My dad recently passed and we found his watch. He was the 1968 National Spelling Bee Champ and this was one of the gifts he received for winning it. We are trying to sell it, but offers have been around 4000 from local jewellers. Trying to get some opinions on the authenticity of the parts as everyone here in western Kansas is telling that's why they can't offer top dollar

 

the bracelet is not original to the watch, but the rest of it looks good. It is worth more than $4000.

can you get the caseback off and get pics of the movement, especially the movement "serial" number and the inside of the caseback?

it's probably worth at least double what those jewelers are offering.

 

I believe the movement serial # is 25007xxx and it is a 321cal.

 

The bottom pusher is a little tough to push in, but the chrono returns to zero and it keeps time. I'm guessing it would probably need a cleaning and service which one guy told me may cost $1500.

 

Probably needs to be serviced. 1500 seems on the high side unless you're going to take it to Omega. Don't do that . Don't take it to Omega. Have it worked on by someone who knows the 321 and understands vintage watches and their value.

For price estimates, http://speedmaster101.com/price-chart-2/

 

I live where the hoot owls screw the chickens....not the easiest to find a watch guy.

 

It's not uncommon to send a watch out. There's nesbitt's out on the west coast among others in the US. There are some experts over in the UK - STS, or Simon Freese.

http://www.simonfreesewatchmakers.com
http://www.swisstimeservices.co.uk

With a watch like this, don't send to Omega and don't give it to the local jeweller.

 

Where do you live we can recommend a place in your country to ship it although I’m guessing your in the US.

You have a great 145.012-67. It’s worth more then 4K, I’d put it over 8k if not more. But you need someone who knows what they are doing to service it if you want to keep it. No polishing and someone that can protect the original dial and hands.

 

I live in Kansas. The watch will eventually be for sale once I decide what the best way to maximize its value and have a firm grasp on its value. Would it be better to get it serviced before selling it?

 

No, sell as is. Let the buyer deal with it.

 

I would suggest that you not get it serviced, as buyers will more than likely have a preferred Watchmaker to do the service, but just account for that it your price. The additional outlay may not bring the same back when selling. Just don't let anyone inexperienced touch it as they damage it unknowingly

In regards to selling, you may have received private offers from the forum - or you can list it on eBay with clear photos and description and you will get a fair market value.

He'll, it's a nice watch in original condition - I'd put my hat in the ring, would just need to sell a few things

 

If you’re actually intending to sell, don’t service. Give best description and when selling use clear photos.

Ebay auction should get you what you’re looking for, ..., hopefully

 

This may be the best quote I’ve read in a week!
And great watch! +1 on speedmaster101.com and do NOT send it to Omega! Sell is as is as @Foo2rama has suggested, and the purchaser can have it serviced by his watchmaker of choice

 

the watch looks fine to me sans the bracelet.i wont sell for a very sentimental reason. if you dont wear it, give it to your son or relatives who like heirloom watches. or keep it for a while and sell once you need some funds in the near future. get to know about your speedy321 first before thinking of selling it. it's not common to see this kind of rare watch in every corner nowadays.

 

I would hang on to it as well and hope a kid or grand child may appreciate this watch. What an heirloom!
Worse case- you sell in the future. The odds are extremely in your favor for a good price

 

Gorgeous watch. Other than that funky bracelet (which has no value), the watch looks totally original, the dial has developed a beautiful patina, the case is unpolished, and other than a ding on the bezel, looks to be in great shape. This is exactly what collectors are looking for. You should check speedmaster101.com for some idea of valuation, but given its very attractive, I'd say its worth around $8000 even without a bracelet. You'll probably get LOTS of offers in the $6k range as savvy buyers are trying to find good examples under market value. The buyer will end up having it serviced, so they are looking at their all-in costs, but my advice is sell it to one of the MANY offers you will get in your private message box here on omegaforums, or, just put it on Ebay and let it run... believe me, a LOT of Speedmaster collectors will see it and bid it up to fair market value, you'll give Ebay about 10% when its all said and done, but if you are overly concerned with top value, that's probably your best bet. Good luck. I already have a '67 speedy, otherwise, I would send you a PM offering $6k

 

What a great, fabulous watch.
Looks entirely original and correct.
What appears to be full history from new.
DO90 bezel in what appears good to top condition.
I do have a reputation for over paying but I think so far the values offered are lower than what this might achieve in a well thought out sale.

 

+1.

 

To clarify, I will "Overpay" when something ticks all the boxes:

Rare
Attractively aged
Correct
Orginal from new
Full history
Untouched or apparently untouched.
Paperwork, and the cherry would be the box.

This watch lacks the box and papers, but otherwise its a true one owner.

Ironically, if I or another collector buys it, it immediately looses the "One owner" Status, and therefore some of the value.

 

Sometimes this is what can happen to a watch when it is sent back to Omega for service.

This is a 145.012-67SP that a previous owner sent in for service.
My wife bought this for me for our 39th anniversary in 2008.

As you can see this watch means a great deal to me. I would not change a thing. It will go to one of our three children.
Yes, it is devalued but not to me. Think before you sell.