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Requesting advice - Speedmaster MK II 145.014

wristhusiast
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Hello everyone!

I'm looking at this project 145.014 and I wanted to know if everything looks alright with it. I've done my research and my best to cross reference images of other 145.014s to determine if the watch is authentic, and I believe it is, but i figured I would get some more opinions.

The only thing that is setting me off about this watch are the caseback markings, they look a little sloppy particularly the reference number and some of the text, although that could be just from the photo, or just my inexperience or how they are normally. Other than that, I think it looks alright? Minus the obvious missing pusher. 😅

Thanks in advance for any assistance!

IMG_8754.webp IMG_8756.webp IMG_8755.webp IMG_8758.webp IMG_8761.webp IMG_8763.webp IMG_8759.webp IMG_8760.webp IMG_8762.webp
 
Vinz Clortho
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It looks to be a real MKll, albeit in rough shape case/crystal wise. Interesting one for a project. The crystal is a mineral crystal, not hesalite, so it would need to be replaced.
 
wristhusiast
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Vinz Clortho Vinz Clortho
It looks to be a real MKll, albeit in rough shape case/crystal wise. Interesting one for a project. The crystal is a mineral crystal, not hesalite, so it would need to be replaced.
Sounds good, thanks for the advice! Yeah it's definitely rough, but I think it should clean up nicely.
 
Evitzee
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Looks ok to me, and I own an original MKII from 1973, the original owner. It comes down to price, plus the costs to bring it up to wearable standards.
 
Vinz Clortho
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Yeah, when I bought mine it was for the tropical dial. Seller did a crystal swap and excellent refinish of the case. Really love how it wears and uniqueness of the case. Fun pieces but definitely need to look at overall costs.

20260410_175635.webp 20251126_184104.webp
 
alexei.joukovski
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There are good quality replacement crystals for <$100 online. Try ebay.
The pushers are also interchangeable with the speedmaster moon watch - they just have longer screws pins. You can use the pendant tubes + button caps from the set, and only 50 pounds from place like Cousins UK.

I had to spend nearly $1000 AUD on bracelet and hands on my racing dial mk2 recently to make it wearable.
I know a guy in Australia that does a good job on finishing the cases if you need. He did mine before selling it to me.
 
DSotW
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It's great to see the Mark ii making a comeback in popularity !
 
Vinz Clortho
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All depends where you're located (if in the US) ,can get you the contact info of the guy who put in the new crystal and refinished mine. Excellent job.

Looked like it was dragged over concrete from the scratches on the crystal and case marks. Was night and day when I picked it up.
Edited:
 
Vinz Clortho
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DSotW DSotW
It's great to see the Mark ii making a comeback in popularity !
It's the unique case design which has a vintage, yet futuristic look to it which kind of divides people. Think it wears different and an interesting conversation piece.
 
DSotW
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Vinz Clortho Vinz Clortho
It's the unique case design which has a vintage, yet futuristic look to it which kind of divides people. Think it wears different and an interesting conversation piece.
Yes, I am well aware (I now own two of them). But maybe as people look at vintage watches and see the price of a regular Speedy from the same period, the Mark ii starts to look a lot more attractive.
 
Vinz Clortho
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DSotW DSotW
Yes, I am well aware (I now own two of them). But maybe as people look at vintage watches and see the price of a regular Speedy from the same period, the Mark ii starts to look a lot more attractive.
True, but that's the age old dilemma. The price is cheaper for the Mark ll, but the cost for service and/or restoring one adds to it. For a personal watch it's worth it.

But when people think Speedmaster, this isn't the one they're thinking about. Even though it looks more suited for space with the case shape.
 
wristhusiast
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Evitzee Evitzee
Looks ok to me, and I own an original MKII from 1973, the original owner. It comes down to price, plus the costs to bring it up to wearable standards.
Oh cool, if you don't mind me asking, how much did you pay for it back in 1973? Also, yeah, the price was $600, so I feel like that's fair for the condition, the watch does run apparently.
 
wristhusiast
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Vinz Clortho Vinz Clortho
Yeah, when I bought mine it was for the tropical dial. Seller did a crystal swap and excellent refinish of the case. Really love how it wears and uniqueness of the case. Fun pieces but definitely need to look at overall costs.

20260410_175635.webp 20251126_184104.webp
Nice, that's a beautiful dial.
 
wristhusiast
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alexei.joukovski alexei.joukovski
There are good quality replacement crystals for <$100 online. Try ebay.
The pushers are also interchangeable with the speedmaster moon watch - they just have longer screws pins. You can use the pendant tubes + button caps from the set, and only 50 pounds from place like Cousins UK.

I had to spend nearly $1000 AUD on bracelet and hands on my racing dial mk2 recently to make it wearable.
I know a guy in Australia that does a good job on finishing the cases if you need. He did mine before selling it to me.
Thank you so much for the advice! This is very helpful.
 
Vinz Clortho
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wristhusiast wristhusiast
Nice, that's a beautiful dial.
Thanks, it's the reason I grabbed it. Haven't seen anything like it, especially in the sun. The lime green lume has an iridescent quality contrasting against the brown.
 
Vinz Clortho
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wristhusiast wristhusiast
Also, yeah, the price was $600, so I feel like that's fair for the condition, the watch does run apparently.
For $600, I'd say you got a pretty good deal. Gives you enough room for a full service, replacement pusher(s), crystal, and refinishing (not sure on price offhand for that) and have a really nice piece to wear.
 
Spacefruit
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Thats an unusual serial to see in a MkII.
2960xxxx is usually seen in the 145.022 and MkII's usually are 31m+
Are there any other MkII owners with a serial this close?
I have a soft spot for MkII's
 
spacemission
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Spacefruit Spacefruit
Thats an unusual serial to see in a MkII.
2960xxxx is usually seen in the 145.022 and MkII's usually are 31m+
Are there any other MkII owners with a serial this close?
I have a soft spot for MkII's
Racing dial 30.5 mill confirmed by Bienne.
 
Evitzee
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wristhusiast wristhusiast
Oh cool, if you don't mind me asking, how much did you pay for it back in 1973? Also, yeah, the price was $600, so I feel like that's fair for the condition, the watch does run apparently.
$165 from an Omega AD in St. Louis, MO. Wedding present from my wife, still have the wife and the watch.
 
Raskolnikov
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It’s looks nice, this will be great once the restoration is done. Try to keep the original dial and hands. Caseback looks fine to me. How is the bracelet?
 
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