I was at the dealer (not AD) the other day and they have two 145.022s from a local collector on consignment. I believe one is a later 90’s that was in nearly new condition (all paperwork and boxes). It looks like it may have been serviced in the past two years (I saw what looked like a service card but it was in Italian) which could explain the condition but I honestly felt like it was a brand new watch.

The other appears to be a mid 80’s version with some patina and character which I rather prefer. The bracelet has a little stretch but the dial appears original (hands might be replacement but I can’t tell). Also in good shape and taken care of by their prior owner.

Although I like the patina of the older model and the old tritium dial, is there any value difference between the two? Are all post-78 models the same in value (if condition was the same)?

I don’t have a pic of the 90’s one but here is one of the 80s one. If they were priced the same which would you do? Also the dealer will provide one year warranty on service on either of them.

 

I think the value of the tritium models will only go up in future. These days people will pay a small fortune for tritium hands in good shape and most vintage lovers appreciate the way tritium ages. Of course from a pure practical point of view super luminova is "better", so only you can answer what is more important to you.

 

Tritium change was 98-99 I like think.

 

The watch in your photo is from the early '90s, not the '80s - unless it was serviced and had its '80s dial and bezel swapped for early '90s specs.

I would say true '80s Speedmasters may now have a slight edge in value over tritium '90s models - but only very slight, and assuming the '90s model is a solid-caseback model. Display-back tritium '90s Speedmasters will carry a small premium.

 

As always, go with what your heart tells you. The 80s version would have the 861 movement, the other might also. Serviceable, repairable, reliable for either. The newer one would have an “improved” bracelet. The creamy tritium lume on the older one is attractive. Buy what you love!

 

Appears to be a 1479 bracelet in the picture, rather than the more desirable 1450, but the 1479 is still pretty valuable compared to a modern one.

 

Thank you for your advice. I really want the 861 movement. It could be an early 90s model I suppose since they kept tritium dials around for a while. I’ll try and get a serial number.

 

There is only a year or 2 overlap on 1861 and Tritium.

Why an 1861?

 

Sorry it was a typo. I meant 861

Thanks

 

861 and 1861 are the same minus finishing for the most part. Just wondered if you thought there was a difference.

Take your time and hunt the right one wil show up.

 

Hi all, just as a follow up to my first inquiry:

The dealer is stating that this is a 1985 145.022 with serial number 48275972
I've added a few new pics. Does this seem legit? Would they have put a 1479 bracelet on a 1985? Is the dial an early 90's replacement during some early service (would it be weird that they would replace the dial after 5-7 years?)

Thank you again!

 

The dial and the bezel on the watch pictured did not exist in 1985 so they were replaced some time later. Or the movement is a replacement, or the dealer mis-read the serial number. Nice patina on that dial though.

 

Thanks. I do like the appearance but I don't need to go after a frankenwatch with so many out there. I appreciate your help as I would be left to rely on the dealer without it.

 

Based on serial number, that watch is from 1991. The dealer is using the wrong chart to look up the serial number on it. 48 million other Omegas, like Seamasters for example, would be 1985. In Speedmaster Pro family, 48.27 mil serial number is 1991.

 

Wow, ok...does this mean the bezel and dial could be original? Would the bracelet match a 1991?

 

Yes I believe so.

 

Hy,

here are my 2 examples that are closest to serial you provide.


First is 48263xxx that is from 1991. Only difference is that my has long S and r on dial.



Next in line that has little higher number is serial 48347xxx. It has short S and r. Production should be from 1996.



Both have cal. 861,
91 has 1479 bracelet, no accent e on tachy
96 has 1499 bracelet. with accent on e on tachy

What you provide is something between my two and I think its all correct example.


I hope you got good infos you need.