Hi, I'm new to the forum and would like to get some advice regarding servicing/restoring my Speedmaster. I believe this to be the 321 calibre which I'm learning is somewhat rare and sought after. You can see from the pic that it's not in the best of condition at the moment. I'm considering having work done on it by Omega at the Bienne center. My question is primarily whether I should have the bezel, dial, & hands replaced in addition to the movement being serviced or will that somehow hurt the value because they are no longer original or 'vintage' ? Also I see a few on Ebay but the asking prices vary by several thousand dollars. Basically I don't know much about what I've got (watch was a gift years ago from a dying relative) so any advice would be welcome.
Thanks. Bill

 

Yeah, my guess is its a '69 cal 861 - but it could just have incorrect replacement parts. If the parts are original never get them changed at service, you would seriously devalue the watch. Lets see some pics of the inside case-back and movement!

 

dsio, I sent this same image to Omega and they replied that they assumed it to be a 321. That is what I'm going by only since I'm not smart on any of this. What does 'a dot above 90' mean ? Is that a points scale for condition ? I'm hesitant to try and open the back because I tried to do that over 30 years ago as a kid and scratched the hell out of the back cover. Anyway, I'm more curious what considerations I should have with replacing those items. On the one hand I would like to have it looking super nice again although I wouldn't mind still being able to recognize it as a vintage watch, just definitely not like it is now though. The crystal obviously needs replacing and the missing button. Is there anything that will decrease the value if it is replaced ? I know this will sound silly, but I'm thinking of how highly prized antique furniture is worth less if it's been re-finished along the way. Anything considerations like that ?

 

Thanks for the info. I guess i will take it to a local watch shop to get them to open it correctly and get some photos when I can so I can learn more about it. It should be original everything on the watch though since my uncle gave it to me mid-70s as a kid, then was in a safe at my mom's house for 10+ years and then I've been wearing it since 1998. I did take it in to have the crystal replaced but that's it for services.

 

Yes that's exactly the case. However as Dsio said, if it has the wrong parts fitted you might as well fit the new replacement parts that are basicaly the correct style.
Omega would have no basis for saying its a 321, they often know less that the collectors! (proved by the fake Seamaster 300 they have displayed in their museum!!), but it could be. My money's still on a c.861 - still a very nice vintage watch! and well worth restoring.

 

it say "Speedmaster" above the seahorse and has the Omega symbol underneath.

 

here a pic of the back. you can see those dumb scratches i made as a kid not knowing how valuable of a watch i was screwing with !! I think i was using a awl

 

Well its definitely 1969 or earlier (that's the date the case was manufactured, not when the watch was retailed). Known as a 'Pre-moon' Speedmaster. Soon after the moon landings the case-back was changed to commemorate the fact that the Astronauts wore Speedmasters.

 

One of the reasons I'm looking to service it is that it's running a bit slow. Back when I had the crystal replaced (2002 in Colorado) I asked the guy to verify it was a real Omega. Anyway, he mentioned that it needed cleaning and that it was real although we never got into dating it or figuring out details like I'm trying to now. Would this type of service be something that I could / should get at a local watch shop or would you recommend only letting Omega do anything with the movement ? I'm currently living in Germany and only a few hours away from Bienne but I'm sure that the $ amount would be higher getting service at Omega.

 

I'm not sure if there is a shop nearby or not. I'll have to investigate.

 

While I noticed that difference, I never paid attention to it being the best way to differentiate the 321 from the 861. I always looked to see if it had the column wheel or not. Thanks for pointing that out.

 

I plan to keep it and continue wearing daily, I just wouldn't want to do anything to diminish the value. I suppose that I could ask to have any replaced parts returned to me and then It would be an option to return to original for someone if I ever did decide to sell it. How about the movement parts ? If i did send it in for service and they needed to replace something within the movement is there any downside risk to that as far as value ?