Seeking thoughts on what is believed to be a Speedmaster 105.002-62A

JFury · Feb 20, 2025

I am helping my father figure out what he has and what to do with the Speedmaster he was gifted when he received his first degree in 1963. The current plan is to take it to an Omega Boutique to have the bracelet re-attached. I am not sure if it works, as I didn't want to wind it after so many years sitting in a jewelry box (in a zip lock bag...) and risk breaking something. He has/had no idea of what he owned. I told him to at least get a watch case for it. I am not sure what to advise my Dad to do after that. There is no plan to sell it. It will be a part of the family history to be passed down. We just want to have an idea of its value to make sure we treat it with the appropriate care it deserves.

I am about 350 miles away from my Dad, so I can't get more pictures easily. They are a bit tech unfriendly.... It will be about a month or so before I can get better/more pictures. Apologies for that.

What I think:
- It is a 1962 transitional Speedmaster Ref.105.002-62A

What I know:

Purchased in 1963 in Downtown Los Angeles probably from the wholesale district near where they lived.
It is engraved with the graduation date, my Dad's name, and the initials of his father and step mother who gifted it to him (H.H). (Picture included in post with his name covered/obscured for privacy)
He wore it for a short time then decided it was too heavy and packed it away.
According to my father he has never had it serviced, cleaned, polished, etc. He once took it to be cleaned, but didn't want to pay the $700 they quoted him.
Given it hasn't been serviced, cleaned, etc. I believe it has never been opened up.

Questions:

Will it be an issue or change the value to open it to get the numbers from inside? I have a feeling that without the numbers, the value may be less because the numbers are not verified.
Will reattaching the bracelet (by the Omega Boutique) affect the value?
Is it a good idea to have the removed links re-attached when Omega does the pin for the bracelet? My dad has no plans to wear it anymore, and hasn't worn it since the 60's.
How does the engraving affect the value? The name is done in the same font as the date and initials that I left visible.

Thank you for your time, attention, and advise!

Davidt · Feb 20, 2025

It looks like a potentially excellent example with what appears to be original parts in top, too condition.
You can check the value on the speedmaster101 website.

Unless someone has a burning desire to wear this, I wouldn’t rush to have a boutique reattach the bracelet. If done correctly it make no difference but every time someone touches this watch you run the risk of knocking it down the condition scale if you aren’t certain the person doing the work, ever as minor as attaching a strap, can do it properly.

I’d take my time to find a good vintage watchmaker you can trust and have that one company do a clean and service (absolutely no work to dial, hands, bezel or case - just cleaned and the movement service).

Finally, if you have no intention of selling, how come most of your questions relate to value?

JFury · Feb 20, 2025

Davidt
It looks like a potentially excellent example with what appears to be original parts in top, too condition.
You can check the value on the speedmaster101 website.

Unless someone has a burning desire to wear this, I wouldn’t rush to have a boutique reattach the bracelet. If done correctly it make no difference but every time someone touches this watch you run the risk of knocking it down the condition scale if you aren’t certain the person doing the work, ever as minor as attaching a strap, can do it properly.

I’d take my time to find a good vintage watchmaker you can trust and have that one company do a clean and service (absolutely no work to dial, hands, bezel or case - just cleaned and the movement service).

Finally, if you have no intention of selling, how come most of your questions relate to value?

It is definitely destined to be passed down in the family, at least as long as I am alive. The value questions are mostly so we don't do anything to change the watch's value and to make sure that my Dad understands what he has and stops keeping it in the zip lock bag. Basically to treat it as it should be treated and also to gauge if we should insure it or place it in the bank box or not.
I appreciate the reply, and info.

southtexas · Feb 20, 2025

That is bad ass. I love these finds.

Harbormaster · Feb 20, 2025

southtexas
That is bad ass. I love these finds.

I agree! So cool to find these untouched examples in pristine condition. I would take your time with this and do a ton of research.

Congrats on a very nice watch!!

JFury · Feb 20, 2025

southtexas
That is bad ass. I love these finds.

Thanks. I didn't even know that my Dad had it. I mentioned that I am looking to save up for an Omega and that I liked the Speedmasters when my Stepmom said "Your Dad has a watch". Then she pulled out the jewelry box and the zip lock bag it was in.

JFury · Feb 20, 2025

Harbormaster
I agree! So cool to find these untouched examples in pristine condition. I would take your time with this and do a ton of research.

Congrats on a very nice watch!!

Thanks! I am doing a lot of research on what I can find. I (think) I figured out the Ref number just from the pictures I posted. Took about a dozen videos and articles, Speedmaster 101 was a good resource. There isn't a lot on the transitional models that I have found yet.

Scarecrow Boat · Feb 20, 2025

JFury
Basically to treat it as it should be treated and also to gauge if we should insure it or place it in the bank box or not.

I understand your position regarding photography, though I do hope you are able to attach better photos in the near future. Clearer photos are essential to creating a dialog that hones in on value. Photos including the entire front/dial/bezel, sides, caseback, inside caseback, and movement if you’re able to provide those final two on your own. Though, if you aren’t confident opening the watch on your own, take your time to find a watch maker that specializes in vintage pieces and understands how to properly handle this watch. If you haven’t visited the price guide shown on @Spacefruit ’s website, speedmaster101, here is a screenshot of it. But again, without better pics, this is just a ballpark idea of what you’re looking at.

JFury · Feb 20, 2025

Thank you! I know I need more pictures. These pics I took just for my reference when trying to determine what he had. During the research I realized that I need more and better pictures. I just don't have the opportunity to do so without driving 350 miles. I plan to do it in about 3 weeks or so. The main goal of this post was to see if what I had found out on my own was valid, and if it was worth doing more research.

I really appreciate the post and feedback.

I am new here, but have become an Omega fan the more I look into them. I see Omega as an attainable watch, the others as "if I win the lottery" territory. But it would have to be in the multi-million range and I am not holding my breath.
I am confident in my skills if I were to try to open it, but part of the post was to see if that would devalue the piece. My background is in fabrication and I have lots of tools, just not watch tools. I will NOT be playing with this watch though. This I would defer to a professional.

Dan S · Feb 20, 2025

You won't know what you have until it's opened. Of course, if you're not planning to wear it or sell it, there's no pressing reason to do anything with it. Doing nothing is actually the safest course of action. If you have a safe deposit box at a bank, put it in there. That way it's safe and you don't have the expense of insuring it.

On the other hand, if you are fishing, check your mailbox because you will probably get some offers, from dealers certainly.

boogedyboo · Feb 20, 2025

That is one pristine looking watch, considering its age. However he has been storing the watch (zip lock bag or otherwise), we all have something to learn from him.

hansaboy · Feb 20, 2025

Hi and welcome, and what an amazing watch you (or your Dad) have!
Based on the few pictures, and what you wrote - you have found a very nice and valuable watch.

You have received solid info and suggestions, I can only add that the engraving would not bother any potential buyer/value.

If you post where you live, I am sure that you will get info about a good watchmaker close to you.

A bit curious why you ask about the value?
You have checked out Speedmaster101 etc etc....

pdxleaf · Feb 20, 2025

Very nice, great watch. I happen to be wearing the same watch at this very moment.

As you see, it's not on the bracelet, although I have the original. So you could wear it on a strap.

Regarding the engraving, it doesn't matter as it's there. Some people care, some people don't. In your situation, the excellent condition outweighs any downgrade for engraving. The engraving enhances it in my mind because it makes it more a part of the era. Absolutely do not attempt to remove it. Regardless, it's there now.

At some point you'll need to open it, whether for service so you can wear it or as part of a sale. The common advice is to not service a watch if you plan to just sell it. If you wear it, it'll need servicing.

Now is a bad time to sell. It's a slow market. Yours is nice so might do well in an auction. In the event you decide to sell to pay for your kids college, an auction house might be a good option. Otherwise, if you don't need to do that, you may want to resist the temptation to sell. You have an amazing watch that is more amazing because it is your dad's. The more you learn about speedmasters the moreyou will appreciate it. In a few years, your future self will be grateful that you still have it and likely will appreciate it even more. You have the equivalent of a barn find Porsche 356.

Don't lose the endlink that is attached between the bracelet and watch.

Please understand from our perspective. We get many posts like this where people are secretly trying to sell their watches. We grow sensitive to that. Trusting that this is your dad's watch, there's nothing better than having dad's watch, whether it's a Timex or a vintage Speedmaster. You have the somewhat unfortunate situation of possibility inheriting an expensive watch. The dollar value can distract you from the real value, which is that your grandparents gave this to your dad. Fantastic.

We need better pictures, as you've already acknowledged. We will love to help you with this. Thanks for showing us.

southtexas · Feb 20, 2025

JFury
Thanks. I didn't even know that my Dad had it. I mentioned that I am looking to save up for an Omega and that I liked the Speedmasters when my Stepmom said "Your Dad has a watch". Then she pulled out the jewelry box and the zip lock bag it was in.

What a great heirloom. My buddy has a similar story. He and I were watching hunting and we found a cool UG tricompax. He told his dad about it, who said “my parents gave me a UG for graduation when I was a kid. Let me find it and I’ll send you a photo”. 20 minutes later a photo of a beautiful early execution 885103/02 Nina Rindt with blue hand comes over via text. My buddy didn’t even know what it was or that his dad owned it. I was floored (it was literally in the back of his sock drawer).

JFury · Feb 21, 2025

Dan S
You won't know what you have until it's opened. Of course, if you're not planning to wear it or sell it, there's no pressing reason to do anything with it. Doing nothing is actually the safest course of action. If you have a safe deposit box at a bank, put it in there. That way it's safe and you don't have the expense of insuring it.

On the other hand, if you are fishing, check your mailbox because you will probably get some offers, from dealers certainly.

Thank you for the advice. I appreciate it. It's staying in the family. I wouldn't mind wearing it on a special occasion, but I want my own too. Maybe start a family tradition of passing down Speedmasters.

JFury · Feb 21, 2025

southtexas
What a great heirloom. My buddy has a similar story. He and I were watching hunting and we found a cool UG tricompax. He told his dad about it, who said “my parents gave me a UG for graduation when I was a kid. Let me find it and I’ll send you a photo”. 20 minutes later a photo of a beautiful early execution 885103/02 Nina Rindt with blue hand comes over via text. My buddy didn’t even know what it was or that his dad owned it. I was floored (it was literally in the back of his sock drawer).

I am new to the hobby, but I am finding the stories are almost better than the pieces. Histories and stories that can live on through the pieces are what it is about for me.

JFury · Feb 21, 2025

pdxleaf
Very nice, great watch. I happen to be wearing the same watch at this very moment.

As you see, it's not on the bracelet, although I have the original. So you could wear it on a strap.

Regarding the engraving, it doesn't matter as it's there. Some people care, some people don't. In your situation, the excellent condition outweighs any downgrade for engraving. The engraving enhances it in my mind because it makes it more a part of the era. Absolutely do not attempt to remove it. Regardless, it's there now.

At some point you'll need to open it, whether for service so you can wear it or as part of a sale. The common advice is to not service a watch if you plan to just sell it. If you wear it, it'll need servicing.

Now is a bad time to sell. It's a slow market. Yours is nice so might do well in an auction. In the event you decide to sell to pay for your kids college, an auction house might be a good option. Otherwise, if you don't need to do that, you may want to resist the temptation to sell. You have an amazing watch that is more amazing because it is your dad's. The more you learn about speedmasters the moreyou will appreciate it. In a few years, your future self will be grateful that you still have it and likely will appreciate it even more. You have the equivalent of a barn find Porsche 356.

Don't lose the endlink that is attached between the bracelet and watch.

Please understand from our perspective. We get many posts like this where people are secretly trying to sell their watches. We grow sensitive to that. Trusting that this is your dad's watch, there's nothing better than having dad's watch, whether it's a Timex or a vintage Speedmaster. You have the somewhat unfortunate situation of possibility inheriting an expensive watch. The dollar value can distract you from the real value, which is that your grandparents gave this to your dad. Fantastic.

We need better pictures, as you've already acknowledged. We will love to help you with this. Thanks for showing us.

Thank you for spending the time to respond with the advice and information! And your hand looks a lot younger than Dad's! I like the bands too, but feel the bracelet would last longer. If you stash the bracelet though, I guess that is moot. Some of the Seamasters look good with the black bands. Your piece looks in great condition.

I hope to one day have it passed to me, that is not up to me. I have brothers... And I am in no way hoping that happens soon. I am not in possession of the watch, just jealous of my Dad and helping him learn what it is that he he was unaware of and becoming an Omega fan in the process. His Dad thought it would be useful to him as a PE Teacher. First degree, earned two Masters after that. He said it was too heavy, so he packed it away. If I end up with it, it will go to my son hopefully along side a newer version that I would like to get for myself.

If people are still interested in a few weeks, I will be taking more pics, and can post them.

JFury · Feb 21, 2025

boogedyboo
That is one pristine looking watch, considering its age. However he has been storing the watch (zip lock bag or otherwise), we all have something to learn from him.

Thanks! Can I call you next time he gets in a teaching mood? He's earned a Bachelor and two Master degrees in Education and I've endured 50 years of it....

Davidt · Feb 21, 2025

I know it’s not what you’re asking, but I’d take my time to fine a good, trustworthy watchmaker in my country, ask them to clean and service it, then start wearing it. Maybe not everyday but once a week/few times a month.
There’s something a bit sad about a car that’s not being driven or a watch that’s not being worn.

JFury · Feb 21, 2025

hansaboy
Hi and welcome, and what an amazing watch you (or your Dad) have!
Based on the few pictures, and what you wrote - you have found a very nice and valuable watch.

You have received solid info and suggestions, I can only add that the engraving would not bother any potential buyer/value.

If you post where you live, I am sure that you will get info about a good watchmaker close to you.

A bit curious why you ask about the value?
You have checked out Speedmaster101 etc etc....

Thanks for the reply! Curious about the value as it will make sure we treat it appropriately and we would just like to educate my Dad with what he really has. No plans to sell it. I posted here to try and figure out the best way to preserve it, and make sure it was worth the effort. From the comments, it seems it is.

The engraving is what made it easier to identify. There's only a handful of possibilities before 1963. The engraving is what makes it extra special to the family.

They are between Ventura and the San Fernando Vally Area in Southern California. Happy to pass along recommendations of trusted watchmakers.

Seeking thoughts on what is believed to be a Speedmaster 105.002-62A

JFury

Davidt

JFury

southtexas

Harbormaster

JFury

JFury

Scarecrow Boat

JFury

Dan S

boogedyboo

hansaboy

pdxleaf

southtexas

JFury

JFury

JFury

JFury

Davidt

JFury

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