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Omega Speedmaster case advice

C
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I have lusted after a Speedmaster for many years and my grail watch has always been the tritium versions especially the late 1980s ones that came on the 1450 bracelet with 808 end links. I managed to find one that was within my modest budget and pulled the trigger. It certainly isn't perfect and has a few nicks and scratches but I love it. It came with the box and papers and it would appear that even though it was made in 1989 it wasn't bought until 1996, it was well worn though and has quite a few significant scars as a result. I will include a few photos to illustrate, the lug tips are scarred and the high polished bevelled edges have a few scratches too. I am wondering what the general consensus is about having cases refinished via laser welding etc? I don't want to simply have it polished and lose those sharp transitions from high polish to brushed. I have seen some fine results online from laser welding but who do I trust to do the work in the UK, it could potentially be a disaster!

Has anyone in the community had any laser case work done and if so would they be happy to share before and after images and discuss their experience? Ideally, I would like a reputable watch case finisher in the UK have a look at it and give me a guide price as I am clueless to how much this would cost. I have read positive reviews about Watch Works in Bristol and am going to reach out to them and see what they think. Any help or advice is greatly appreciated.

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SOG53
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This is a 20th anniversary Apollo XI watch , one of 4000 with Apollo XI 1969 engraved on the side. These are quite collectible and box snd papers adds a bit as well. Looks like a nice example.
I don’t think the case dings are bad and seems not visible on wrist. I would enjoy the watch and not rush into casework which could actually decrease its value.
 
Spacefruit
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I wouldn't touch it.

If you want a new looking watch, buy a NOS service case and use that, keeping original safe.

I bet it might be cheaper too. Also, case refinishing of Speedmasters is swampy ground - not many have traversed it safely and with happy results.

Its not like Rolex
 
Aludic
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Dan S Dan S
The case is badly worn and heavily polished.
Agree. And even though I know laser welding and reprofiling can produce amazing results, I would probably refrain from it in this case.

Firstly because it's quite costly and might produce an inconsistent result (the bezel carrier ring has some dents too) and moreover, the engraving on the case band would either fade further, or need to be reapplied too. The latter is an operation I have not witnessed done successfully. Perhaps it's possible though.

Personally, I would just enjoy what I have and wear it.
 
YY77
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Spacefruit Spacefruit
I wouldn't touch it.

If you want a new looking watch, buy a NOS service case and use that, keeping original safe.

I bet it might be cheaper too. Also, case refinishing of Speedmasters is swampy ground - not many have traversed it safely and with happy results.

Its not like Rolex
Watchesspa (Poland) did a Seamaster refinish, I was pretty impressed:

Screenshot_20250801_174334_Instagram.webp
 
C
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I honestly don't think it has been polished as it has never even been serviced. The guy wore the death out of it, I think the photos maybe aren't great due to the lighting and make it look polished but I personally don't think it has been. It came covered in grime and the crystal hadn't even seen polywatch. I don't think an original owner would go to the bother of getting it polished if he didn't even clean the crystal or get it serviced.

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Vercingetorix
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Use it like a hammer. Don’t worry about it. Save your coins for safe queen if that’s what you want. Nothing worse than not enjoying something because you are afraid it will be damaged.
 
C
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T
Vercingetorix Vercingetorix
Use it like a hammer. Don’t worry about it. Save your coins for safe queen if that’s what you want. Nothing worse than not enjoying something because you are afraid it will be damaged.
I think you are right, I am just going to wear it and enjoy it like the previous owner did. Are the Apollo 11 watches desirable? I thought that collectors weren’t overly interested in most of the ‘limited’ editions as Omega produced so many. I guess it is a run of 4,000 though so maybe that helps it. Not as desirable as the US or German models but nice to have. Due to it’s condition I got it for a good price especially as it’s on the 1450 bracelet.
 
malilis
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Hi ! it is not worth the costs you are contemplating .. save the bucks for thorough service and enjoy as is ...😉
 
C
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malilis malilis
Hi ! it is not worth the costs you are contemplating .. save the bucks for thorough service and enjoy as is ...😉
Thanks I am a newbie and guess you live and learn. Not sure if it’s permitted for me to ask but I just want to check I haven’t been fleeced for the watch. I paid £2,800 for it box and papers. It’s dinged and likely polished I see that now. Do you think I overpaid? I know the 1450 is probably worth £1-1.5k so I think I am hopefully still ok.
 
Dan S
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C Conmcn
I honestly don't think it has been polished as it has never even been serviced.
IMO, it shows the obvious signs of substantial polishing using a buffing wheel. But if you can't tell the difference, then it shouldn't bother you. Just enjoy it.
 
C
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Dan S Dan S
IMO, it shows the obvious signs of substantial polishing using a buffing wheel. But if you can't tell the difference, then it shouldn't bother you. Just enjoy it.
I see that now especially on the Apollo 11 engraved side, a bit of a bummer. I am a bit gutted if I’m honest, I paid £2,800 for it which is probably too much considering its condition. I just wanted a speedy on the 1450.
 
Knebo
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Vercingetorix Vercingetorix
Use it like a hammer. Don’t worry about it. Save your coins for safe queen if that’s what you want. Nothing worse than not enjoying something because you are afraid it will be damaged.
I'm with you on this. Just enjoy it!
Just imagine it got scratched and dinged up during the space walk and re-entry into the atmosphere.
 
Knebo
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PS: the good and renowned people doing excellent case work with laser welding do take quite a bit of money. Definitely more than 1k.
 
C
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Knebo Knebo
I'm with you on this. Just enjoy it!
Just imagine it got scratched and dinged up during the space walk and re-entry into the atmosphere.
Thanks for the positive spin on it. I’ve been on a bit of a downer about it today. I jumped a bit too eagerly at the watch when I saw the bracelet. I will wear it and enjoy it at least I don’t have to baby it
 
malilis
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C Conaire McNeary
Thanks I am a newbie and guess you live and learn. Not sure if it’s permitted for me to ask but I just want to check I haven’t been fleeced for the watch. I paid £2,800 for it box and papers. It’s dinged and likely polished I see that now. Do you think I overpaid? I know the 1450 is probably worth £1-1.5k so I think I am hopefully still ok.
I don’t think you overpaid .. on the contrary ! I would be happy with that watch for that price .. other fellow member may or may not concur ..
 
C
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malilis malilis
I don’t think you overpaid .. on the contrary ! I would be happy with that watch for that price .. other fellow member may or may not concur ..
Thanks, I clearly don’t really have a notion so would be keen to hear from those in the know. I will wear it for a few years and maybe try and trade it in against a speedy in better condition eventually or simply just enjoy it dings and all.
 
C
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Spacefruit Spacefruit
I wouldn't touch it.

If you want a new looking watch, buy a NOS service case and use that, keeping original safe.

I bet it might be cheaper too. Also, case refinishing of Speedmasters is swampy ground - not many have traversed it safely and with happy results.

Its not like Rolex
Has anyone any idea where I would pick up a decent looking preferably NOS case for the 145.0022.101? I am just curious if there are any out there and what kind of money they would go for. I know its going to be near impossible to find one with the anniversary Apollo 11 engraving but I wouldn't mind trying to source a standard case. I had a look on eBay with little luck, a bit of a minefield really.
 
C
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Anyone any thoughts on these items from the same seller?

NOS case?

Bezel

They seem reasonably priced if they are genuine NOS Omega parts as claimed.
 
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