Pulled the trigger (with reserve). Any advice on my assessment?

SOG53

Pictures are better than links.
BTW If you paid you have bought it, not just reserved.

SOG53

Looks good to me, shiny and polished but not damaged in process, nice lume patina. Hope you are happy when it arrives.

Dan S

Hands are pretty often replaced during a service, so it's not unusual to have that sort of mismatch. Personally, I'm not a fan of it, but it's a personal taste. Do you think the

placidof

Hi everyone,

I’ve always wanted to buy a vintage Moonwatch, and I’d really appreciate your opinion on one I’ve recently paid and reserved on Chrono24 while I wait for some answers from the seller (specifically about the open case, serial number, and a video plus a photo of the front of the warranty card).

I’ve bought several watches from Japan in the past and always had great experiences - I really hope this one will be the same.

My main criteria were a nice patina on the tritium dial, a “Long S” dial, and a 1479 bracelet. I’ve been browsing Chrono24 for quite some time waiting for the right one, and I didn’t want to let this one slip away, so I decided to reserve it.

Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch ST345.0022.100

Based on my research, I believe this is a transitional piece between the late Ref. 345.0022 (’80s) and the Ref. 3590.50 (’90s), so roughly around 1989–1990. To my eyes, it looks gently polished, and the overall set seems consistent with that period.


The seller listed the serial number as starting with “99…”, which I suspect is a typo for “49xxxxxx”, as that would better align with the production years in question.

I absolutely love the patina on the hour markers ( the hands’ patina seems to match nicely) and both the C4 dial and B2 bezel appear consistent with the year.


I would really value your thoughts, experience, and any feedback on my assessment above. I am obviously cautious about a misjudgement and I appreciate the advice of the many savy collectors that are on this forum.


Thank you in advance to everyone who takes the time to read and help!

UncleBuck

Agree with Dan, little confusing, thought original hands would patina closely to dial.
Don't think negative action will be necessary as long as you are happy (no foul play ) but curious what your exam reveals.
Recourse if disappointed?
On a roll tonight bashing museum quality analysis for everyday spectacular watches.

Saying that, your first photo sure shows different dial/hand tones.

I would spend your money for it!

Honest wabi-sabi is a plus in my book. (beauty of natural experience)

R RobertWill31

Congrats on the pickup - that’s a great looking piece and your reasoning sounds solid. The 1989–1990 transitional period is one of the most interesting for Moonwatches, and the combination of the C4 dial, B2 bezel, and 1479 bracelet fits perfectly for that timeframe.


You’re right about the serial - a 49xxxxxx range makes much more sense than 99, so that’s likely just a typo. The light polishing you mentioned looks gentle and doesn’t seem to take away from the character of the case. The tritium patina on both the markers and hands looks very natural, which is always a good sign.

UncleBuck

Agree with Dan, little confusing, thought original hands would patina closely to dial.
Don't think negative action will be necessary as long as you are happy (no foul play ) but curious what your exam reveals.
Recourse if disappointed?
On a roll tonight bashing museum quality analysis for everyday spectacular watches.

Saying that, your first photo sure shows different dial/hand tones.

I would spend your money for it!

Honest wabi-sabi is a plus in my book. (beauty of natural experience)
Could photos, perhaps, reflect pre/post service?

R RobertWill31

Hi everyone,

I’ve always wanted to buy a vintage Moonwatch, and I’d really appreciate your opinion on one I’ve recently paid and reserved on Chrono24 while I wait for some answers from the seller (specifically about the open case, serial number, and a video plus a photo of the front of the warranty card).

I’ve bought several watches from Japan in the past and always had great experiences - I really hope this one will be the same.

My main criteria were a nice patina on the tritium dial, a “Long S” dial, and a 1479 bracelet. I’ve been browsing Chrono24 for quite some time waiting for the right one, and I didn’t want to let this one slip away, so I decided to reserve it.

Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch ST345.0022.100

Based on my research, I believe this is a transitional piece between the late Ref. 345.0022 (’80s) and the Ref. 3590.50 (’90s), so roughly around 1989–1990. To my eyes, it looks gently polished, and the overall set seems consistent with that period.
https://trinityrental.com/rent-lamborghini

The seller listed the serial number as starting with “99…”, which I suspect is a typo for “49xxxxxx”, as that would better align with the production years in question.

I absolutely love the patina on the hour markers ( the hands’ patina seems to match nicely) and both the C4 dial and B2 bezel appear consistent with the year.


I would really value your thoughts, experience, and any feedback on my assessment above. I am obviously cautious about a misjudgement and I appreciate the advice of the many savy collectors that are on this forum.


Thank you in advance to everyone who takes the time to read and help! Congrats on the pickup - that’s a great looking piece and your reasoning sounds solid. The 1989–1990 transitional period is one of the most interesting for Moonwatches, and the combination of the C4 dial, B2 bezel, and 1479 bracelet fits perfectly for that timeframe.


You’re right about the serial - a 49xxxxxx range makes much more sense than 99, so that’s likely just a typo. The light polishing you mentioned looks gentle and doesn’t seem to take away from the character of the case. The tritium patina on both the markers and hands looks very natural, which is always a good sign.

R RobertWill31

Totally agree with this - that transitional era between the late 345.0022 and early 3590.50 references is such a sweet spot for collectors. You get the classic tritium warmth and the vintage charm without losing daily wearability.


The 1479 bracelet is a great match too - comfortable and period-correct. Sounds like you did your homework carefully; once you confirm the serial, you’ll probably have a really solid piece. Can’t beat a well-aged Moonwatch with honest patina!