Noob to vintage Omegas

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YukonCornelius

·Dec 11, 2020

My dad has an old Seamaster, but my current watches are all modern, two speedys and one Bond seamaster.

I'm looking for an older speedy, perhaps what you experts would consider a good entry into the vintage market. I dont mind honest wear, and price would dictate that I wouldnt instantly go after a peri-moonwatch model.

What would be a good entry level vintage speedy to look for? Condition not withstanding, what would I expect to pay for VG condition, no box or papers, 70s or 80s speedy?

Thanks in advance 😀

 

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Dan S

·Dec 11, 2020

Have you looked at this chart? https://speedmaster101.com/price-chart-2/

Just keep in mind that what that what you consider VG, that chart probably considers to be just G.

 

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YukonCornelius

·Dec 11, 2020

Thanks!

 

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Tonyash

·Dec 11, 2020

If it is the tritium look you want IMHO the best value is to be had with later 145.022/3950/3750 late 80s-90s. They are also more likely to be in G/VG condition. I recently bought a nice 1991 145.022 for just over $US3K, on original bracelet, no box or papers. While there are subtle differences between these and 70s models only the real cognoscenti will ever know.

 

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STANDY

·Dec 11, 2020·schizophrenic pizza orderer and watch collector

Buy Moonwatch Only and in three months you will know enough.

The longer you research the more you can save would be my advice to your question. 😉

 

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Davidt

·Dec 12, 2020

It depends what you consider vintage. The best balance between price and aesthetic are mid 80's - early 90's Speedmasters imo

 

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YukonCornelius

·Dec 12, 2020

Excellent thanks!

 

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YukonCornelius

·Dec 12, 2020

STANDY

Buy Moonwatch Only and in three months you will know enough.

The longer you research the more you can save would be my advice to your question. 😉

Oh the cat's out of the bag on that one I'm afraid. I have a problem with watches and guitars. Sold a few nices instruments and freed up the cash for the speedy moonwatch, then decided I needed an automatic sapphire sandwich with date, so I got the ceramic dark side, 311.whoknows.

But having been in the vintage guitar market for decades, I fully get your point about research brfore uou buy. I got burned one one guitar and had to learn that the hard way, but only once. 😀

 

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·Dec 12, 2020·schizophrenic pizza orderer and watch collector

As long as you get the hive expertise to go over any potential purchase your all good.
Sometimes paying a little extra for a better example is the way to go also. You don’t want a project as a novice...

 

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benaja

·Dec 12, 2020

germany, 4300 € (not available ;-) step dial and 145.022-1969 with extract. 6.1.70
since 2 months at home 😀
running perfect

 

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DanT

·Dec 13, 2020

@YukonCornelius
Alongside 'Moonwatch Only', do read Speedmaster 101 if you haven't already - a very helpful and informative resource.
https://speedmaster101.com

@Spacefruit expertise helped a lot in my search for a 145.022- 76 reference, at the more affordable end for 70's vintage. These were among the last to have the production year included in the case ref number.

 

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YukonCornelius

·Dec 14, 2020

Thanks so much!

 

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worldwidewes

·Dec 14, 2020

I personally have a 145.022-76 produced in mid-1977 that I bought off a respected dealer on the site for around $4,000. It's a great watch and I can't imagine selling it. Since you're new, I'd start off reading speedmaster101.com and seeing Hodinkee's Reference Points video on YouTube. Speedmaster101 should be your main resource though. It's run by @Spacefruit and has all the information you need. I think the 145.022 is the ideal starter Speedy because it's cheaper than a new one, there are plenty around, and it's pretty easy to find one in great condition. You should easily find a good one in the $4,000 range like I did.

Since you're just starting off, I'd hold off on making up your mind about what you want so soon. Speedmasters are great, but it took me about 4 years of obsessing over watches before I decided what to buy. Your tastes evolve very quickly when you're just getting into it.