Hey guys, I got myself a real beat up speedy MarkII. The movement needs a service as the seconds hand only moves when I pull the crown out. I service my seikos but not sure I want to undertake the 861 movement. So I will be sending it to a watchmaker.

I will be changing the crystal. I am on the fence for the following and am looking for advice:

Do I have the case laser weld and refinished to factory spec?

Keep or get new hands and dial?

Here are some pics



Thanks guys

 

My opinion is that it depends on your goals for the watch. If I wanted a cool and unusual daily wearer, and didn't mind the scars, I'd clean it up a little with a good service and a new crystal. If the goal is to 'restore' the watch, then you should do more.

 

+1 service and crystal. Once "restored" it's no going back. I personally like the history behind the watch with battle scares and all. Get it serviced, wear it for a bit and then make the final decision to "restore"or not. I like the dial as is BTW.

 

I would have the movement serviced, case and bracelet cleaned, new crystal. I wouldn't touch the dial or hands

 

That's a pretty dial you got there!

 

I don't normally like the Mark II, but this one looks fab to me... that dial and hand combo is sweet.

This is sacrilegious, but a light polish on that case IMHO would look pretty good... (ducks under desk to avoid shoes being thrown at me)

... the case is such a prominent element of that watch, and as you say is in a bit of rough shape, as a one time thing, and for use as a daily wearer and not some kind of long term investment, I'd let a skilled craftsman have at it.

 

You may want to chat with Adam a.k.a @photo500 , I believe he has the skills and expertise to make your case pretty again.

https://omegaforums.net/threads/speedmaster-mark-ii-case-refinishing.9970/

 

I will keep the dial and hands as per your positive comments. Makes me a happy camper.

As for the case, I'm still not sure which direction to take. I initially got this piece to flip but now that I have it in hand, I might keep it.

 

The case looks pretty decent too - the small battle scars give your case some "nice" character IMO

 

Here's one fully restored, including the case from @photo500



It's a different approach. Given the dial and hands on yours, I'd get the case brushed up a bit and wear it. It will clean up nice!

 

Wow looks like new! Nice

 

I would refinish the case and keep the dial/hands as is, hoping to find one exactly like yours morethan1 and have Adam bring it back to new.

Cheers Michael