Firsts of all congratulations, you’ve got an amazing watch! From what I can tell from the photo it looks great, but the chronograph hand isn’t original. It should like the the one on this watch that I found on HODINKEE :
I can't really give better advice than what has already been said, but do please take more pictures. It's not every day those of us on the forums get to see such a nice, unmolested heirloom.
You made the right choice to seek opinions on OF before you decide on anything. I would advise selling as the last resort as I believe you should enjoy the pleasure of wearing your ancestor's legacy. Tell us more about the background. Photos of your great granddad wearing it will be great!
that's why we are always excited to see one popped up from a most peculiar situation and once in blue moon.
Chrono hand situation can easily be fixed by getting this from a fellow member! https://omegaforums.net/threads/omega-speedmaster-2915-x-chrono-hand.69025/ Correct Crown was sold just a few days before https://omegaforums.net/threads/flat-foot-spedmaster-crown.70163/
Holy moley, that is a treasure! Follow the advice of the forum, take your time and only let a respected watchmaker recommended on this forum. (oh and find a bank vault somewhere )
Wow, this is amazing ! Take your time to understand what you have got here. It’s way more than just an old watch !
Wow! Lovely piece. Bet you've become a bit nervous and are wondering about keeping it in the house instead of a safety deposit box whilst you decide! I would be slightly jittery!!
If you are not into watches, and do not plan to sell, then I would get a safety deposit box and lock it away. I would get an attorney to write up a document saying what you want done with it in case of your untimely demise. Sit on it until the time comes that selling makes sense...and that time may be now or may be never. The watch will always be in demand, and in 5, 10, 20 years time, I can tell you that one in this "as found" condition will command a premium. One more thing, source a crown and sweep hand...put those in the box too. Stunning watch!
let's get a clearer and nearer look before you post newer pictures. almost untouched casing, markers and hour-minute hands aged consistently, lesser stepped dial. woooh! hooo. lock it up once cleaned. and just buy non premoon speedy.
A wonderful heirloom! Hopefully one you’ll have serviced by a excellent watchmaker (Not Omega!! But one that is sympathetic to vintage watches that ONLY services the movement and does not replace ANY visible parts! Hands, Dial, bezel) specializing in 321 movements, and keep in the family! You’re a very lucky guy! Congrats!
Yes! They originally had Hesalite (Plexi) crystals! If we get a clear close up, maybe we’ll be able to determine if it’s the original or not?
Even though I live CONUS, I would belly-up and send it to Simon Freese in the UK for a sympathetic restoration. He may even have the seconds recorder hand you need. Other wise just buy the one that may still be available here. Just to satisfy my curiosity, because this would be shipped as a "watch for repair", would it be tax and or duty free?
NO. Sorry, but that means it's just not worth hardly anything. I'll give you 200 dollars as a gesture of good will. I mean look at it. The bezel isn't even black, and what the heck is "base 1000"? It's one of those Malaysian knock offs. 250?
