I purchased my first Speedmaster 145.0022 after waiting a long time for the right one to pop up. Purchased from a credible dealer. I open the caseback to attempt dating the watch and find the escape bridge has no serial number. The case does not have one as well. It appears this watch has been serviced and has newer hands. Movement is stamped 861. Can someone help me date the watch with other features?

 

Not to any level of specificity.

At this point, I think the only date I would be interested in is the date I can return the watch. No way would I keep a Speedmaster when the seller didn’t disclose it did not have a serial number...

 

Yikes, if you can return this I would immediately do so. There are even 1861 parts in there, judging from the difference in colors...!

 

I have had something similar in hands recently.

Clearly a franken watch.

Try to return it ASAP and get your money back. Fingers crossed you still can.

 

I'd just like to add that the strap is nice and that you took some really good macros of the movement.

But seriously, this could be a "built" watch.

 

When you say credible dealer to you mean an online watch “store” or more of a private party. Not asking you to name names it’s just concerning and sorry to hear you ended up with this

 

One of the many pitfalls of buying a used watch. Return it if you can.

 

The serial number was turned away. The original decor is no longer visible. I can also imagine that the watch was stolen and reported to Omega as stolen. Fact is, the number was intentionally removed!

 

The dealer is clearly anything but credible. Unwind the sale and maybe name names. One to avoid.

 

Even if it was legit it also has a service dial. Looking at the inside of the case back that should come back to a 3590.50 with an 1861. The serial number should also be on the inside of the lower left lug.

I don’t know why this was the “right one” unless the price was very low. Speedmasters are certainly in no short supply and you can find good ones for sale on the forum all day long.

 

It's a secondary market dealer I've purchased other brand watches from. He offered it to me saying it was part of his personal collection for many years. Of course that could be a sales pitch. I got a deal on it but I'm thinking more and more that it's a Franken watch. I still like it alot especially the hesalite crystal and the heritage of the watch but collectability is a concern.

 

If you like it and got a good deal then keep it but if you want a "correct" Speedmaster return it and get your money back.

 

As above. Consider getting your money back if you want correct speedy....

 

You must have paid only about $1500 for the watch, correct.

 

Was it with very nice step patinated dial and vintage case?

 

Yes, in addition to the removed serial number on the escape wheel bridge, the balance cock is from a latter 1861 with rhodium plating. The case is also newer than the movement by a great deal, so this is a 100% franken watch.

 

Thank you all for the input. I've learned alot in the past few days. I've decided to return it and have my eye on a 3570.50 with papers.

 

Something for a EoA

 

Hopefully from a different dealer.

 

FIFY.