Omega Speedmaster 145.012 help

Thoughts?

pitbos

I’d dig deeper on the lume. Ask for some macro photos of the lume plots. Color of the lume plums and the off-white color on the hands is making me think you need to take a closer look. Condition of case looks decent from the photos to be honest. Would want some more photos to be sure. Whats the asking price?

Davidt

I’d ask for some decent pictures full stop.

Those are nice pics if your posting on Instagram but not much use for actually assessing a watch for purchase

Spacefruit

Spectacularly unhelpful photos.
Just enough to be interesting and nothing to help evaluate properly
We cannot even see T marks.


It looks like a restored watch - doesn't mean dismissal, but I would want to see exactly what's going on. In view of the refinished sides, and the general parts replacement, I would be looking to see what I thought about the lume. That means close up photos of the surface of the markers, and the surrounding binder, or lack of it.

For a long time, I have thought a 321 Speedmaster movement with a number that fits a reference, is $2500-3500. So we look at rest of this watch for value. The case, we need to check - it could be a service case. although it has value, it is not something I want to buy. I reckon it around $1000 if service, more if a vintage 145.012, without corrosion. We cannot value the dial - until we know what it is. The bracelet is in the low 100's and a genuine replavement is the 1039, and if this were my watch I would wait until I fell accross one, rather than hunting.

We are in an area where someone without knowledge might loose a lot of money, and if this watch is offered for sale in public, a naive buyer will be competing with people who actually know what to look for and what the pitfalls are.

The only way to beat them, is pay more than the person who knows tha value and risks.

I suppose, thats what we call Newbbie Tax.

ttbaer

Hello everyone,

I'm new to Omega Forum, so this thread is my first interaction with the community. In the end, I suppose I should introduce myself as the culprit who bought the watch and repatriated this 1968 Speedmaster to Switzerland.

First of all, a big thank you to everyone who took the time to offer advice, share their expertise, and point out details I might otherwise have missed. Your comments played a big role in my decision.

After also having a lengthy video call with the seller, who was very open and happy to answer all my questions in detail, I decided to pull the trigger.

So why did I buy it? For me, this watch ticks many of the right boxes. It's a 1968 example, which happens to be my birth year, and it houses the legendary 321 movement. Most importantly, I bought it to wear and enjoy. This isn't a project watch, nor is it destined for a museum display or a safe.

The bracelet isn't original, but it's comfortable and suits the watch well. I can easily live with it and will probably add a NATO strap as an alternative.

The case has clearly been polished, but in my opinion it was done very well. The combination of brushed and polished surfaces still looks great. The dial is absolutely fantastic and was one of the deciding factors for me. Whether it has been re-lumed or not remains unclear, but the patina looks beautiful and very coherent.

Another reassuring point is that the watch was serviced by Omega in the past and again by the seller just last month, so it is ready to be worn and enjoyed immediately.

The only real downside is the aftermarket bezel. Honestly though, it's a very good one. After spending quite some time comparing it with the references on Speedmaster101, I'm struggling to spot the differences myself. Perhaps some of the eagle-eyed Speedmaster experts here can immediately identify what gives it away as aftermarket. I've added a close-up photo of the bezel for reference and would be interested in your thoughts.

Thanks again for all the input.

ttbaer

The only real downside is the aftermarket bezel. Honestly though, it's a very good one. After spending quite some time comparing it with the references on Speedmaster101, I'm struggling to spot the differences myself. Perhaps some of the eagle-eyed Speedmaster experts here can immediately identify what gives it away as aftermarket. I've added a close-up photo of the bezel for reference and would be interested in your thoughts.