Hi guys, Have been looking on these forums for a little while now trying the educate myself and also looking my first purchase along the way.... Id appreciate it if anyone could give me some thoughts on a particular piece im considering? Any help much appreciated. Cheers. Reuben
Looks like a nice 145.022-69 with original bracelet, hands and dial. One of the last to come with a DoN bezel as well, which is good. The movement looks like it may have some discolouration but this may just be shadow? It's hard to give an opinion on the case as well from the pics. From what I can see and depending on the price, would make a nice daily wearer.
Thanks for the feedback David. Im trying to get more pictures of the case and the movement. Serial is 29302... I think the price is a little steep though... $5000 aus (4600 us) What would a be a decent price to pay?
Additionally, I like this model on the whole. It has the stepped dial, pre moon back and DoN bezel. The only thing it's missing is the applied logo to make it a true transitional, but then again, it should be slightly cheaper. because of this they retain much if the classic 60's speedy look, with the more common 861. I've got the same model for all these reasons.
if it is a 69 the serial sounds right as mines 2911xxxxx. The price sounds extremely high though. Check out the speedmaster101 website for a good price guide.
I had a feeling that the price is steep. He has advertised that he isn't negotiable either.... They are just so hard to find in Australia, and if i get one from overseas i had to take into account the import duty/taxes which will be around $500 im guessing? Might be best posting up and wanted ad and see what comes along, ive got the itch and it isnt going away and it especially wont go until i have a pre moon speedy on my wrist
It could be a good looking watch if it was half the price. $4600 is way too high even taking into account the DON bezel and 1039 bracelet, which is extremely polished which it should not be.
With luck and patience you should be able to get a nice one from the US for $2 - 2.5k. Even with import duty this would be considerably less than this example.
Probably a little more based on this year's prices. A later '70s example should weigh in at around $2k. Printed dials (with hippocampus or straight text case back) 861s have been selling for $2.5-$3k depending on condition and applied logo transitional dials as high as $3.5k if I recall correctly.
It's not a bad watch, but it is as others have said very expensive. The photos are terrible and won't enable me to give you a thorough idea of what I think. for some background on buying a speedmaster go here: www.speedmaster101.com the price chart on the site reflects willing buyer to willing seller in a non taxed zone, so Australian prices may be a little higher. Anyone behind in day wall of customs officers has my sympathy. (I love Hong Kong!)
I've read speedmaster 101 back to front three times already ☺ The more I learn, read and admire the more I lean toward spending a bit more and getting (trying to find) a 321, applied logo, etc. I've owned vintage cars my entire adult life so I've always coveted the old over new. Its the originality in age and the beauty that comes with it that I find alluring, so in the end ill being paying more to get an original piece into the country unfortunately...unless there are any Australian forum members that could point me in the right direction? Cheers Reuben
I saw that one. The bezel is incorrect but I thought on the whole it looked a decent watch for a reasonable price.
I was so focused on the stepped dial and applied logo that I missed the bezel. The case is also polished, but I like the watch at this price.
Looks pretty good actually. Im not a member on timezone though....may have to join. What sort of $ am I looking at for a correct don90 bezel?
I honestly don't know. More knowledgeable folk than me may well chip in but I haven't seen any decent DoN bezels for sale that aren't attached to a watch. I'd guess at $4-500 if you can find one but I may be wrong.
I think it can be difficult to find one in good condition that is not attached to another speedy. If any pops up, it will be expensive and there will be many people looking for it
I suppose it will be hard to find all the combinations of exactly what i want. It seems at this stage its better to wait for all the stars to line up and spend a little more on a piece that ticks all the boxes
Does this bracelet seem over polished? Ive been looking with intrest at the speedy in the above link.... To my untrained eye the watch itself seems too polished as well, the left lug looks smaller than the right ?