Community Stories

Omega SpeedMaster MKIII 176.002

Steve.M.
Posts
39
Likes
42
Hi vintage Speedy fans!
This piece came in last year from the Niece of previous owner so my questions were not really answered…
An interesting question from someone that encouraged me to create this Thread, Does this reference or similar references come with Sunburst Brushed polish on case around crystal or does it come with high polish? Based on comparing more than a dozen similar pieces I still can’t tell. Maybe someone can help with the question of what does the Original factory finish look like on these pieces? TIA
 
0B16ACD2-14E5-4E3B-B625-BCB9E35931DE.jpeg
Ocean
Posts
285
Likes
221
From my knowledge sunburst brushed polish but I am not an expert. Waiting for opinions of more experienced members.
 
Ascalon
Posts
196
Likes
311
Yes, a Mark III should have the radial brushed finish.
If it doesn't, it can affect value, but if it doesn't bother you then leave it alone.
You can restore it to at least a semblance of the original finish yourself.
Mask the crystal and the crown and pushers, and then lightly rub it with some very fine grit emery paper, or scotchbrite in the radial pattern.
Works to clean up the case on my Mark II.
 
Steve.M.
Posts
39
Likes
42
Ascalon Ascalon
Yes, a Mark III should have the radial brushed finish.
If it doesn't, it can affect value, but if it doesn't bother you then leave it alone.
You can restore it to at least a semblance of the original finish yourself.
Mask the crystal and the crown and pushers, and then lightly rub it with some very fine grit emery paper, or scotchbrite in the radial pattern.
Works to clean up the case on my Mark II.[/
 
Steve.M.
Posts
39
Likes
42
Ascalon Ascalon
Yes, a Mark III should have the radial brushed finish.
If it doesn't, it can affect value, but if it doesn't bother you then leave it alone.
You can restore it to at least a semblance of the original finish yourself.
Mask the crystal and the crown and pushers, and then lightly rub it with some very fine grit emery paper, or scotchbrite in the radial pattern.
Works to clean up the case on my Mark II.
I appreciate the direction, I may try and share results. Thank you
 
JanV
Posts
907
Likes
2,486
Steve.M. Steve.M.
I appreciate the direction, I may try and share results. Thank you
For the love of god, don’t even consider doing it. Don’t know why anyone would even suggest such a thing to a new member here in the forum. This will devalue the watch immediately if not done by a professional watchmaker.
 
tyrantlizardrex
Posts
8,890
Likes
28,364
JanV JanV
For the love of god, don’t even consider doing it. Don’t know why anyone would even suggest such a thing to a new member here in the forum. This will devalue the watch immediately if not done by a professional watchmaker.

Never mind “devalue” it will just be bloody awful.

There is so little material on the case as it gets to the bezel edge that any restoration of the case needs to be done incredibly carefully by someone who knows what they are doing.

And even then, depending on how much the case has previously been polished the results might not be quite what you’re hoping for.

Would highly recommended you tread carefully and talk to one of the places who know what they’re doing… Lewis in Australia and STS in the U.K. spring to mind… there are others, but not many.
 
Ascalon
Posts
196
Likes
311
JanV JanV
For the love of god, don’t even consider doing it. Don’t know why anyone would even suggest such a thing to a new member here in the forum. This will devalue the watch immediately if not done by a professional watchmaker.

Keep your hair on! 😉

If it is already polished, what's the harm if carefully executed?

A careful masking and brushing is easy for anyone with a modicum of mechanical sympathy.
 
tyrantlizardrex
Posts
8,890
Likes
28,364
Ascalon Ascalon
Keep your hair on! 😉

If it is already polished, what's the harm if carefully executed?

A careful masking and brushing is easy for anyone with a modicum of mechanical sympathy.

You could easily make it much worse than it is - and make it harder for someone who knows what they’re doing to fix…
 
Archer
Posts
28,203
Likes
72,226
tyrantlizardrex tyrantlizardrex
You could easily make it much worse than it is - and make it harder for someone who knows what they’re doing to fix…

I can tell you that repairing "home made" refinishing is often much more difficult than just refinishing a worn case.

People should really leave this kind of thing to the professionals, who are properly equipped for the work.
 
Steve.M.
Posts
39
Likes
42
JanV JanV
For the love of god, don’t even consider doing it. Don’t know why anyone would even suggest such a thing to a new member here in the forum. This will devalue the watch immediately if not done by a professional watchmaker.

We do have in-house technician for in-house repairs but we usually leave the vintage stuff as is, My goal was to find out how these left the factory. I probably still have steady hands although I haven’t operated on a movement for a number of years now only busy with sales and client satisfaction with that being said learning the basics of watchmaking at 19 years of age was a lot of fun I never liked Polishing even plexiglass or acrylic crystals not to mention metal. I rather get busy with photography and sales, I appreciate the comments though.
 
Steve.M.
Posts
39
Likes
42
Archer Archer
I can tell you that repairing "home made" refinishing is often much more difficult than just refinishing a worn case.

People should really leave this kind of thing to the professionals, who are properly equipped for the work.
I agree, I usually leave vintage pieces in as is condition. I like how the wear and tear communicates the original character that the watch built over the years.
 
Steve.M.
Posts
39
Likes
42
tyrantlizardrex tyrantlizardrex
You could easily make it much worse than it is - and make it harder for someone who knows what they’re doing to fix…
I didn’t touch the piece we left it in as is condition and surprisingly someone fell in love with it just the way it was.
 
Steve.M.
Posts
39
Likes
42
Ascalon Ascalon
Keep your hair on! 😉

If it is already polished, what's the harm if carefully executed?

A careful masking and brushing is easy for anyone with a modicum of mechanical sympathy.
 
Steve.M.
Posts
39
Likes
42
Doesn’t hurt for sure I wish it were not as polished and luckily someone was already satisfied with the as is finish.
 
Sign up or log in to reply...

Similar threads

Caselock

176.002 assessment attempt

Caselock Vintage Omega Watches Help, Discussion and Advice
flqt-9000
flqt-9000
Posts
1
Views
305
flqt-9000

Omega 176.002 Speedmaster MK III silver dial

flqt-9000 Private Watch Sales
flqt-9000
flqt-9000
Posts
0
Views
2K
OneTwo

Omega 176.002 Case Back

OneTwo Watch Parts and Accessories For Sale
OneTwo
OneTwo
Posts
2
Views
1K
smitty190373

Omega Speedmaster 176.002 Mark 111. Simon Freese service/warranty.

smitty190373 Watches For Sale
smitty190373
smitty190373
Posts
3
Views
6K
hansaboy

Omega Speedmaster 145.022-69 on an auction (new pictures) !

hansaboy Vintage Omega Watches Help, Discussion and Advice
hansaboy
hansaboy
Posts
34
Views
2K
Unfamiliar_Moon

70's Omega Seamaster 176.001 Automatic Chronograph Caliber 1040, Silver Sunburst dial

Unfamiliar_Moon Private Watch Sales
Unfamiliar_Moon
Unfamiliar_Moon
Posts
5
Views
6K