Community Stories

Omega Speedmaster Advice and Help

N
Posts
4
Likes
4
Hi Everyone,

I'm hoping for some general advice - I'm not super familiar with what to do here:

I have an Omega Speedmaster Professional that belonged to my grandfather, and I have no intention of selling it. It works well - keeps time - and all devices function properly. As far as I am aware it has never been serviced.

My grandfather had the watch mounted on a custom silver cuff. I began researching the watch to find an original, period-appropriate bracelet for the watch. In doing so I discovered the watch was the "220" bezel variant. Photo attached.

I'd like to (assuming you agree it is the right move):

- Have the watch opened to verify the serial number and request Omega produce the verification certificate

- Find a period appropriate bracelet. I'm not sure how practical it will be to find & any help would be appreciated.

- Given it works perfectly should I have it serviced in any way?

- Do you think the box pictured is the original box? This was the box it was passed down to me in.

Please let me know your thoughts on the above items or if I am missing something I should do (or not do). If anyone has advice on locating a bracelet I would appreciate it as well. Thank you all for lending your expertise!

Nick

20260216_211813.webp Screenshot_20260216_203653_Gallery.webp 20260216_211805.webp
 
JimInOz
Posts
17,919
Likes
37,476
N npiano101
- Have the watch opened to verify the serial number and request Omega produce the verification certificate
Omega no longer offer this service. Serial number etc can be confirmed when the watch is serviced.

N npiano101
- Find a period appropriate bracelet. I'm not sure how practical it will be to find & any help would be appreciated.
A suitable alternative may be an aftermarket, Uncle Seiko etc, others can advise

N npiano101
- Given it works perfectly should I have it serviced in any way?
Without doubt. would you drive a car that hadn't been serviced for twenty years or longer?

N npiano101
- Do you think the box pictured is the original box? This was the box it was passed down to me in.
It's possible, back in that era boxes were just picked from the jewellers stock.

Just some quick answers, the real experts will be able to advise further.
 
Dan S
Posts
24,206
Likes
53,889
Agree with the above, although obviously if you are curious about the serial number, there's no reason not to have the watch opened and take photos of the inside. If you post photos, we can provide more information.

You can certainly find a period correct bracelet and end links on the secondary market. Depending on which model bracelet you choose and the condition, the price will range from $500-$2500. As Jim indicated, high quality reproduction bracelets are available for much less.

See this thread for a bracelet chart: https://omegaforums.net/threads/vintage-speedmaster-bracelet-chart.29051/
 
Davidt
Posts
13,190
Likes
22,926
It’s a nice watch in fair condition and a great heirloom.

As Jim says, Omega used to offer an extract of the archives. This confirmed date of production and country of delivery. It’s not currently available but wasn’t a verification certificate anyway.

I would have it serviced if you wear it, even infrequently. Don’t rush into this. Spend some time researching reputable watchmakers on your country. The serial can be confirmed when you do this.

A 1039/516 bracelet is correct but good one aren’t growing on trees and they aren’t cheap. An alternate is an 1175/640 which is probably a year or so after your watch but almost contemporary and slightly cheaper. An 1171/633 is 2-3 years after your watch but much more readily available and around 1/3 the price of a 1039.
 
N
Posts
4
Likes
4
Thanks everyone. I really appreciate it. Yes, I can confirm: the 1039/516's do not in fact grow on trees. I just picked up the one pictured. Should have it in a few days

What's a good resource to find service for the watch? Should I be looking toward Omega themselves, or searching for a reputable watch Smith?

Again, I appreciate everyone's expertise and willingness to help.

Screenshot_20260217_211239_eBay.webp Screenshot_20260217_211227_eBay.webp Screenshot_20260217_211204_eBay.webp
 
JimInOz
Posts
17,919
Likes
37,476
N npiano101
Should I be looking toward Omega themselves
NO!

N npiano101
or searching for a reputable watch Smith?
Yes.

Omega will restore the watch to the best possible condition by polishing the case, replacing the dial and hands, and thereby removing all of the originality and the features (battle scars) that your GF put there.

A watchmaker with an Omega parts account will be able to do what we call a "sympathetic restoration" whereby all of the originality of the watch is retained.

Your location will help members point you in the right direction.
 
N
Posts
4
Likes
4
Thank you JimInOz! If anyone has suggestions I am in Northern California just above Sacramento.
 
paddymoran
Posts
898
Likes
1,714
N npiano101
Screenshot_20260217_211204_eBay.webp
That’s a really nice 1039/516 example that you sourced. For info, the three digits on the inside of the clasp denote the quarter and year of manufacture.
 
Dan S
Posts
24,206
Likes
53,889
N npiano101
Thank you JimInOz! If anyone has suggestions I am in Northern California just above Sacramento.
This is a very common question on the forum, so I would suggest a search for more comprehensive answers.
 
Sign up or log in to reply...

Similar threads

Ugaman72

Omega Speedmaster Advice Needed

Ugaman72 Vintage Omega Watches Help, Discussion and Advice
hansaboy
hansaboy
Posts
12
Views
1K
77J77

Vintage speedmaster advice, family passed down

77J77 Vintage Omega Watches Help, Discussion and Advice
Davidt
Davidt
Posts
5
Views
2K
K

Omega Speedmaster advice

Kluzik1 Vintage Omega Watches Help, Discussion and Advice
K
Kluzik1
Posts
22
Views
3K
O

Advice - Omega Speedmaster Late 60s/Early 70s?

Ollie97 Vintage Omega Watches Help, Discussion and Advice
hansaboy
hansaboy
Posts
3
Views
192
bogscab2

Help with advice and the dial.

bogscab2 Vintage Omega Watches Help, Discussion and Advice
kyle L
kyle L
Posts
3
Views
952
H

First Speedmaster advice

Hellkin17 Modern Omega Watches
padders
padders
Posts
38
Views
7K