Rwc1313
·Hi, I’m a new member here and I’m looking for some opinions on what I believe to be an early 80’s 145.022 I’m looking at. Before I begin, I’ve read a humorous parody thread (no sarcasm, I appreciate the humor) of this sort of post so if this is not the place please let me know and I’ll delete.
I’ve settled on a Speedmaster because I appreciate the design and history and how it’s retained the same general design/size/shape throughout the years. I’ve settled on the late 145.022 era because I generally appreciate “vintage” although I think this model might barely make it in to that group compared to earlier models. I have not ruled out the 3590. Of course these models also fall in to my more modest budget range.
I’ve found what I believe to be an early 80’s 145.022 for sale at a relatively well known dealer. It was posted with a box and papers however the warranty card is not correct for the watch because it is dated for 2011. Not sure how the dealer didn’t catch that but it doesn’t really matter to me. The rep I spoke to said it was purchased from a client who was the original owner and is all original except for the leather watch band. Unfortunately the bracelet that should come on this model is not included so I will eventually have to source one. The dial and hands look to be in very good shape. Personally I like this era with what I believe is referred to as the tall S and long R. I’m not sure if this increases the desirability much if at all but I appreciate it. The case is described in very good condition, only receiving a “light cleaning” however I am concerned a bit by the polishing. The hesalite is supposed to be original and is well used, I know these are replaceable but not sure how valuable it is to have an original crystal to the watch in better condition. I can see in the add photos that the bottom pusher button looks a bit loose but I am assuming this will be fixed during service when the watch is reassembled. The watch is being serviced by the shop and will be under their warranty for 12 months.
The shop is not local to me so I have not been able to view the watch in person, only the listing photos and photos the rep sent me of it disassembled for the service. They were asking $3500 (plus tax/shipping) so I jumped on it. That said, it won’t ship until mid next week and the rep was very clear with me that I could return it for any reason within 10 days of receipt. So I feel it is a relatively safe transaction, I think they’ll even pay return shipping. Anyways, I’d like to attach the photos I have of it and see what you guys think. Should I continue on with the deal or are their red flags being shown where I should just cancel it before bothering with shipping? I will have to eventually find a 1171 or 1450 bracelet for it, which is fine. Of course I can wait for it to get here and post some better photos of it in my own hands and then decide whether or not to keep it. At first I thought it was a good deal for a semi vintage Speedmaster, but maybe not and I might have jumped the gun. I appreciate any help/opinions on the matter.
I’ve settled on a Speedmaster because I appreciate the design and history and how it’s retained the same general design/size/shape throughout the years. I’ve settled on the late 145.022 era because I generally appreciate “vintage” although I think this model might barely make it in to that group compared to earlier models. I have not ruled out the 3590. Of course these models also fall in to my more modest budget range.
I’ve found what I believe to be an early 80’s 145.022 for sale at a relatively well known dealer. It was posted with a box and papers however the warranty card is not correct for the watch because it is dated for 2011. Not sure how the dealer didn’t catch that but it doesn’t really matter to me. The rep I spoke to said it was purchased from a client who was the original owner and is all original except for the leather watch band. Unfortunately the bracelet that should come on this model is not included so I will eventually have to source one. The dial and hands look to be in very good shape. Personally I like this era with what I believe is referred to as the tall S and long R. I’m not sure if this increases the desirability much if at all but I appreciate it. The case is described in very good condition, only receiving a “light cleaning” however I am concerned a bit by the polishing. The hesalite is supposed to be original and is well used, I know these are replaceable but not sure how valuable it is to have an original crystal to the watch in better condition. I can see in the add photos that the bottom pusher button looks a bit loose but I am assuming this will be fixed during service when the watch is reassembled. The watch is being serviced by the shop and will be under their warranty for 12 months.
The shop is not local to me so I have not been able to view the watch in person, only the listing photos and photos the rep sent me of it disassembled for the service. They were asking $3500 (plus tax/shipping) so I jumped on it. That said, it won’t ship until mid next week and the rep was very clear with me that I could return it for any reason within 10 days of receipt. So I feel it is a relatively safe transaction, I think they’ll even pay return shipping. Anyways, I’d like to attach the photos I have of it and see what you guys think. Should I continue on with the deal or are their red flags being shown where I should just cancel it before bothering with shipping? I will have to eventually find a 1171 or 1450 bracelet for it, which is fine. Of course I can wait for it to get here and post some better photos of it in my own hands and then decide whether or not to keep it. At first I thought it was a good deal for a semi vintage Speedmaster, but maybe not and I might have jumped the gun. I appreciate any help/opinions on the matter.
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