Hi everybody, I have a friend who recently found out that I’m a keen watch collector, and mentioned that he has an “old omega” at home. He brought it next time we met, and was gracious enough to lend it to me for a few weeks. Turns out it’s a 145.022-69! How exciting! I’ve attached some photos, and am seeking any advice you may have. What I know: -145.022-69 -Bracelet is not original, but the endlinks(516) and clasp is original (1039 date 70). -30xxxxxx serial number -crown is a replacement, albeit omega -watch runs, but there is an issue with winding it. The crown “free wheels,” and barely engages. I am unable to pull it out to set the time My questions: -From what I’ve read, a DN90 is the correct bezel for this reference. Right? -Would a 1171/1 bracelet be a correct replacement for now? What endlinks would I need? -Would it be fine to leave the dial and hands as they are? They are very “patina’d” but I’m not too bothered by this. -I’m prepared to sink around $2000 into it for servicing and replacement parts. Is this a fair assumption? Thanks!
They switched to DNN towards the end of the -69s. Yours being 30.x I think either a DNN or a DON is acceptable in that range, but my guess is this watch originally had a DON based on the serial. 1039 with 516s would be the correct bracelet. Dial has some unfortunate damage which would diminish the value but a correct dial can be found with patience. Or you can leave it if it doesnt bother you. Either way get it serviced by a competent watch maker and it should be a servicable watch.
Given the lack of bezel and bracelet along with the dial damage the value is really the sum of its parts. Servicing costs depend largely on how far you want to go. A standard movement service, case clean and service bezel will probably be around $600+. However, if you want a period bezel, bracelet and new dial, you're well into several thousand.
As the saying goes 'it is what it is' and in this case it is a well used Speedmaster. Trying to get it all correct may well end up costing more than buying one with all the correct parts and could take a very, very long time. Of course it all depends on what it will cost you to purchase it. If this was available to you at a 'cheap' price why not just get it serviced, replace the crystal, get a bezel and enjoy it for what it is. The bracelet is not unattractive and goes OK with this 'it is what it is' Speedmaster.
I'm not saying, just asking; Might this 1171 with these 633s also be correct for this '69? - Old (11) 1171 clasp, 29.5x15.2mm buckle with Ω in a trapeze. This is a typical first generation 1171.
Possibly, if it is a later -69 and I sat in the dealer for a while but I generally pair -69's with 1039's. I know the chart suggests 1171's started in 70/71 but when a one owner -69 pops up they almost always have a 1039. I can't recall one with an 1171 but it's possible.