Today we have been handling some "vintage" Speedmasters in a shop in Paris and I couldn't help notice that there's a weight difference between the 1990s models and the older mid-1960s Speedmaster... although all models had the steel bracelet. Of course the modern steel bracelets are heavier, but could we assume that the mid-1960s watches (caseback & movement) were slightly lighter than the more modern versions ?

 

Lots of polishing... lots...

 

well as a matter of fact not, all watches had scratches and certainly looked like well-used instruments.
Really had the feeling that the 1965 Speedmasters were slightly lighter to handle... of course the modern steel bracelet add some weight.

 

I think most of the difference is in the bracelet.

 

Some of the '60s Seamasters were significantly smaller than the later models, which would translate into less weight.

 

Yep I thought the same. A few weeks ago, I was browsing a watch shop in Hampshire in the UK. I compared my 1960's 105.012 to, what the assistant referred to as, their new 'Moonwatch'. We both detected a difference in weight. I suppose the difference in the bracelets may have something to do with it???

 

the new bracelets use screws adding to the weight... in comparison a vintage 1039/516 steel bracelet really weighs almost nothing

 

I think that's why, years ago, my Dad changed to the 1171 (633 end links) shown on the vintage watch on the right of the above photograph. I worry a little about the clasp though. Wish I knew what he did with the original.