I purchased my first Speedmaster Pro recently and I've fallen deeply in love with the Speedmaster in general. All the time I've spent on the OF has me developing a taste for the earlier Speedmaster, such that I'm now thinking about replacing my current gen Speedy Pro with a birth year vintage model. There is a listing on Watchuseek at the moment that I've been eyeballing. The seller had the watch serviced prior to listing and doesn't want to open a newly serviced watch. Given I'm not able to see the movement and, without the serial number, there's no way to confirm which year the watch was produced, I've decided to pass on this one. Nonetheless, I'm hoping to draw on the collective wisdom of the forum to understand the condition of this example (based upon what we can see) so that I have a better sense of what to look for as my search continues. I'll post all of the pics below, but here is what I see: -The case appears to be in very nice condition... lightly polished in the past. -Pushers and crown look correct based upon samples from Speedmaster101 -The dial looks essentially flawless and in nice, original condition as well. -The lume on the dial and handset matches nicely, although I'm not in love with the way the metal on the hour and minute hands have yellowed somewhat - is this normal? -Bracelet looks correct but with quite a bit of stretch. I'd be extremely appreciative of anyone willing to provide their overview of the watch in the images. I realize nothing can be said as to the internals. Cheers!
It's really quite a beautiful example of a 145.022-76. Shame there is no picture of the movement as the caseback was clearly removed to take the picture of the inner caseback markings. Looks like possibly a chip or scratch in the crystal causing a shadow just to the left of the S in Speedmaster, but that could probably be polished out. The bracelet is correct, the endlinks are correct, the caseback engraving is almost NOS, the patina of the hands is very normal as well, often they are darker than the dial markers. The bezel is absolutely stunning, nearly flawless in fact, and these aren't nearly as valuable as a DON but they are on the rise. I personally own a "birth year" 145.022-76, and I'm using the production date from the Omega Extract to make that claim as it's within 3 weeks of my actual birthday which is not even in 1976. I know another very prominent member here doesn't want an Extract and just goes by the 76 stamp in the caseback as his birth year is 1976. I know it will be very difficult for you to find another one of these in this condition, that I do know. Good luck on your hunt.
Hi Regd, Well I'd say this about the internals. He has taken the caseback off for a photo. Also, he described it as serviced. For I item like this I'd expect to see a copy if not the original invoice for the work done. On this there should be contact details of the watchmaker and serial number. If the seller removes the last digits you can still tell if it's in the right range. If not you could see if the watchmaker has a movement shot on file. Just my 10p 647
Welcome to -76 club Early dial 39m serial. I'm the one that doesn't want the extract, due to birthyear. I'm happy with the early dial for proof of year. Wow yours is stunning great lume patina, dial, case, bezel and a correct non /1 bracelet. I dare say best condition one I've seen.
Thanks everyone for the help and advice! Just confirming the sale of one of my existing Speedy Pro to a friend and, if that happens, this beauty will be mine!!!
Well once you get it open up the back and write down the serial. Get yourself an extract if you like, otherwise enjoy your beautiful 76!!
