I've been offered a nice Speedmaster 145.022 with misprint 220 dial and DNN bezel. But it comes with a service NOS case back. Also, it's been serviced lately and works very well. The seller asks 5500USD + shipping. But, is that case back worth it or should I consider finding an original one? I mean, it didn't come with the watch, but so might be with the crystal. Then again the case is pretty sharp, so perhaps that case back fits the game. I guess this is the laser edged case back? Other than that I like the watch. It seems all original to this model to me. Or am I wrong? So, let me know what you think before I pull the trigger.
The dial lume and hands patina also do not match. Probably a nice wearer, but if you are going for "as-built collectible", maybe look for another watch.
My opinion is that it's a bit expensive, I would wait for an original one. But I would like to read the opinions of the experts. Even so, is a nice watch...
The Green Lume step dial is correct for late 1970 -1971 Speedmaster 145.022-69/71 There was a batch of Green lume dials in that period. The dial and hand patina does not have to always match 100% to be original. This whole "Matchy-Matchy" craze is called "Matchylumenaitis" and it is a virus usually carried by novice vintage watch buyers who are convinced that unless the hands & dial have a 1001% matching patina, something must be "Fishy" or not original...
Yes it looks like it has been built of different pieces. NOS case, dial and hands looks like they are coming from two different watches, and I dont think the price is that great.
It's not. Dial, hands, bezel and case are all original and correct for the period. This watch has been serviced & polished by Omega and received a replacement service caseback. It is all original otherwise.
Just saw that this watch is being sold on the forum. Don’t want to step on anyone’s toes. Good luck on your search.
Glad there seems to be a little sense on this thread - even though I’m not sure why it’s here. The watch is completely original other than the caseback.
The thread is here because a potential purchaser wanted opinions from other OF members. It is not uncommon to see such a thread for a watch that may be in the FS listings on OF.
A buyer could confirm self-consistency by asking for photos of the serial number, and then confirming that it is within the right range for the bezel. According to MWO, it should be in the range 30,588,xxx and 31,088,xxx. Edit: Movement photo has been added to the listing, and the serial is in the correct range.
To me, the listing is very honest. Given the inconsistent reviews in this thread it all comes down to trust.
Because I'm searching an affordable quality Speedmaster of this vintage I noticed it not long after it was posted for sale. As a newer member I think it's positive when watches listed for sale are also evaluated here. Although I am no expert from what I have learned this is an honest and fair price. More important it is truly a very lovely watch.
I opened this topic because despite of the caseback I liked it very much. But, because I’m in EU and the seller is in US the taxes kill it for me. Add 25%. So, I’ll keep searching.
That´s so typical. Once you find something interesting, it´s in the US I´m considering selling my 145.022 -69st DON abroad but can´t figure out how. Chrono 24 or ebay? Shipping is an issue as well. I don´t know... I might as well keep it. I wish you luck in your search for the right watch
I know it's done on here but buying internationally fills me with fear. I've bought on here EU to UK but not at these sums. I wouldn't necessarily be concerned about the seller, it's just the horror stories of scammers and errant shipping employees that would give me the willies.