Community Stories

Omega Speedmaster rough condition restoration

S
Posts
12
Likes
0
Hello guys, hope you're all doing well. I recently got offered this vintage speedmaster that seems to be in a very rough condition and it has missing bezel. The movement seems in a good condition but i think it has been replaced. The seller asks for 2500$ in this condition. Any help would be appreciated.
IMG_2769.JPG IMG_2770.JPG IMG_2771.JPG IMG_2773.JPG
 
Dan S
Posts
21,154
Likes
48,260
The condition of that watch is pretty bad across the board, including the bracelet. I think it will be hard to sell. Personally, I wouldn't be interested, but if you are looking for a Speedmaster at the lowest possible price point, this might be your watch. Keep in mind that if you tire of it in the future, it will be hard to sell, so pay as little as possible.
 
S
Posts
12
Likes
0
Dan S Dan S
The condition of that watch is pretty bad across the board, including the bracelet. I think it will be hard to sell. Personally, I wouldn't be interested, but if you are looking for a Speedmaster at the lowest possible price point, this might be your watch. Keep in mind that if you tire of it in the future, it will be hard to sell, so pay as little as possible.
Thank you for your answer. Im actually looking to keep it and service it. It seems that buying a bezel for it is either too expensive or impossible.Can someone help with the reference? is it 145.022?
 
Dan S
Posts
21,154
Likes
48,260
It's probably a 145.022 of some sort, but why doesn't the seller just show you a photo of the inside of the case-back, then you will have a better idea.

Buying a bezel is certainly not impossible. Given the overall condition of the watch, it might make sense just to buy a relatively inexpensive service bezel. You can probably get one for a few hundred USD on the secondary market, most likely less from a watchmaker with an Omega parts account, e.g. as part of a service. I don't really recommend it, but aftermarket bezels are also available. A period-correct bezel would be more expensive, and maybe not worth the cost.
 
S
Posts
12
Likes
0
Dan S Dan S
It's probably a 145.022 of some sort, but why doesn't the seller just show you a photo of the inside of the case-back, then you will have a better idea.

Buying a bezel is certainly not impossible. Given the overall condition of the watch, it might make sense just to buy a relatively inexpensive service bezel. You can probably get one for a few hundred USD on the secondary market, most likely less from a watchmaker with an Omega parts account, e.g. as part of a service. I don't really recommend it, but aftermarket bezels are also available. A period-correct bezel would be more expensive, and maybe not worth the cost.

thanks mate. Here’s a photo of the caseback:
574954B5-7F8C-4780-8072-F570E8054952.jpeg
 
gbesq
Posts
9,081
Likes
47,260
I would look elsewhere. Between the initial outlay for the purchase price and the cost of a replacement bezel and a full service, you're going to end up spending as much or more than you would for another Speedmaster in better condition. In addition, the bracelet is in rough shape (could probably be refinished) and the dial lume has not aged well and is frankly unattractive. It's just not worth the effort and the expense.
 
Dan S
Posts
21,154
Likes
48,260
I'm not really so familiar with 80s/90s Speedmasters, so I will let someone else comment about whether the parts belong together or not.
 
S
Posts
12
Likes
0
gbesq gbesq
I would look elsewhere. Between the initial outlay for the purchase price and the cost of a replacement bezel and a full service, you're going to end up spending as much or more than you would for another Speedmaster in better condition. In addition, the bracelet is in rough shape (could probably be refinished) and the dial lume has not aged well and is frankly unattractive. It's just not worth the effort and the expense.
Yeah i thought so at first. The bracelet should be repaired or replaced as well. Independent service here in my country is about 150eur so that's not too expensive that's why i made the thread in the first place. Thank you for your insight
 
Aludic
Posts
1,182
Likes
5,407
Based on the 4836xxxx serial and the dial, this piece is made around 1995. Parts including bracelet do fit together and the corresponding bezel is a rather recent one. Should be easy to obtain and as some others mentioned as you back about 150 USD / EUR.

Leaves the question whether you like the dial and particularly the lume colour enough to acquire this piece. A very personal choice, imho.
 
Davidt
Posts
11,657
Likes
20,374
This looks like the type of watch someone buys thinking it’s a cheap way in. The reality is generally that they end up spending what they would’ve had they just bought a good example but they’re still left with an unattractive watch.

The dial is rubbish, the case is soft, bezel missing, I’d assume potential water damage to the movement. Pass for me, unless it was dirt cheap - like a grand.
 
padders
Posts
9,742
Likes
15,339
Avoid. It’s mismatched junk. Heavily water damaged too.
 
S
Posts
12
Likes
0
Aludic Aludic
Based on the 4836xxxx serial and the dial, this piece is made around 1995. Parts including bracelet do fit together and the corresponding bezel is a rather recent one. Should be easy to obtain and as some others mentioned as you back about 150 USD / EUR.

Leaves the question whether you like the dial and particularly the lume colour enough to acquire this piece. A very personal choice, imho.
Thanks from everyone for your insights. Does anyone know where can i get a recent bezel that fits for about that price?
 
gbesq
Posts
9,081
Likes
47,260
That's a reference 3590.50 with a 1479/812 bracelet. One in good condition should look like this:
1241018-4d9e2b1758355d1278d9e127e4887520.jpg
Now compare this photo to the one of your prospective purchase and think long and hard about whether you want to take that watch on as a project.
 
cverstegen
Posts
221
Likes
1,983
S speediest31
... Independent service here in my country is about 150eur so that's not too expensive...

...I need to move to your country.
 
Aludic
Posts
1,182
Likes
5,407
dennisthemenace dennisthemenace
Why would you want to buy a watch that has major movement parts missing?

Ouch! Well spotted. Yet another reason to run away.
 
Archer
Posts
27,697
Likes
70,388
S speediest31
Enlighten me please?

As I said on WUS, the chronograph drive wheel is missing. Not a big deal in itself, but the real question is what is the rest of the movement like...
 
sheepdoll
Posts
2,434
Likes
3,888
What a mess. Does someone really think they can get that sort of price for a box of parts? Insane is the word I have been using a lot lately.
As a hobbyist, I would find that sort of thing attractive if I could get it for next to nothing or perhaps a trade of a lesser watch.

-j
 
1 More Post...
Sign up or log in to reply...

Similar threads

Ferran V

Need help - Constellation Manhattan box restoration

Ferran V Vintage Omega Watches Help, Discussion and Advice
bsowers34
bsowers34
Posts
2
Views
354
cristos71

Omega 33.3 CK2393 Watch Restoration

cristos71 Vintage Omega Watches Help, Discussion and Advice
hansaboy
hansaboy
Posts
7
Views
628
Knudsen1971

Omega 165.024 restoration opinions welcomed

Knudsen1971 Vintage Omega Watches Help, Discussion and Advice
Porteroso
Porteroso
Posts
48
Views
2K
Marblewithe88

Restoration worth for watch value

Marblewithe88 Vintage Omega Watches Help, Discussion and Advice
Marblewithe88
Marblewithe88
Posts
8
Views
488
semdot14

145.012 Restoration

semdot14 Vintage Omega Watches Help, Discussion and Advice
avidmark
avidmark
Posts
8
Views
1K
Paul Anthony

Omega Seamaster 1967 Gold Plated - Seeking Restoration Advice for Damaged Lugs on Inherited Watch

Paul Anthony Vintage Omega Watches Help, Discussion and Advice
Dan S
Dan S
Posts
5
Views
379