Restoring Father's Vintage Speedmaster

ddn · Mar 12, 2021

I thought I'd share some pics of my father's vintage Speedmaster that I've just sent off for restoration to a watchmaker I found recommended on this forum. This was given to him by his grandmother in the mid-60s, which would have been quite an expensive gift for her means at that time. We'll see what opening it reveals but it should be unadulterated, other than the movement having been replaced under warranty by Omega some time in the 70s due to water incursion and the original clasp being replaced with an unmarked one. Other than that history, I don't know much about it yet. Whatever the result it will be an heirloom I'll wear with pleasure.

Dan S · Mar 12, 2021

Hands, dial, and bezel are not from the mid-60s, so maybe they were all replaced in the 70s during the repair.

dsio · Mar 12, 2021

As Dan said, the dial and hands among other parts look to have been replaced, and it may be worth trying to source an original dial and accompanying parts for it to restore it to its original 60s condition.

ndgal · Mar 12, 2021

ddn
This was given to him by his grandmother in the mid-60s,

Maybe early to mid 70's?
Looks like a 145.022-69 from early 1971...

joe band · Mar 13, 2021

do you know if it is a 321 or 861 movement?
220 bezel would indicate 145.022-69.

JimJupiter · Mar 13, 2021

J joe band
do you know if it is a 321 or 861 movement?
220 bezel would indicate 145.022-69.

Or the first Time we see a 220 bezel on another watch 😉
I am also pretty sure it’s a 1970 145.022 -69.
Could you open the caseback and give us a view on the movement please?

Nico

malilis · Mar 13, 2021

Would be very interested to see some images after restoration ... thks,

ddn · Mar 13, 2021

I will circle back after restoration once I have internal pics. 70s is entirely possible. That timeline was a guess from memory, but could very well be off as you know how those things go.

connieseamaster · Mar 13, 2021

Bemused by all of the comments asking for more pictures despite OP's initial post saying that the watch is already off to the watchmaker.

No matter what the combination of parts and movement ends up being, it's in very attractive cosmetic condition now and once it's been serviced, it will be a great family watch

Dan S · Mar 13, 2021

ddn
70s is entirely possible.

That would explain a lot. You seemed very definitive about the timeline in your initial post, so I didn't question it. The whole history is making more sense to me now, including that the movement was replaced "under warranty" in the 70s.

wagudc · Mar 13, 2021

connieseamaster
No matter what the combination of parts and movement ends up being, it's in very attractive cosmetic condition now and once it's been serviced, it will be a great family watch

I agree 100%, it is a great watch. The genuine article, whether or not some parts have been replaced over the years. It's been loved and worn through the years, and you can continue that trend.

Here is my Dad's -69 Speedmaster on my wrist with a 1990s replacement dial.

Here is my Dad wearing it many years ago.

SkunkPrince · Mar 13, 2021

Since Omega still sells these bracelets, I would buy a new one. Yours looks a little too worn, I'd be worried it'd come apart unexpectedly.

jaguar11 · Mar 13, 2021

Personally if it were worn by my Grandfather I would not change thing on it. Its originality is not an issue here. This is something special and it accompanied him on his life journey. I would want it as he wore it and I would want to be looking at the same dial as he did. Save of course for the bracelet it replacing it is the only means to make it secure on your wrist. Very special.

Matth84 · Mar 13, 2021

Could you maybe share a picture of the movement?

Observer · Mar 13, 2021

One of the great things about scratched up inherited watches is that your scratches look great mixed in with those of your ancestor(s). Fix it and wear it! It’s a great looking watch.

ddn · Mar 13, 2021

I didn't want to risk opening it and it's already off to the watchmaker, as I said. I'll get it repaired as needed and then enjoy it. Originality would be wonderful, but I will never sell it and so the market value is irrelevant. The band is quite loose as noted though, so that maybe need replacing. Anyway, I will share internal pics when I get them and fill in the blanks. I remember my dad wearing it as a kid, but he got other watches over the years and this one fell by the wayside so it hasn't been worn in many many years.

DanT · Mar 13, 2021

wagudc
I agree 100%, it is a great watch. The genuine article, whether or not some parts have been replaced over the years. It's been loved and worn through the years, and you can continue that trend.

Here is my Dad's -69 Speedmaster on my wrist with a 1990s replacement dial.

Here is my Dad wearing it many years ago.

Total dude

DanT · Mar 13, 2021

Great story, look forward to updates

Restoring Father's Vintage Speedmaster

ddn

Dan S

dsio

ndgal

joe band

JimJupiter

malilis

ddn

connieseamaster

Dan S

wagudc

SkunkPrince

jaguar11

Matth84

Observer

ddn

DanT

DanT

Similar threads

Vintage Speedmaster, trying to identify

Vintage Speedmaster .. is it rust?

Vintage speedmaster advice, family passed down

Help identifying a vintage Speedmaster Mk40 175.0084

My first vintage speedmaster 145.022-69

Father’s vintage Omega Seamaster