Community Stories

Question about Omega Speedmaster Professional

hcj29
Posts
3
Likes
2
Hi OmegaForums, new member here. This Omega Speedmaster Professional was a gift from an uncle about 15 years ago, and I've owned it since then but never worn.

I'm now looking into selling this and purchasing a different Omega, but wanted to see if you all could help verify the authenticity of this one as I can't find the serial number on the back of the case (maybe it's within the case)? It was gifted to me without a warranty card or papers. The hour hand of the chronograph has come loose within the case but otherwise the mechanism works flawlessly, but obviously within need of a service.

Thanks so much!
 
IMG_2794.jpeg IMG_2795.jpeg IMG_2796.jpeg IMG_2797.jpeg
amcclell
Posts
1,534
Likes
3,231
Looks like a 145.022-69ST to me with the correct dot over 90 bezel.
 
Dan S
Posts
21,570
Likes
48,865
amcclell amcclell
Looks like a 145.022-69ST to me with the correct dot over 90 bezel.

Agreed. Photos of the inside will be needed to say much more. The hour hand looks ok except for chrono creep, are these old photos?
 
repoman
Posts
2,290
Likes
4,572
Welcome hcj29. You've come to the right place. First, if your Uncle is still alive, call him up and tell him what a great guy he is. Most of the time around here, when we get a post that starts with "my Uncle gave me..." 99% of the time turns out to be a horrendous fake. The pictures you posted are not very crisp, but, you seem to have a 1969 "pre-moon" Omega Speedmaster Professional, that in any condition is a very collectable (and valuable) watch. A cursory look reveals some good news and some bad news: the good news is: its a '69 pre-moon, the "dot over 90" bezel is in miraculously good condition so assuming its authentic (there are modern reproductions) it will raise the value quite a bit. The not so good is that there is clearly a service needed, there is no bracelet, no box/papers, and the dial and hands are not particularly attractive as the lume is discolored and/or missing (hard to tell from pics), and the case has been polished. The serial number will be on the watch movement and the caseback will need to be removed to see it. Bottom line, you will have no trouble selling it, but do some due diligence on your own to figure out what you think its worth so that you end up with a fair price upon sale. speedmaster101.com is a great place to start your education. You'll probably get lots of replies here at will help as well, and some private messages offering to buy it.
 
hcj29
Posts
3
Likes
2
Thank you so much amcclell, Dan S and repoman! The hour hand actually came loose when I went to put it back in my safe, so it must have been very loose and it wasn't resetting even before that. This is all super helpful and great to know that it's potentially a 1969 (I had no idea). Definitely agreed on the service, lack of papers, and an original bracelet - but I will keep you all posted on how this goes or if I end up keeping in the end, hearing all this. Really much appreciated!
 
ortope
Posts
360
Likes
592
Sincerely I would service the watch, put an original band on it and definitively keep it....

Cheers
 
A
Posts
120
Likes
78
hcj29 hcj29
Thank you so much amcclell, Dan S and repoman! The hour hand actually came loose when I went to put it back in my safe, so it must have been very loose and it wasn't resetting even before that. This is all super helpful and great to know that it's potentially a 1969 (I had no idea). Definitely agreed on the service, lack of papers, and an original bracelet - but I will keep you all posted on how this goes or if I end up keeping in the end, hearing all this. Really much appreciated!
Keep it. Especially if it's a watch that has been in the family. Plus it's a super cool watch
 
Spacefruit
Posts
5,275
Likes
24,066
This is one of those watches that if you stick it on eBay right now you may well get a little bit more than it’s actually worth.

People love a watch that looks untouched, with a story that is believable, a story that suggests originality.

The unknowables in this case, are the actual condition of the bezel, the dial, and the movement. We can see they are probably okay, but nowadays we have to be particularly careful Of DO90 bezels. The only way for me to really tell is to have a proper focused shot of the bezel.

There is no question the case back profile has been changed slightly and this you can never restore. So any valuation would have to take a view on that.

The state of the movement may or may not be good and whilst this is almost certainly original and okay, the big danger with buying an unopened watch is that the movement is either badly damaged, or has happened to me once, a Lemonia movement . This last scenario is extremely unlikely, but catastrophic in terms of value.

The dial is correct and while not the best we have seen it is still going to turn out okay once you get the watch serviced. As with many watches in this situation, often servicing by the owner does not actually add any value to the sale. However I note that you are planning to buy another Omega with the proceeds of the sale. I’m not sure I could suggest a better watch to buy then this one (once serviced) in terms of usability desirability, preservation of value, and enjoyment. The danger is that any watch you buy with the proceeds of the sale might lose its attraction quite quickly. Perhaps I’m just applying my own feelings and thoughts to the situation and you would find it different.

If you are going to service it then make sure that you find a watchmaker with access to Omega parts, and it who is familiar with vintage watches who is not going to change any parts unnecessarily, or change parts so that the value is reduced to a collector. As I said, it is entirely possible that any money you spend on the service would not be recouped if you sell immediately after.

Servicing does depend on where you are in the world but I’m sure there are plenty of people who can suggest someone local to you who would service this with sympathy.

Perhaps one way forward would be to service the watch, wear it for awhile and see if you would like to live with it. Then you can sell it, if you feel the need.
 
Seaborg
Posts
1,552
Likes
3,647
Spacefruit Spacefruit
However I note that you are planning to buy another Omega with the proceeds of the sale. I’m not sure I could suggest a better watch to buy then this one (once serviced) in terms of usability desirability, preservation of value, and enjoyment. The danger is that any watch you buy with the proceeds of the sale might lose its attraction quite quickly. Perhaps I’m just applying my own feelings and thoughts to the situation and you would find it different.
...
Perhaps one way forward would be to service the watch, wear it for awhile and see if you would like to live with it. Then you can sell it, if you feel the need.

I would do this, just as suggested by William.

To summarize, your watch is :
1) an heirloom (priceless if you ask me)
2) a super nice 145.022-69 in good condition
3) definitely a perfect watch (sporty albeit classy as well)

You will never find a better watch.

Cheers.
 
Mark020
Posts
5,796
Likes
8,994
Wonder what other Omega you would want to replace this one with. Nice example...
 
Dan S
Posts
21,570
Likes
48,865
Mark020 Mark020
Wonder what other Omega you would want to replace this one with. Nice example...

That was also my question. Maybe something plastic and colorful. 👍
 
FCA
Posts
115
Likes
1,061
I recon your uncle is/was a good guy 👍
If so get it serviced and keep it, IMO this is the best gift anyone could dream for.
If you replace it my bet is that you will always look back on this with regret 🙁
 
hcj29
Posts
3
Likes
2
Thanks again to you all for the guidance and advice! This is incredibly helpful, what a great community I've found. I've had my eye on a Planet Ocean Seamaster for some time, but that was before I knew the history and legacy of this one...In the end I'll very likely end up keeping now knowing everything (so apologies if I wasted any time) but it's great to hear more about it. Feel pretty lucky here!
 
rob#1
Posts
2,006
Likes
3,381
hcj29 hcj29
Thanks again to you all for the guidance and advice! This is incredibly helpful, what a great community I've found. I've had my eye on a Planet Ocean Seamaster for some time, but that was before I knew the history and legacy of this one...In the end I'll very likely end up keeping now knowing everything (so apologies if I wasted any time) but it's great to hear more about it. Feel pretty lucky here!

Good move, it’s a great watch and a priceless heirloom 👍
 
Sign up or log in to reply...

Similar threads

E

Questions about Omega Seamaster 120 166.027

ElliotB Vintage Omega Watches Help, Discussion and Advice
pkaye6
pkaye6
Posts
7
Views
3K
masek

Question about Omega Constellation Pie Pan

masek Vintage Omega Watches Help, Discussion and Advice
masek
masek
Posts
15
Views
2K
N

Questions about Omega Speedmaster 145.014 Racing dial? Ring patterns under chronograph hands or not?

nicizz Vintage Omega Watches Help, Discussion and Advice
N
nicizz
Posts
10
Views
3K
1

1968 Omega Speedmaster Professional Transitional - family heirloom watch

1968Speedy Vintage Omega Watches Help, Discussion and Advice
1
1968Speedy
Posts
12
Views
1K
O

Newbie question about watch timing and accuracy: Constellation Calibre 8700

Ovmm Watchmaking
Knebo
Knebo
Posts
13
Views
710
Robert-Jan

My 25 Years Of Owning The Omega Speedmaster Professional

Robert-Jan Modern Omega Watches
howdy
howdy
Posts
6
Views
3K