G'day everyone!

Does a scratched case back the Omega Speedmaster 321 damage the watches desirability by a lot? I know the dial is important and bezel, case etc... Just asking because there are many examples where people have tried to open up the movement whilst scratching the case. Is it better to go for the better examples without the scratches and dents?

 

How scratched are we talking? Do you have photos?

I'd think the value would be most affected if the Seahorse emblem were substantially damaged, but otherwise it might not be such a big deal.

 

If it bugs you, pick-up a Preik exhibition back and forget about it.

 

Yes, it is better to go for examples without scratches and dents. If the only scratch appears to be from a tool slipping with the tool (see what I did there? ), and everything else is okey dokey, I would accept the tool scratch.
One of our resident members frequently has Speedmasters for sale. It seems most of the c.321 flavors have this type of scratch, so it must be a common occurrence.

 

If the front looks like this:



IMO it doesn´t matter if the back looks like this:



But of course you will use the damaged back to get a price reduction.

I can see an advantage in an already damaged watch, as you can wear it a as a daily beater, and not feel that you ought to let it sit in the vault, so that it doesn´t get damaged!

 

WTF .Has the previous owner used a chisel and hammer to remove the caseback?

 

Ooooh an isolated "oh shit!" scratch is one thing, that looks like the side of my car (got keyed again last night).

 

Pretty typical scissor damage

 

Nice watch!

 

Suppose its better to go with one without the scratches. The 321 I'm looking at had a fantastic "look" about it. Nice dial, lume case... The only 'fault' are those scratches and dents, but the seahorse is still good and nice to look at. Does an original bracelet to the watch make a huge difference or just any 1039 bracelet ok?

 

Of course it matters. Every scratch matters to the value of a watch when you try to sell it. Every prospective buyer you show it to will bring up the scratch...just like you are bringing it up now. If you plan to keep it and it looks good when you are wearing it then simply take the scratch into account as much as it matters to you when determining a value. Don't ever let anyone tell you a scratch doesn't matter.

JohnCote

 

Love the bezel .

 

For top resale dollar you would want a 1039 0 to 2 yrs younger than the watch (general observations from vintage speediest).

 

If at first you don't succeed, try try again!

 

And again...

 

Agreed this would be the formula for passing the bracelet off as original to the watch. Bracelets were added to the watch after the watch was assembled.
But I don't think it makes much difference in the value? The bracelet itself has value. A 105.012-65 head with a bracelet dated 1969 wouldn't be valued much less than one with a bracelet dated 1966 or 1967, from what I have seen.