Hi all, I saw this 2998-61 posted on eBay a few months ago but it was in pretty ratty shape. I couldn't afford a nice example of this reference so this one was tempting. I cross checked everything on Speedmaster101 and the serial, dial, and hands all checked out. The watch was for sale from a seller in South America which of course raised some red flags. Anyways, I rolled the dice on the seller being legitamate and luckily the watch did make it to me in Hong Kong as described. Here are some shots of when it came in: Far from the nicest 2998 out there but a decent starting point. The DON was pretty ratty, the hands were relumed white at some point, both of the pushers had holes in them and the chronograph function wouldn't reset properly. Then I started the process of finding the missing/damaged materials. The parts were not easy to find but that was the fun of this little project. I was able to source 6 endlinks, a 61 dated 7912 and pushers on the internet. Then I sent it off to STS to get a proper service. I put out a WTB ad on here for a DON and @oddboy was willing to part with one of his which completed the last of the missing parts . I had STS give it a service, put on the new DON, and relume the hands to match the patina of the markers. I asked them leave the dial and case alone to leave as much of the original character of the watch in place as possible. After a few months of waiting the watch came in this week. My wife went from saying it was the ugliest watch I ever purchased to admiting it was now acceptable (which is quite an accomplishment coming from her). Thanks for reading and here are a few photos of it post service. And with its 2913 cousin: Cheers, Mike
Looks good! How did you do financially all said and done? Could you have gotten anything similar for your total bottom line? I enjoy project watches, it draws out the chase.
Nice restoration project, great job hunting the parts & pieces down.. I liked it w/ the "ratty" bezel too.
I love love love projects. Much more fun than walking into an AD or OB and plopping down cash. Is it just me or am I the only one that likes the first DON insert better... Good Job and looks great.