I've been slowly building up a modest collection, mainly through members of this forum.

The next on my wish list is a Speedmaster

After hours reading the forum and referring to Speedmaster101, I'm most likely to be looking for an approx 1970 145.022
Is a budget of around £2K / €3K enough to find a decent example? Pricing seems to vary by a fair amount, and my uneducated eye can't always see the justification for this
Any advice or pointers?

Thanks

 

For $3500 USD I think you should be able to find a nice example, but mostly will depend on how much self-control you can have! Speed101 has the list of what to look for and pay attention to, the name of the game being condition, condition, condition and patience. I got lucky and found a 145.022 for a little less than your budget and it is as nice as I could have hoped. Good hunting!

 

Finding a nice example shouldn't be too difficult within your budget.
Asking price and what the seller will accept are usually totally different.
Don't be afraid to make a reasonable offer if you think the asking price is too high.

 

Sounds like you are in UK?

That's ideal, because you can buy a watch with a few problems, chrono creep for example, or even the wrong hands, for around $1800- 2200 and then spend about £450 at STS.
Not only did I recently do this, but I recommended it on my blog a perfect example on eBay. No one bought it, so I did!
I wrote about it here:
http://speedmaster101.com/blog/the-74-came-in-and-it-a-result/

The basics on buying a 145.022 in one page are here:
http://speedmaster101.com/2015/10/

If you are brave, and have some intuition and indeed the desire, you should be able to find a tired, but attractively dialled, full cased watch that I'll respond to gentle recommissioning. I have always had good results buying a poor condition 145.022 and servicing it, as long as the case and dial are attractive.

Having said all that, I have not seen that many 1969's around recently. The aquisition route I propose above may not be as easy as even last year.

 

Doesn't look like a '69.

Looks like a transitional 145.022-68 or a 145.012 with a modern bezel.

Nice dial

 

the hands are not matching... so bad. it's 3000 pounds. think it's negotiable. It' not mine. it is said to be a 1967. It should be a 321 inside no?

 

I think you should start a new thread on it?

 

me? hm it's not mine as I said. I was just trying to give help.

 

Thanks all for the input.
I don't think I am brave (or experienced enough) to take a gamble on a fixer-up Unless I spot a good recommendation!

But, reassuring to know that I am in the right ballpark figure. I'll keep my eye on the private sales and wait for a good one within budget

 

I saw a nice one today. from the early 80's. tritium dial, nice condition, 861. no box no papers. they ask 3600 euros which is way too much but I have a 20% discount voucher in this shop.

 

If you do your research, and take your time, finding a nice example in the $2000-$3000 range should be easily accomplished.

It takes patience, and reading, re-reading Speedy 101, and comparing it to watches that are on the market.

I picked up my 1979 Speedy in all original condition with a razor sharp case, great patina, and strong running movement for well under $2500.

 

Yes, you must be patient. Two months ago I bought this for 2.300 euros. The dealer had two almost identical (serial number was about 2.000 different), same price and condition. I chose this one because of the "220" insert.

 

Here the pictures

 

Very nice watch. I've learned something new again, hadn't heard of the 220 bezel until now. More options and things for me to think about

 

Asides from the fellow forum members, are there any recommended sellers (shops / Ebay / etc) to look for a Speedmaster?
Preferably UK, or EU, in order to avoid import duties

 

If this is your first, stick to the forum. Kringkilly and Krulyzu (no idea if I've spelt those correctly) have nice examples fairly frequently.
They're in the US I believe but where there's a will there's a way

 

just to make sure : the "220" is a mistake that omega made ... it should read "200", right?



cheers,
al

 

Right.
In 1970 Omega delivered some 145.022ST69 with a wrong insert with 220 instead of 200. Mine has serial number 30.900.xxx.