Omega Speedmaster Advice Needed

Ugaman72 · Sat. 2:58pm

Hello all, I'm in need of some advice. This is my 1979 Speedy. It's got quite a lot of sentimental value, so I've recently been working on getting it in top shape due to some neglect in the past. I'd like opinions about a couple of things. First, the case has a few deep dings. I've been in touch with some folks about getting those areas filled, leveled and polished. If I go this route, would you just have the entire case refurbished? The cost difference isn't that much. Second, as you can see the sweep seconds hand (and all the hands actually) has lost its lume and is bent (it's also off half a second to the right which is another story). Would you just get that hand relumed? Or buy a replacement and then save the old hands? Just would like to know how you all would handle this? Thanks for your input!

SOG53 · Sat. 3:26pm

Photos of the case and dings would help.

Ugaman72 · Sat. 3:42pm

Additional photos

Dan S · Sat. 3:46pm

Normally I would hesitate to suggest getting a curved lug Speedmaster case refinished, because I've never seen them come out well. However, your case is so badly over polished already, that I don't see how it could be any worse.

Your endlinks appear to be damaged. As far as the sweep hand goes, if you can have it repaired and relumed to match, that would probably be best. Hopefully they will do a good job. These cosmetic fixes are a bit specialized.

Ugaman72 · Sat. 3:58pm

Dan S
Normally I would hesitate to suggest getting a curved lug Speedmaster case refinished, because I've never seen them come out well. However, your case is so badly over polished already, that I don't see how it could be any worse.

Your endlinks appear to be damaged. As far as the sweep hand goes, if you can have it repaired and relumed to match, that would probably be best. Hopefully they will do a good job. These cosmetic fixes are a bit specialized.

Thanks for your input! The end links are just Uncle Seiko end links and bracelet. The originals are out for refurbishment along with the original bracelet.

bazelot · Sat. 4:48pm

i would leave it as is

SOG53 · Sat. 6:03pm

Are you original owner, ie are they your dings ? I don't think refurbishing case would be worth it. Part of history of watch and you cant see them unless you look hard. I agree I would just relume sweep then wear and enjoy it.

Dan S · Sat. 6:04pm

TBH, the polishing bothers me more than the scratches.

Ugaman72 · Sat. 8:18pm

SOG53
Are you original owner, ie are they your dings ? I don't think refurbishing case would be worth it. Part of history of watch and you cant see them unless you look hard. I agree I would just relume sweep then wear and enjoy it.

No, I bought it quite a while ago as a graduation gift when I got my MBA. I bought it way before EBay authentication when a guy posted it with a blurry photo. I took at chance and picked it up for less than 1k.

DrSpock · Sat. 8:50pm

Maybe laser welding (the case) would be a option ?

G-Web · Sat. 9:28pm

I would recommend Zimmerman Watch Repair in York, PA. Their refinishing work is impeccable.
They did a fantastic job on my -66CB, not something that I would entrust to too many watchmakers out there.

As far as the chronograph hand, they could certainly replace it with a modern Omega service unit. I can't say whether they'd install a period correct hand if you were able to source one, but it is certainly worth asking them.

Good luck,
-GW

Ugaman72 · Sun. 7:53pm

G-Web
I would recommend Zimmerman Watch Repair in York, PA. Their refinishing work is impeccable.
They did a fantastic job on my -66CB, not something that I would entrust to too many watchmakers out there.

As far as the chronograph hand, they could certainly replace it with a modern Omega service unit. I can't say whether they'd install a period correct hand if you were able to source one, but it is certainly worth asking them.

Good luck,
-GW

That looks fantastic.

hansaboy · Mon. 10:43am

The ref nr should be 145.022-78, and it is nice that you have had it for some time, with some memories.
But I think that building up the watch again to "top shape" is a bit of a stretch...
The bezel is not correct, and maybe the pushers and crown are replacements?
I would have the watch serviced and cleaned, the watchmaker should be able to adjust the chronohand, and relume it.

Refurbishing the case and case back is a delicate thing, and those I have seen look a bit weird and often not matching the rest
of the watch.
Keep them as is, and enjoy making new dings/memories to the watch!

Omega Speedmaster Advice Needed

Ugaman72

SOG53

Ugaman72

Dan S

Ugaman72

bazelot

SOG53

Dan S

Ugaman72

DrSpock

G-Web

Ugaman72

hansaboy

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