One of my great success, though more by dumb luck than skill. Several years ago, I saw a listing on Ebay for a speedmaster with fuzzy photos. There were three shots of a filthy looking watch. All I could see is that it was an Asymmetric case. The description was not much better, the seller having been left it by her relative who had bought it "Sometime in the 1970's - I think". Oh yes, and she said, "I think it runs OK" There was absolutely nothing to go on, and I quite foolishly bid 1300 pounds. Several days later a parcel wrapped with more enthusiasm than skill, disgorged this watch. The bracelet was a 1039 - result! I took it off and dumped it straight in the ultrasonic - it was disgusting. I set to with my three prong, $8 Chinese made case opener. (It brilliant by the way) and to my delight discovered not the Calibre 861 that I was expecting, but a 321. The case back engraving showed it to be an early 105.012 from 1963, with a 2052xxxx serial, and a non T marked dial. I have not had a chance to buy another -63 so I am thinking it is quite rare. I had it serviced almost immediately, and in those days I used to get the case lightly polished (oops), and as it was an Omega workshop, the crown, pushers and crystal were replaced too. Its had a little wear since, but really, a lovely example. This is the kind of watch I like to buy, nice, but not in such good condition I cannot wear it. Here are some photos: The lume of the hands has faded, as has the lume of the plots - comensurate, if not exactly matching. Of course I am looking here at the colour of the luminous material on the hands, not the colour of the hands themselves The case back has lost some definition in the step, but the engraving is strong. The sides were re brushed. Two small holes remain. Very little metal was removed. Showing the "SWISS MADE" markings. It is very rare, but original, to have a "Professional" marked dial without "T" markings. And finally on the wrist. Like many watches in this condition, it shows far better on the wrist than under harsh lights.
Beautiful. I agree about condition. If it's too nice to wear then it's not for me. Have you had any issues with putting bracelets in the ultrasonic? I've been tempted a few times but have seen enough small diamonds pop out in them that it put me off.
I never put stones in. Ever. As you say settings release, and also flaws extend, and on some stones the treatment seeps out..... But metal bracelets have no worries for me. I suppose screws could fall out, but I can always put them back.
The part I like the most is how you set your expectations low, figured it was a gamble that likely wouldn't pay off, but next thing you know, a diamond in the rough emerges. Thanks for the story. I think this is what we all dream about when we are searching Ebay, criagslist, or trolling around an estate sale.
Thanks, I'll try one of mine at the week end. There's something much more special about watches like this that came straight from the original owner, dirt, wear and all, as opposed to ones which have had parts swapped around to 'improve' the condition.
True True, but Also, someone who doesn't know what he/she has May add to the attraction. Of the buyer. Who doesn't love a bargain, right? But the same watch at a higher price should be just as fetching!! My 2 cents I just acknowledge that it's becoming more rare to obtain such deals. This one was some me time ago ..
This is one of my favorite version, yours is very nice. I just sold mine because I had the ACP, which is the same version. Still have the version with the asymmetrical Ts. Very nice and very rare and the very first Professional.
Hi Will - nice find! And this is one of the best-aged Swiss Only 105.012 dials I've ever seen, with gorgeous matching hands as well. I hope you enjoy wearing this watch often!!
A very lovely find, Spacefruit! I wholeheartedly agree with you that these are the best condition to get. While a NOS would definitely evoke a NFW, these nicely used/aged Speedmasters are something really special to me.
Wow very nice watch, this makes me eager for my Moon Watch Only book! Oh, and "This is the kind of watch I like to buy, nice, but not in such good condition I cannot wear it."...me too.
I know what you mean, i have a speedy sapphire, that is pretty mint circa 1985 + mark 2 again serviced and made mint by STS, but still wear as daily!! no point in putting in drawers...