Speedmaster 145.012 - Keep the history or redo the case

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soern6

·Jan 9, 2023

Hello,

the last time I tried to define a border for myself on whether a case needs to professionally redone or not. The watch I wear the most, another 145.012, was in such a bad condition that I decided to let the case be refinished. Another 105.012.66 also left no space to think about redoing the case or not. But now I am looking for a 145.012 for a friend of mine and I am not sure on whether this case needs to be redone or not, so what do you think?

Keep it or get it back sharp?

PS: I call it 145.012-AP, the AP crown is fire!

 

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cristos71

·Jan 9, 2023

Poor, poor Speedmaster...it looks like someone had a grudge against it 🙁

 

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soern6

·Jan 9, 2023

Yeah, it actually did not have the best live. The next time will be definitely better!

 

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janice&fred

·Jan 9, 2023

I hope it's cheap? I'm all for keeping things close to as-found but that thing needs a major makeover to pass muster for me. Yes, it needs refinishing 😁

 

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pkaye6

·Jan 9, 2023

Refinish for the best in enjoyment while wearing.

 

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Davidt

·Jan 9, 2023

The years have certainly not been kind.

Rather than “should i refinish the case”, the question should be “should I purchase this watch?”. The answer is “no” unless it’s cheap or is already in your friend’s possession

 

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Maganator

·Jan 9, 2023

Do not buy this watch - but if you already have it send it off to a good case restorer. It’s a mess.

 

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janice&fred

·Jan 9, 2023

Maganator

Do not buy this watch

I only say that if a watch is fake. A genuine watch certainly has a price that I would pay. Even an Invicta. 😁

Edited: Jan 9, 2023

 

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SC1

·Jan 9, 2023

If genuine, the previous owner(s) deserve a sound flogging in the public square.

If fake, the previous owner(s) deserve a sound ovation in the public square.

 

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janice&fred

·Jan 9, 2023

SC1

If genuine, the previous owner(s) deserve a sound flogging in the public square.

If fake, the previous owner(s) deserve a sound ovation in the public square.

Oh this watch is genuine, just punished to hell. I'm in for a grand though. 👍

 

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mozambique

·Jan 9, 2023

How incompetent can someone be in removing a case back?
Looks like a torture victim to me.
Report to the police!

 

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Dan S

·Jan 9, 2023

Who will you have refinish this case? Do they know how to do it?

 

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X350 XJR

·Jan 9, 2023·Vintage Omega Aficionado

Someone took the term "tool watch" a bit too literally with this one. 😲

 

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gbesq

·Jan 9, 2023

Send it to Tanner Morehouse at TM Watch Co. in Fargo, ND. They specialize in Omega case restoration and they do some of the best work that I have ever seen.

 

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w154

·Jan 9, 2023

Ah… the Köln AP Speedy !

 

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worldwidewes

·Jan 9, 2023

I think it isn't in need of refinishing. It's definitely worn and isn't anywhere close to "pristine" condition, but the case itself isn't bad enough to need to be refinished.

Would I buy it? No way - there are far better reasonably priced pieces out there. But, if I owned this one, would I have it refinished? No.

I'd get a replacement service crown and put a nice strap on it and call it a day. It's not a great example, but if you're only in for a grand, I think it's all right.

 

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soern6

·Jan 10, 2023

So what I read so far is: In case the watch is expensive don't buy it and in case you already did, get the case redone by an expert. Since I have not bought the watch, all options are opened.

Since it is for a friend of mine I would try to skip this one and keep my eyes opened for a better one.

w154

Ah… the Köln AP Speedy !

I got the offer from a guy in Munich, but as it seems it has gone through some hands after initially been offered in Köln?

 

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befobe

·Jan 10, 2023

What a back! hope the guy hurt himself with his screwdriver when opening...

 

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soern6

·Jan 10, 2023

Although the back looks nuts, I would never change it for a service back. But you guys are right, the guy who tried to get it opened should get punished.