Restoration Advice

Hi folks,
A few years ago I acquired an Omega Speedmaster “Ed White” which I’m in the process of restoring via an experienced independent watchmaker.

I have 2 options for the restoration with option (a) being only changing essential components including plexiglass glass with a mechanical overhaul while option (b) is to replace the pushers, crown, bezel and cash polish.

I would retain all the original parts noting the current pulsations bezel appears to be a service bezel.
Interested in hearing from experienced members in relation to Pros and Cons of the options.

Many thanks.

Find out exactly what is original, and then decide, but less is always more.

I say it depends on what you want out of the watch.

For me, it's a matter of water resistance. Will the watch pass with new gaskets, pushers, and crown? If it does and you have plans to wear it regularly, replace them.

I have a 145.022-69 ST and was in a similar quandary. Full restoration or select parts. I had the movement was fully serviced and the watchmaker did an excellent job making the case look extraordinary without resorting to actual polishing. Maybe it was just that dirty. My crystal was in good shape. The original crown and pusher gaskets had liquefied then hardened inside the movement; a real pain to clean up apparently, so I was asked if the pushers and crown should be replaced. My watch had some corrosion in the case back area so there was some doubt it would pass even with new parts. This lead me to only replace the crown. Not the best decision under the circumstances. Sort of half-assed. I wished I had just replaced everything, taken a chance it'd pass.

The first time I wore it, on the second day, I got fogging under the crystal. That doesn't mean water got inside necessarily during my wear, but it sort of ruined the watch for me and I hardly wear it, only a few times since then and that was almost ten years ago. Now, I'm contemplating selling it or sinking some more cash into it to improve its performance. Now that Omega has a nearly identical watch for sale new, it's harder to choose.

If you want to wear it, get it fully serviced, water tested for your own peace of mind, but skip a full-on polish.

That Look better .. need some work

Be careful with doing too much 😀

Keep as is

Thanks for all the responses, some very helpful insights. The watch will be part of a broader rotation so I am trying to strike the right balance between retaining the watches heritage characteristics and overall wearability.

After reasonable consideration, I have decided to proceed with essential restoration including retaining the existing hands and crystal where at all possible.

Thanks again for all the advice.

RF

Great advice given to you. Think, think again, proceed.

Vintage watches will tell you phantastic stories when you look at them, but most are secrets that you have to unravel by interpreting the marks, scratches, and colors.