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·So on and so on and scoobie doobie doo

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.