Pre Moon Speedmaster

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flintlock67

·Oct 11, 2023

Hello

Hope you can help.

I've been offered a 1966 Speedmaster. My only concern is that the back is smooth and does not have a
hippocampus engraving.

I’m sure I read somewhere that all pre moon speedmasters did have the hippocampus engraved on the watch back. Is this true please or was I dreaming!

Thank you

John

 

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Davidt

·Oct 11, 2023

Some very early 2915’s had no hippocampus but yes, all 66’s should have one. That said, it’s a thin etching so could be removed.
Do you have a picture?
Have you seen inside the caseback?

 

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flintlock67

·Oct 11, 2023

Thanks Davidt. I’ve attached photo of the back. What do you think please?

 

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daderaz

·Oct 11, 2023

Someone practiced with the planer....
As you can see, the edges of the caseback have also been polished until they are rounded.

 

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flintlock67

·Oct 11, 2023

Thanks daderaz, are you saying someone deliberately polished the hippocampus out?
I so I’ll forget it.

 

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Dan S

·Oct 11, 2023

Very heavily polished. There’s no way to know why it was done.

 

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flintlock67

·Oct 11, 2023

Thanks Dan S. I’m going to pass on it.

 

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Davidt

·Oct 11, 2023

flintlock67

Thanks daderaz, are you saying someone deliberately polished the hippocampus out?
I so I’ll forget it.

Certainly looks that way. What’s the rest of the watch like and what’s the price?

A polished back that that is certainly a negative but it isn’t necessarily catastrophic

 

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SOG53

·Oct 11, 2023

Usually there is more to assess than the Caseback.

 

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flintlock67

·Oct 12, 2023

Thanks everyone. I’m sorry I can’t get any more photos as I was told it was sold when I asked. Never mind, again thanks for all your comments.

 

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pdxleaf

·Oct 12, 2023

Even though it is sold, it might be worth commenting for the future. It might have been polished to remove a personalized engraving.

 

J

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joe band

·Oct 13, 2023

had been serviced at least once, as the crown was a later replacement.

and 633 endpieces are for a later 1171 bracelet.

 

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flintlock67

·Oct 15, 2023

J joe band

had been serviced at least once, as the crown was a later replacement.

and 633 endpieces are for a later 1171 bracelet.

Thanks Joe. I wouldn’t have known that. I’m delighted this forum exists and people like yourself take time to educate me, a complete novice. Many thanks again.