. You son is a lucky guy and his grandfather has excellent taste.

 

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gatorcpa

·Aug 28, 2013·ΩF InvestiGator

J JCS266

Now when you say bring the movement up to speed can you clarify what that means? (Noob here 😀 )

It means that the movement should be inspected by a qualified watchmaker and overhauled, if necessary, to ensure that it is running properly.
gatorcpa

 

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dsio

·Aug 28, 2013·Ash @ ΩF

Don't wind it or run it until the movement has been serviced, if you have it cleaned and lubricated every 3-5 years it'll serve your son until he's a grandfather, its an excellent and very well made movement but it needs correct maintenance.

 

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TLIGuy

·Aug 28, 2013

gatorcpa

It means that the movement should be inspected by a qualified watchmaker and overhauled, if necessary, to ensure that it is running properly.
gatorcpa

Yep, this is what I meant. Your son now has a highly sought after and great vintage piece in his possession in very nice condition. You should make sure that it is operating properly to prevent any damage that could occur if the lubrication is dry/bad or if the seals no longer keep out dirt and moisture. You son should wear it proudly it's a fantastic piece with a rich history.

Please let us know what year it was produced and if it is a 321 or 861 when you find someone that can get into it and look it over for you.

 

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MKelley

·Aug 28, 2013

Spacefruit

could it be an early 861, so called transitional?

Could be a cal 861, but with applied logo and dot over 90, my bet is for cal 321.

 

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richardew

·Aug 29, 2013

Cal. 321 movement in case ref. 145.012.

Spot on, as usual. Beautiful dot over 90 bezel. Beautiful dial and case. It isn't a 105.012-66 as it doesn't have the vertical facets on the lugs. It has a single step case back, so it's not a 105.012-63,-64,or -65.

The transitional shouldn't have that teardrop seconds hand.

That makes it a 145.012. It's most likely not a 145.022-68 transitional although it could be. I'd bet on the former though.

Could be a cal 861, but with applied logo and dot over 90, my bet is for cal 321.

The dot over 90 bezel continues into 1969, the second year of the c861.

You have a beautiful watch. You do need someone to look at it and probably service it. It'll run you ~$600 for the service. Where are you located? There are a number of options for where you have it serviced, but you need to be careful. Watchmakers like to make the watch like new when they service it and will replace vintage parts with current ones and you want to avoid that if possible. I guess we all have our favorite watchmaker. I use one who is local and it's great to be able to drive there and not have to deal the the hassle of shipping.

 

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JCS266

·Aug 29, 2013

Wow you gentlemen are a wealth of knowledge! Didn't realize there was so much to be known about it! Very interesting and it makes the watch that much more exciting to know all this.

My son lives in the DC area of VA, so I'm sure there are some experts in that area who can properly service it.

What's the consensus on it's year? It's sounding like '66-'69 most likely?

Thank you all so very much for taking the time to examine this and lend your obviously extensive knowledge to this inquiry!

 

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richardew

·Aug 29, 2013

I'd say that the concensus is that's it's a 145.012-67 with a outside shot at being a 145.022-68. As far as watchmakers are concerned, I'd make sure that they are well versed in Omega chronographs. Someone on the forum must have one in the DC area. I use one in downtown Phila. The shop used to be an authorized Omega service center until recently when they did away with independents. The one I use is Precision Watch Repair, Philadelphia (not to be confused with AD Precision Watch, Warrington, PA). A lot of folks use Nesbitts in Seattle. And of course there is Al @ Archer Watches in Toronto. He is a member and frequent contributor to the forum, and he knows what to do/not to do with a vintage Omega. I always sit down with my guy and discuss what to do, not to do. Don't change the bezel, hands, or dial. Don't polish the case. Replace the gaskets. Try to use the crown and pushers, but these are frequently replaced as they help maintain the integrity of the watch case. The watch innerds are like the wicked witch in the Wizard of Oz and don't do well with water.