Dear All, could you please help valuing this Speedmaster that I´m interested in? Some information from the seller: Caseback ref. : 145.022-ST 71 Calibre: 861 Serial Numbers: 32859xxx (what dates it to 1971, if my research is correct) Pictures below. Bezel is missing (how much would it cost and how difficult is it to find the right one?) Bracelet not original too, obviously (how much would it cost and how difficult is it to find the right one?) I´ve seen a few on the bay but couldn´t compare them (too many details). Any additional information is highly appreciated. Best regards.
These aren't hard to find, so unless the price is rock bottom you're better off waiting for something in better condition to come up in the next week or two !
This is a cheap watch, but at the right price an interesting project. Bezel is about $120 for one that would match. It should be a DN90 with tall Tachymetre letters and no accent. bracelet should be 1171. Service replacements are marked 1171/1 and don't feel as nice in my experience. they run run all over the place, from $100-400 depending on condition, length, and end pieces
Thanks to all for your helpful inputs. Based on these and the condition of the watch (considering the need of a bezel and bracelet) what would be a reasonable price to pay for the watch? Best regards.
An example on a generic strap with wear and signs of polish but with no service needs will trade around $1,700. Deduct for parts and service on this one (and still keeping a generic strap), and I'd say around $900-$1,000. Then you'll have one of the most common Speedmasters available, in serviced but worn condition, on a generic strap, with major replacement parts. Hopefully it will be a watch you want to keep for a long time. It's not an example collectors will be beating down the door to own. But if you can get it for less than $900, it might be worth it depending on what movement parts it needs. But again, that's if you're really drawn to it. If the seller contacted me with this on offer, I (personally) would pass for anything over $750 because the finished product is not my cup-of-tea, and eBay gets 10% of whatever I can sell it for...
The above reasoning is sound, but the problem is rubbish sells for more than what it is worth when viewed with a cool head. I would say no slightly informed seller would accept $1000 for this. If I had this watch and put it up on ebay I would expect it to exceed $1200 after removing the bracelet. If I put on a period correct and commensurate condition bezel (worth about 60-100), then I think it would go for $1500+. Is it worth that? Not to me, but I strongly believe that to be the market value. I have been unable to find a Speedmaster head for less than $1500 in a public auction. So if the seller accepts $750, I think it is because he is ignorant. (I use the word as a description not an insult) These are terrible photos, with awful presentation.... In UK, I think they changed watch sales to cap the charges at $50. Anyone know for sure? Its very hard to know for sure from the information ebay publish.
Given the work that's needed on this one, and the relative abundance of examples from this period I'd keep looking for a better original example. The only way if look twice at this is if it was exceptionally cheap, or I wanted a project that I could put my own work into and say 'I personally restored this'. If you just want a nice vintage speedmaster, I can't see how this one makes sense given the parts and effort that are needed unless it's well under $1k, eh I as other have said, is unlikely. Personally, I'd keep looking...
The seller is asking US$ 1400, so, based on your assessment, I´ll pass it. Thanks to all for your inputs and knowledge. Best regards.
Yes you are right - I think it was a momentary aberration about six months ago - when watches were under "accessories".