Community Stories

Question re: Speedmaster Vintage

CrnchyCereal
Posts
3
Likes
1
Hi all—I’m pretty new to the world of watch collecting and especially Omegas specifically, so apologies if the question below is silly. I’m looking for a Speedmaster Moonwatch produced in 1986, and I’ve come across one with papers stating it was purchased in 1986. However, the serial number for the movement begins with 4525, and to my understanding, that means it would’ve been produced in 1984 or thereabouts. Is that right? Does this just mean the watch was produced before 1986 but sold in 1986?

Thanks!
 
Passover
Posts
2,144
Likes
2,942
Hi!
In the data I look at right now movements with serial numbers beginning with 4525 were produced in 1982.
Even if this numbers are correct you still don't know from this number when the watch itself was assembled.
The only way to get a production date is the "Extract of the Archives" which -as it seems- have not been issued any more the last two years.
IMO if you want to have a Speedmaster produced in a certain year you have to look for one whith an "Extract of the Archives"

Here is an example for an Extract:

1754147076279.webp


Good luck!
 
SOG53
Posts
3,020
Likes
6,437
Sounds like you are looking for a Birth year watch? In the absence of Extract of Archives- which may be unavailable for some time- I would just try to find one with movement serial number in 1986 range-
You can get pretty close estimate if you enter the SN into the box on ilovemyspeedmaster.com and you can get pretty close (to the month even) date of movement manufacture. The dont worry about when it was sold.
Or you could buy the one youre looking at and call it a 1986 watch too. Either way you can date it as you like. Show pictures here before you buy to make sure its a good one.
 
Dan S
Posts
24,257
Likes
54,021
Watches are often purchased in a different year than they were assembled/delivered. 4525xxxx seems too early for 1986 production, more like 1982. So if that watch was really purchased in 1986, it probably sat unsold for an extra long time.

If it's really important to you, do some research on serial number ranges, and buy one that is plausibly in the right range. There's no guarantee that Omega will start offering extracts again. And since 1986 Speedmasters aren't particularly collectible, very few people will have paid for extracts in the past. Not zero people though, I'm sure there's someone out there with a 1986 Speedmaster and an extract, but it will be hard to find them, and the watch may not be in great condition.

Personally, I'd much rather have a great watch in beautiful condition, with uncertainty about the production year.
Edited:
 
Davidt
Posts
13,201
Likes
22,958
This is the issue with birth year watches. Even if you can accurately pin down serial numbers to years, what are you looking for?

The watch your dad would have bought had he gone down to the local jewellers the day after you were born? Likely that one would’ve been made a year or two before you were born.
Alternatively, a watch that was made in Switzerland the same year you were born? Likely that one was actually sold when you were 1 or 2 years old.
Edited:
 
Evitzee
Posts
7,682
Likes
14,207
I just can't get excited about the birth year thing, better to just find a great example around the year you are looking for. If it's within a couple of years what difference does it make on a 40+ year old watch? It's like horseshoes and hand granades......close enough.
 
CrnchyCereal
Posts
3
Likes
1
I appreciate everyone’s perspectives on this. To make sure that I get a fair price, what would folks estimate a moonwatch from approximately this era to be worth, assuming good condition, no cracks / dings / dents, with full set?
 
Davidt
Posts
13,201
Likes
22,958
Impossible to answer without seeing photos/knowing the condition. Somewhere between £2000-£5000
 
Dan S
Posts
24,257
Likes
54,021
CrnchyCereal CrnchyCereal
I appreciate everyone’s perspectives on this. To make sure that I get a fair price, what would folks estimate a moonwatch from approximately this era to be worth, assuming good condition, no cracks / dings / dents, with full set?
I find the best way to get a sense of value is to find some recent auction sales. This will help you calibrate yourself, keeping in mind that you will pay extra to buy from a dealer, or even a collector.

A full set will be very uncommon for watches from the 80s, and combining birthyear, full set, and excellent condition will be extremely limiting. If you are looking for something so specific, you should forget about price and pay whatever the seller asks if you ever find it.
 
CrnchyCereal
Posts
3
Likes
1
Full set is not a requirement for me. I’m asking because that’s what’s on offer for a particular watch that I’m considering, so I’m trying to assess whether the asking price is fair.

Where would one go to see recent auction sales for this type of watch?
 
Dan S
Posts
24,257
Likes
54,021
CrnchyCereal CrnchyCereal
Full set is not a requirement for me. I’m asking because that’s what’s on offer for a particular watch that I’m considering, so I’m trying to assess whether the asking price is fair.

Where would one go to see recent auction sales for this type of watch?
It's hard to say if the asking price is fair without seeing the watch or knowing the asking price. But if the watch is exactly what you want, you may have to pay the asking price, whatever it is. If we tell you that we wouldn't pay that much, and you get talked out of it, you might regret it later.

As for valuation, start with google.
 
SOG53
Posts
3,020
Likes
6,437
Why don’t you post photos of watch you are considering, and include asking price. At least you can get feedback regarding potential purchase otherwise we are shooting in the dark.
 
STANDY
Posts
16,863
Likes
47,901
We work better when you show us stuff and ask these questions.

Asking without pictures or pricing is only going to get the responses your getting.

For me if you have looked at enough examples (which you should) you wouldn’t need to ask us.
Education is the key to buying vintage or birth year items.

As mentioned anything from 1883 onwards may have been sold in 1986
 
lsj
Posts
89
Likes
81
pls post some photos, there are many information which cannot tell by word.

for example, u mention the paper shows sold in 1986, what kind of paper is it? the date could be written on blank paper at any time after purchase. and the watch and paper may not match.

and what if the paper is real but watch is fake or frankenstain? its very hard to give justification without all these info.

also, as far as i know, omega and longines' "extact of archieve" is based on serial number, does not guarantee all parts are original.
 
Sign up or log in to reply...

Similar threads

G

Speedmaster Vintage questions

gfbbprivate Vintage Omega Watches Help, Discussion and Advice
la_lusigne
la_lusigne
Posts
19
Views
1K
Pascal S

The Channel crosser: a Speedmaster’s tale

Pascal S Vintage Omega Watches Help, Discussion and Advice
S
steversaurus
Posts
22
Views
11K
Travelller

Speedmaster Caliber 321 "Ed White" - A Pictorial Review

Travelller Omega Watch Reviews
skipjack
skipjack
Posts
134
Views
67K
emilio

Speedmaster Vintage Relume or washed dial?

emilio Vintage Omega Watches Help, Discussion and Advice
pascs
pascs
Posts
4
Views
3K
Perrier

Why is the Speedmaster (vintage and modern) considered such a great watch?

Perrier Vintage Omega Watches Help, Discussion and Advice
rollingrevolver
rollingrevolver
Posts
52
Views
6K
D

Question re Speedy Moonwatch on eBay

Dombo63 Vintage Omega Watches Help, Discussion and Advice
D
Dombo63
Posts
0
Views
753