hey guys. My name is Jov. Been searching for a vintage speedmaster, just wanted to say hi and looking forward to learning more about omega

I am looking to buy a speedmaster to use as daily. I don’t really collect watches so to speak, I have had rolexes, Panerai but mostly newer models and I sold them as I never worn them much

I love the history and look of an older speedmaster, and I daily a 1974 black bmw 2002, so I would love to find a 1974 speedmaster to match the car.

Which model should I be looking for? Is it a lot more maintain than a current model? What is a reasonable price for them? Anything particular I should pay attention to? I will spend some time browsing around here on this forum, but figure I would introduce myself first and go from here

 

Welcome. A ‘74 speedy shouldn’t be too difficult to find. Any competent watchmaker should be able to get it in good working order for a reasonable price. Parts are available and the movements are fairly servicable. Speedmaster101 and this forum are great references.

 

Awesome! Any particulars I need to pay attention to when using one as daily? Also what would be a reasonable price for them?

 

welcome. just wait for the all-steel 50th anniversary (or 2 tone) speedy to be released, sooner an d if really an interesting piece, when a number of OF members will unload their extra hiard, including a 74, to grab a new speedy.

 

When is this release happening?

 

good question. wish i can answer you that. probly, just peek on relevant threads re: 50th anniversary. that is if you change your mind towards the soon to be released new steel speedy.

 

Easy your looking for a 145.022-74. Which may have been made in 75... there are some resources to verify it’s production date though with a serial number. Ilovemyspeedmaster.com

I’ve got a 145.022-76 as a Birthyear watch.

This link should help and feel free to reach out to me. I’ve studied the 145.022-74 and -76.

This should be a good start.
http://speedmaster101.com/145-022/145-022-71-74-76-78/

Some help

DNN means Dot Next 90 and refers to the dot near 90 on the outer bezel. Later incorrect bezels also have the same dot but are called something else earlier ones had the Dot over 90 aka DON.

Step vs some dial refers to the ridge just inside the minute track and not the subdials. This trips up a lot of people at first.

-74 was made between 74 and 75. The next sub reference is -76 which was produced through 1977. Both the -74 and most -76 have a unique dial where the S is speedmaster does not drop to the level of the bottom of the p, and the tail of the r drops below the word speedmaster.

BMW owner here also. Not my e9

 

Welcome to the forum! I think you are doing the right thing going for a vintage. I get tired of new speedys quite fast. But a vintage one smiles at you every morning =)

There's plenty for you to read both here and other sites. I'd recommend http://speedmaster101.com/

The reference you are after is 145.022. The 145.022-74 is most likely produced after '74 though. If you want a watch produced '74 it will most likely be 145.022-71.

Another good article btw: https://www.fratellowatches.com/spe...ter-professional-145-022-buyers-guide-part-1/

Good luck on your hunt!

 

Disagree on that on -71.... although we are working on fully killing that theory.

I do agree vintage ones have a warmth to them that new ones don’t.

 

In my humble opinion a nice Speedmaster Mark ii from 1974 would suit your needs. There are plenty of examples for sale, they are easy to maintain and get parts for and they are not to expensive to purchase. Looking on eBay you should pay around 1700 dollars for a decent example . You hopefully can get one with the RACING dial to go with your car. Nice car by the way and good luck in whatever you buy. Please keep us posted.

 

O if I go with birth year then it would be a 78. Would it still be a 145.022 or is that a different model now?

 

So in terms of value I am sure as original and mint would determine the higher price, but how about box, paper etc? Also I am actually looking for one with some sign of distress, scratches on dial, small dents etc, but prefer a mint case. I like to see some “age” on my watch. Is that normal?

 

145.022-78 produced from 78-early 1980. Again from the serial number you can get close to its production date.

As for box and papers for 70’s watches... not the easiest finds, they where just watches similar to how we have cellphones today. Pristine like new watches are rare and command higher prices, almost all have patina or wabi sabi dials tends to wear well, finding a watch with a decent case is easy. All watches get their own personality finding one that speaks to you at a good price and right age is most of the fun, and makes it more personal to you. We call it the hunt.

 

Box and papers will add to the price, not to the wearability. If you buy to wear and not to collect, you can forget about them imho, and concentrate on searching for a watch with a pleasing patina.

Edit: slightly OT, but why not posting a picture of your BMW? nice car, and 70s ones are not seen that often...

 

I tried posting but kept getting error messages. I am traveling in Japan now perhaps the data is not stable.

 

How about this one?

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https://www.ebay.com/ulk/itm/133005764804

 

Movement is a bit rusty, hands may be mismatched, case has seen better days, missing bracelet, dinged bezel and I somehow don't like the dial. With parts and service, 4-4.5k+ easy, not sure it is a great deal considering the cosmetics here.

I'd prefer a case in good shape, so that you could get a decent WR after service to be able to enjoy it every day. I'm sure you could find better, probably here in the FS section.

 

Thank you. Yes I am looking at a few here in the FS section, there are a few -69 here that I like but I am going to take my time to get myself familiar with these first

 

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https://www.ebay.com/ulk/itm/293039555576

I asked the seller which circa this is from and he said 2004-2005. Is that still a 145.022? I thought the 022 only go to 1978?

 

I think you are right, it should be a 145.0022. Maybe he forgot a 0?