Community Stories

Newb Question - Should I Replace Serviced New Parts with Vintage Parts?

vtknight
Posts
55
Likes
37
This 145.022-71ST buy was a learning opportunity for me. With the dating link that you can plug the serial into - and some of the other things I learned - I would have done much better.
That said - and I know this will make the purists likely cringe - but I like the fact the watch looks to be in near new condition. I fully recognize that the whole point of a vintage watch is to have some battle scars. Personally - the pantina and slight fade to the dial is nice - I like that on a watch - but tons of scratches and dents don’t do it for me.

I am not a collector - I have only two other relatively expensive watches (Tag Grand Carrera and Zenith El Primero) - I always wanted an Omega, I love the Speedy and it represents something I am passionate about - racing - so this watch is a personal thing for me. I am quite happy to wear it as my daily.

That said - if I can make this watch a little more authentic and vintage - by replacing that dial - I think I will. I have to hope it is in fact doable (I’m not sure if that artifact at 11 o’clock is too protruding where it would affect the hands). If I can get those hands on there as well - perfect. The rest I will leave alone.

I have a solid example of a trapezoid 1171 - so with the dial and hands in place - I think I’m not too bad.

Hopefully @Archer will let me know if he would be interested in looking into this challenge.

I appreciate everyone’s experience - and taking it easy on my lack of it.

Cheers!
 
budgewink
Posts
230
Likes
140
Archer Archer
Note that if you do have someone open the watch, it would void the warranty from Omega service.

Cheers, Al

I've heard this before but can you explain how they would ever know, if it's an older piece the caseback would likely have been taken off many times before and it's not like they have some special seal you can't crack?
 
Dan S
Posts
24,333
Likes
54,154
vtknight vtknight
Thanks Dan...the bezel is interesting. I don’t know what the bezel markings are on it now (or where they came from) - but it is accurate for the time period. Dot near 90 and dot beside 70. If it were a 1990+ it would have the e thingy in the tachymetre and the dot under 70 to my understanding (and I know it isn’t a dot over 90 - nor is it supposed to be)...So I don’t know if i will touch that. I am asking the seller what he knows about it. I don’t know that the actual bezel is recoverable. It looks pretty rough.

Thoughts?

Definitely not a correct DN90, no serif on the 7s.

http://speedmaster101.com/base500-bezel-identification/
 
Archer
Posts
29,707
Likes
76,901
budgewink budgewink
I've heard this before but can you explain how they would ever know, if it's an older piece the caseback would likely have been taken off many times before and it's not like they have some special seal you can't crack?

They would know you put the old hands and dial back on...
Edited:
 
vtknight
Posts
55
Likes
37
Hi everyone - my disappointment grows for this purchase...I don't suppose anyone can help me source a dot near 90, no e inflection, dot beside 70 with serif bezel? I have the parts - but I have to believe you cannot put the bezel numbers back on once removed? My original bezel appears to be round - but I have zero experience here. @Archer ?

There is a bezel on ebay - but it is dented and I don't know if that will fit anymore - or if the crystal will fit.

Help.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Om...969083?hash=item3fbe8ecc3b:g:s3gAAOSw96Fcmm5w
 
This website may earn commission from Ebay sales.
bgrisso
Posts
3,600
Likes
8,313
I am confused. Do you have the original bezel or not? I don't see it in the parts bag or anywhere else in the thread. If you do have it, please post a pic.

It's fine to like the look of a new speedmaster, I think most people would just advise you to get a newer one, and not a vintage one with all the key parts swapped out.

If you didn't have the original parts with this watch, I would say it was a mistake. Since you have them, I would not panic. If you think you might like the look with the original parts, then swap it all back and see how you feel. If you already know you won't like it that way, then either just flip the watch as is and let the new owner swap it back, or consider if it's worth the time and money to swap it back yourself, and then sell it.

If you are relatively new to vintage perhaps this level of a project is more of a headache than fun? Or maybe it's a great learning experience. In terms of how you did on the watch, I think it's just a question of what you paid.
 
ChrisN
Posts
2,219
Likes
4,952
Have you received the watch yet? What about refitting the bezel that Omega removed? Is it non serviceable?

It seems like you're trying to address everything immediately and that may be a mistake. Spending $625 on that bezel would be a huge mistake in my opinion but, the prices of these things seems to go up and up.

Perhaps think about getting the watch, wearing it and sourcing any parts over a period of time. Then, when you want it serviced, contact Al as an example, and explain what you would like doing. Most watchmakers don't want to do partial jobs as whoever opens the watch last becomes responsible for everything in there - I sometimes do partial jobs for established customers but really you should try and get these things done as part of a full service and you'll find the watchmaker is generally more comfortable.

This watch may be still a great thing to wear so, I certainly wouldn't jump into anything if it hasn't arrived yet.

Good luck.

Cheers, Chris
 
Dan S
Posts
24,333
Likes
54,154
vtknight vtknight
but I have to believe you cannot put the bezel numbers back on once removed? My original bezel appears to be round - but I have zero experience here. @Archer ?

I'm not sure I understand what this means exactly. Can you show a photo of the old bezel?

vtknight vtknight
There is a bezel on ebay - but it is dented and I don't know if that will fit anymore - or if the crystal will fit.

Help.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Om...969083?hash=item3fbe8ecc3b:g:s3gAAOSw96Fcmm5w

The eBay bezel is a later bezel, not correct for your watch. Again, there are no serifs on the 7s. The seller's description is incorrect. Correct DNN bezels come up now and then in the OF parts and accessories forum or eBay.

Edit: There is one for sale right now with some condition issues: https://omegaforums.net/threads/speedmaster-dot-next-to-ninety-b2-dnn-bezel.103425/
 
This website may earn commission from Ebay sales.
vtknight
Posts
55
Likes
37
bgrisso bgrisso
I am confused. Do you have the original bezel or not? I don't see it in the parts bag or anywhere else in the thread. If you do have it, please post a pic.

It's fine to like the look of a new speedmaster, I think most people would just advise you to get a newer one, and not a vintage one with all the key parts swapped out.

If you didn't have the original parts with this watch, I would say it was a mistake. Since you have them, I would not panic. If you think you might like the look with the original parts, then swap it all back and see how you feel. If you already know you won't like it that way, then either just flip the watch as is and let the new owner swap it back, or consider if it's worth the time and money to swap it back yourself, and then sell it.

If you are relatively new to vintage perhaps this level of a project is more of a headache than fun? Or maybe it's a great learning experience. In terms of how you did on the watch, I think it's just a question of what you paid.

Lol - you are confused for a reason - I thought I had it with the original parts - I do not. This is definitely a learning experience and I am not stressed about it. I think I am good as there are two options for the bezel - I think the ebay one may be superior - but it is incorrect for the year though as Dan pointed out.
Edited:
 
vtknight
Posts
55
Likes
37
ChrisN ChrisN
Have you received the watch yet? What about refitting the bezel that Omega removed? Is it non serviceable?

It seems like you're trying to address everything immediately and that may be a mistake. Spending $625 on that bezel would be a huge mistake in my opinion but, the prices of these things seems to go up and up.

Perhaps think about getting the watch, wearing it and sourcing any parts over a period of time. Then, when you want it serviced, contact Al as an example, and explain what you would like doing. Most watchmakers don't want to do partial jobs as whoever opens the watch last becomes responsible for everything in there - I sometimes do partial jobs for established customers but really you should try and get these things done as part of a full service and you'll find the watchmaker is generally more comfortable.

This watch may be still a great thing to wear so, I certainly wouldn't jump into anything if it hasn't arrived yet.

Good luck.

Cheers, Chris

Thanks Chris - I am moving quickly - perhaps too quickly. I already have a nice trapezoid 1171 bracelet - which I got for a good price. The bezel may be okay - the ebay one has only one dent. I could wait for sure - but as you can see with both prices - 700 seems to be the going rate. DO90 - I saw on ebay for 4250!

Comparing the one offered here versus the ebay offering - which do you think is best?

//Jeremy
 
vtknight
Posts
55
Likes
37
Dan S Dan S
I'm not sure I understand what this means exactly. Can you show a photo of the old bezel?



The eBay bezel is a later bezel, not correct for your watch. Again, there are no serifs on the 7s. The seller's description is incorrect. Correct DNN bezels come up now and then in the OF parts and accessories forum or eBay.

Edit: There is one for sale right now with some condition issues: https://omegaforums.net/threads/speedmaster-dot-next-to-ninety-b2-dnn-bezel.103425/

Thank-you Dan - and sorry to all for the confusion I am creating. You are correct about the ebay bezel - I am having a poor observation day it seems. I thought it did - but I was looking at many of them - mostly DO90.

The example you provided - is correct as you state - and has three dents - I think I will wait for something better and do as many above has suggested...take my time.

Much appreciated again Dan!

//Jeremy
 
Archer
Posts
29,707
Likes
76,901
vtknight vtknight
Thanks Chris - I am moving quickly - perhaps too quickly.

Following one rash decision with several others rarely leads to a good outcome. Slow down...
 
vtknight
Posts
55
Likes
37
Archer Archer
Following one rash decision with several others rarely leads to a good outcome. Slow down...
Noted and I agree. I will park it and wait for a good bezel. The case is correct, the movement as well - it has been serviced (which I wanted) - so I am doing okay. I have the nice 1171 bracelet now - so I will look at my options for the dial - and keep looking for the bezel. Thanks Archer...
 
vtknight
Posts
55
Likes
37
efauser efauser
Reading through this thread made me think of this.
^LOL!!!

And you are right...sigh...
 
vtknight
Posts
55
Likes
37
The watch should be coming in tomorrow. I will share what I find. I was able to locate a few watchmakers that may take on the dial replacement - so we will see what condition the dial is actually in when I open the package (I will share the pics here for those with experience to comment on). The non-serif 7's bezel is a real gut punch - I actually used a Fratello article on the differences between the Speedy bezels - and everything was accurate except for my DNN example (they even showed a non serif 7 bezel as an example of a good DNN) - so that was unfortunate.
That said - the slightly older bezel is exact to a 70's bezel except for the serif - no e accent on tachymetre and DNN and dot beside 70 (versus lower right) - so I may keep it. The dial however - I am hoping can in fact go back in - and the tritium is not flaking enough to be an issue. I am not sure about the hands - but I will try those as well. The case - though polished - was polished by Omega SA - and I know this will likely make the hard core cringe - I like it looking new while being old. Plus - I am going to daily wear it - so scratches will be forthcoming. The 1171 I got is in beyond mint condition - I'm super happy with how it looks - now I just have to see what it will look like with the watch (the 1171 is more brushed than shiny steel).
1171 A.jpg 1171 B.jpg
 
Sign up or log in to reply...

Similar threads

ShiestMaster

Vintage Speedmaster 861 . Should I replace the dial? Any info on this watch would be really appreciated.

ShiestMaster Vintage Omega Watches Help, Discussion and Advice
30T2
30T2
Posts
21
Views
1K
kewteddington

I told my bro to buy: Vintage Omega Chromostop Geneva Blue Dial Swiss Watch As Is For Parts/Overwind

kewteddington Vintage Omega Watches Help, Discussion and Advice
ErichKeane
ErichKeane
Posts
22
Views
2K
Marcello130

Sourcing vintage parts from Omega - which circle of hell have I been sent to?

Marcello130 Vintage Omega Watches Help, Discussion and Advice
Marcello130
Marcello130
Posts
20
Views
2K
OneTwo

861 Speedmaster Parts (C3 Tritium Dial, -71 Case back, Tritium Hand Sets, DNN B2 Bezel)

OneTwo Watch Parts and Accessories For Sale
OneTwo
OneTwo
Posts
20
Views
7K
avidmark

Should I replace the hands?

avidmark Modern Omega Watches
dstfno
dstfno
Posts
16
Views
6K
bazelot

Omega Seamaster 300 with genuine Omega Replacement parts (Watchco style)?

bazelot Vintage Omega Watches Help, Discussion and Advice
Donn Chambers
Donn Chambers
Posts
6
Views
5K