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Newbie needs help on deciding for a ST145022

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A Aggie90m
Here's more info from the seller, I read that some even re-ink the writing themselves at home so is it correct to assume Omega would do it upon request?

"It's an ink it was restored during service, and they just added the black color to the letters. It's a simple and normal procedure for engraving.
The case was not polished as requested by the owner"

More clarification from the seller, the remaining (new) fade a a few letters from the last 2 pictures was likely caused by the wear/watch clasp when it sits on tables if this makes sense. The service (that includes re-ink) was done almost a year ago.
 
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ibis888 ibis888
I see that the watch is reserved, I hope it was you! If not, there are some very nice 3590.50s that come up from time to time in the private sales section in the low to mid $4,000 range. A few out on the interwebs as well:

https://lunaroyster.com/product/1993-omega-speedmaster-moonwatch-ref-3590-50-unpolished-bp/

https://collectorscornerny.com/products/omega-speedmaster-w-tritium-dial

Thanks for the links, they look really nice! I had considered the 3590.50s before but I still like the 1170 bracelet a lot more than the ones Omega started using since 3590.50.
 
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ibis888 ibis888
I see that the watch is reserved, I hope it was you!

Yes, I have it reserved so I have 2 more days for making up my mind... 😉
 
ibis888
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A Aggie90m
Yes, I have it reserved so I have 2 more days for making up my mind... 😉

Well good luck with the decision! I know the feeling having just purchased another older Speedmaster myself - I'll try to give you some encouraging words. I'm not sure if you have spent time with one of these in real life but everything is smaller and more fine. These macro photos that we all zoom in on kind of distort things. They are amazing watches, especially with the tritium patina.

That service is more valuable to me than maybe even the cost that was paid - there is always risk when you service an older watch and someone else has already taken that risk.

For whatever it's worth (and I'm no expert) I don't see any huge issues with that watch. It does look a little polished maybe (unless it was very rarely worn) but the edges are very crisp. It's what you feel comfortable with... if something is nagging at you now, it probably won't go way when you wear the watch. I had a nice -69 with the green lume and it always nagged at me so I ended up selling it. If you like everything about it, go for it!

For comparison, a nice -71 sold in the Private Sales section last week (with the step dial which is very desirable) - the lume on the hands and plots looks pretty similar.

https://omegaforums.net/threads/vin...ond-step-dial-1175-bracelet-£4450-gbp.170408/

If you decide to wait it out, the Private Sales section is probably your best bet. It my take a while for a -78 or earlier to come up, will likely need a service, and the good ones go very quickly.
 
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ibis888 ibis888
Well good luck with the decision! I know the feeling having just purchased another older Speedmaster myself - I'll try to give you some encouraging words...

That service is more valuable to me than maybe even the cost that was paid - there is always risk when you service an older watch and someone else has already taken that risk.

Thanks for the kind words, having serviced by Omega recently is really a big plus in my opinion.

ibis888 ibis888
For whatever it's worth (and I'm no expert) I don't see any huge issues with that watch. It does look a little polished maybe (unless it was very rarely worn) but the edges are very crisp. It's what you feel comfortable with... if something is nagging at you now, it probably won't go way when you wear the watch. I had a nice -69 with the green lume and it always nagged at me so I ended up selling it. If you like everything about it, go for it!

I don't see anything else that stands out either, I really appreciate all the experts' feedbacks, I have already learned more these 2 days from all of you! I have asked the seller for some close up shots of the sweep hand with the rest of the hands and dial to confirm the sweep hand's color. Honestly it's barely noticeable to me until you guys pointed it out. I can't say if it's a big deal even if it was replaced since I'm new to Speedy, what I can say is I don't plan on selling it, the same applies to all the watches that I have accumulated over the years as I like to collect.

ibis888 ibis888
For comparison, a nice -71 sold in the Private Sales section last week (with the step dial which is very desirable) - the lume on the hands and plots looks pretty similar.

https://omegaforums.net/threads/vintage-omega-speedmaster-145-022-71-very-good-cond-step-dial-1175-bracelet-£4450-gbp.170408/

If you decide to wait it out, the Private Sales section is probably your best bet. It my take a while for a -78 or earlier to come up, will likely need a service, and the good ones go very quickly.

Too bad the one you suggested is already pending, it looks really good! I had seen a few decent looking -78 that came and gone very quickly in different channels including Sotheby's when it had a 76 that was in very good condition few years ago but I was outbid by a great margin!
 
Foo2rama
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A Aggie90m
Is this a deal breaker in your opinion?
Depends it would bug me. But it’s one of the better 861 step dials I’ve ever seen….

depends on your priorities…

I personally prefer a watxh that is harmonious with some patina then a watch that has an item that sticks out and bugs me.

IMG_3618.jpeg


Clean dial and matching hands with a ghost bezel and average case. 145.022-76
 
hansaboy
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Well…time for me again to make a post (and a fool out of myself…😁)!
I have tried to follow the this thread, and it took some time!

First - I do understand the desire to find a ”birth year” watch!
Always cool to tell your friends how much time you have spent finding it,
and nice to think that the same year when you were born, the watch was produced!
SO good luck with that!

But regarding the watch that you have found, and reserved:
It has been service by Omega, and they go through the watch BIG TIME!

They change parts when needed without asking, and sometimes more.
The case has had a light polish, and I do think that the outer ring around the bezel (cant remember the name…) is new.

The hour and minute hand have different styles on the lume (different measurements), so there is something done.
There are marks after the watchmaker on them, and a possible paintjobb.
The dial and lume looks good on the pictures, but you should ask for really nice close-ups.

I am not writing that it is a bad or good watch, only that you are about to spend 5100 $, and maybe also shipping and tax.

You should think hard about this one, and I can only agree with other Forum members -
Take your time
Check the private sales here
Read other posts regarding Speedys

And I hope you have checked out this website:
https://speedmaster101.com/145-022_update/


And once again - take your time!


Cheers, and have a nice week-end!


Skärmavbild 2024-03-22 kl. 18.50.35.png
 
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hansaboy hansaboy
First - I do understand the desire to find a ”birth year” watch!
Always cool to tell your friends how much time you have spent finding it,
and nice to think that the same year when you were born, the watch was produced!
SO good luck with that!

I'm not dead set on a particular 'birth year' watch as some are but I'm always interested in the 145022 generations hence this one caught my interest, the pre 76s are nice but they often cost a lot more than I'm willing to spend.

hansaboy hansaboy
They change parts when needed without asking, and sometimes more.
The case has had a light polish, and I do think that the outer ring around the bezel (cant remember the name…) is new.

This is good to know, as long as the watch is in good running condition, how likely it is to find a 145022 from the 70s with all original part that is still in good running condition?

hansaboy hansaboy
The hour and minute hand have different styles on the lume (different measurements), so there is something done.
There are marks after the watchmaker on them, and a possible paintjobb.
The dial and lume looks good on the pictures, but you should ask for really nice close-ups.

I've requested for more close up, are you referring these marks?
dial2.png


hansaboy hansaboy
And I hope you have checked out this website:
https://speedmaster101.com/145-022_update/

Oh yes, I've spent a fair amount of time on a few of these website.

Thanks for the feedback!
 
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ibis888 ibis888
A -74 made in 1971!

That’s a superb watch.

It is, the back of the case looks a little scratched up...
 
ibis888
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A Aggie90m
No, I didn't see it but it looks like it's on chrono24 as well!

Seems like a really great watch... single owner honest watch, serviced. Surprised it hasn't sold.
 
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ibis888 ibis888
Seems like a really great watch... single owner honest watch, serviced. Surprised it hasn't sold.
Yes, what do you think about all the scratches on the back? That's the only thing that kinda bother me...
 
ibis888
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A Aggie90m
Yes, what do you think about all the scratches on the back? That's the only thing that kinda bother me...

Around the lugs? Wear and tear marks from bracelet changes over the years? I'll caveat all of this again with the fact that I am no expert, but I think it's part of the character of the watch. It seems "honest". One owner watch - very desirable. Shows its wear over the decades but it's not dealer prepped. Those watches look very different sometimes. There is some pitting which I know can be of concern, perhaps someone with more experience can offer their insight.
Edited:
 
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ibis888 ibis888
Around the lugs? Wear and tear marks from bracelet changes over the years? I'll caveat all of this again with the fact that I am no expert, but I think it's part of the character of the watch. It seems "honest". One owner watch - very desirable. Shows its wear over the decades but it's not dealer prepped. Those watches look very different sometimes. There is some pitting which I know can be of concern, perhaps someone with more experience can offer their insight.

Oh I don't mind the marks around the lugs. However the pitting (maybe corrosion) is concerning given the age and asking price as I do plan on wearing the watch and it's probably not a good idea to try to polish or fix it. I read that Omega would refuse to service watches with corrosion (?).
 
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Just a quick update, I did pull the trigger on the watch, it arrived today and it looks great in person. While it may not be the perfect vintage piece, the price per smile on this one is right for a newbie as a daily driver especially with the recent service.

Thanks again to everyone's valuable opinions and suggestions, I learned a lot during this process!

Now on the hunt for the next watch...

2024-03-29_13-29-23.png
 
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