New member...needing some advice on a 145.014 speedy

[UpstateNYwatch]

With this being my first post on this forum, I wanted to convey how excited I am to be on here, surrounded by fellow watch nerds and enthusiasts. This hobby started about 8 years ago for me, but has really spiraled in the last 2-3 years. 2023 saw my first purchase of a 1970 omega speedster MK ii. I immediately fell in love with it and wore it all the time. The dial is in beautiful condition, with some aging on the lume markers; the hands however are in very rough condition and need to be replaced. The case has lost its signature lapped edges, but does not have any pitting or dents, and doesn't seem to have been over polished, at least to my untrained eye. The movement ticks away nicely, though i do not know when it was last serviced. My question for you all is how i should proceed. I'm thinking I would like to have the hands replaced, the case relapped and perhaps the movement examined/serviced. My questions are...
1) will having the case lapping refreshed diminish the value of the watch?
2) what is the best way to proceed? send into omega for that work to be done? have another reputable professional handle the work, so that i have more control over what is done? Any recommendations for watch smiths that could do all of this?

Some pictures

(I wasn't sure how they got rotated sideways)

View attachment 1722900

Thanks all for any advice & guidance.

 

[Spacefruit]

FIFY

 

[GuiltyGear]

Not the best photo. A few more with better lighting will definitely get you more help.

The case is supposed to have a sunburst brush finish and yours doesn't, so it's definitely been polished. The hands are rough and I agree they need replacing. Can't say I'm a fan of the bracelet; it's a huge watch on a "dressy" bracelet...

Refinishing the case would only impact the price if you intend to sell. If you don't like how it looks and want it close to the original finish, then by all means have it refinished. I would if it was my watch.

 

[wagudc]

I agree with @GuiltyGear, except at this point I don't think having the case refinished by someone who is good would hurt the value.

 

[Pastorbottle]

As to how you should proceed from here………buy more watches of course!
At least another Speedmaster and to probably round things out with a Seamaster, a Flightmaster and a Railmaster to keep it company.

 

[UpstateNYwatch]

Pastorbottle

As to how you should proceed from here………buy more watches of course!
At least another Speedmaster and to probably round things out with a Seamaster, a Flightmaster and a Railmaster to keep it company.

Way ahead of you! Ended up buying a seamaster 2225.80 later on this past year. Love both of em. As far as the speedy goes, I think I will have the case refinished, just need to decide where. And the bracelet, I really like it, but I’m not convinced it goes with the watch either.

 

[wagudc]

UpstateNYwatch

Way ahead of you! Ended up buying a seamaster 2225.80 later on this past year. Love both of em. As far as the speedy goes, I think I will have the case refinished, just need to decide where. And the bracelet, I really like it, but I’m not convinced it goes with the watch either.

Here are a couple threads on case refinishing that include suggestions:

https://omegaforums.net/threads/recommend-somebody-to-refinish-my-a384-case.121527/
https://omegaforums.net/threads/case-refinishing.65673/
https://omegaforums.net/threads/speedmaster-case-refinishing-sharpening-brushing-etc.93832/
https://omegaforums.net/threads/case-refinishing-is-it-ever-a-good-thing.54448/
https://omegaforums.net/threads/any-recommendation-for-case-refinishing-in-uk.7345/

For the bracelet, I would try to source a vintage Omega bracelet. As per @Alex Cheers in this post:

https://omegaforums.net/threads/cor...r-st-145-014-and-176-009.125550/#post-1695693

for the Mark II bracelet it should be 1162/173 and 1159/154 (earlier watches) as far as I know.

I found helpful information here:
https://omegaforums.net/threads/fro...ge-seamaster-and-speedmaster-bracelets.45883/
https://omegaforums.net/threads/speedy-mark-ii-bracelets-and-links.30284/#post-455942
https://omegaforums.net/threads/115...eemaster-mark-ii-–-two-different-types.39251/

 

[NotJackson]

Tanner Morehouse (TM Watch, North Dakota, tmwatchco.com) would do a nice job with this watch, inside and out.

 

[UpstateNYwatch]

NotJackson

Tanner Morehouse (TM Watch, North Dakota, tmwatchco.com) would do a nice job with this watch, inside and out.

That’s the name I had seen thrown around, but couldn’t find the website. Thank you!

 

[UpstateNYwatch]

wagudc

Here are a couple threads on case refinishing that include suggestions:

https://omegaforums.net/threads/recommend-somebody-to-refinish-my-a384-case.121527/
https://omegaforums.net/threads/case-refinishing.65673/
https://omegaforums.net/threads/speedmaster-case-refinishing-sharpening-brushing-etc.93832/
https://omegaforums.net/threads/case-refinishing-is-it-ever-a-good-thing.54448/
https://omegaforums.net/threads/any-recommendation-for-case-refinishing-in-uk.7345/

For the bracelet, I would try to source a vintage Omega bracelet. As per @Alex Cheers in this post:

https://omegaforums.net/threads/cor...r-st-145-014-and-176-009.125550/#post-1695693

I will definitely check out those threads. I have what I believe is the original bracelet, but it’s not in great shape currently. Thinking about trying a bonclip possibly.

 

[wagudc]

UpstateNYwatch

I will definitely check out those threads. I have what I believe is the original bracelet, but it’s not in great shape currently. Thinking about trying a bonclip possibly.

I think a bonklip would be too light and flimsy for the weight of that watch. A bracelet can be repaired and refinished just like the watch head. Perhaps whoever you have do the case can do the bracelet as well. See:

https://omegaforums.net/threads/bracelet-repair-tightening.108145/
https://omegaforums.net/threads/steel-bracelet-restoration-repair.138506/

 

[NotJackson]

UpstateNYwatch

That’s the name I had seen thrown around, but couldn’t find the website. Thank you!

You’re welcome, fellow Upstater (I am in the 518).

TM has overhauled a couple of my Speedmasters and refinished some cases for friends. They do good work.

 

[UWG]

If there is no emotional value involved, I would sell this watch, instead of refinishing the case and replacing the hands.
Let someone else do this or use this watch as is.
Go for another one in a good original shape, with an original bracelet. On the long run, you will be happier with it.