Speedmaster 145.022-69 Apollo XI

Hi all - I'm new to the community but in the market for my first Speedmaster and have keyed in on the 145.012 or 145.022 reference as a good balance of vintage Speedmaster character I love but at a price range I'm comfortable with.

I've found a few available pieces and am interested in how to rank the following options:

1) A 145.022-69 with an Apollo XI 1969 case back with the original dial and bracelet, but having been serviced with a replacement bezel from the later models, and likely with other replaced service parts as well. In the category of more heavily serviced but with a unique feature in the case back.

2) A later 145.022 (circa 1973 with common "Moonwatch" case back) but otherwise all original in Good to Very Good condition (DN90 bezel). In the category of down-the-fairway piece, original with character but nothing noteworthy.

3) A 145.012-67/-68 solidly in Good condition but priced at a premium to the 145.022s above. In the category of it's a 321 but in not as in great of condition.

All are offered from reputable vendors but given the facts above and all else equal, which would be the best buy? I'm keen on the Apollo case back but don't want to overvalue it if the fact it's been serviced with a replacement bezel takes too much away from the integrity of the piece. Understand there are a lot of additional details to consider but assuming all are at fair market value, am interested if there is a clear direction from these options to go with my first Speedmaster, or if all are respectable starts to a collection and just personal preference. Appreciate any thoughts!

Can you kindly post pictures of all the watches, front, back, sides, movement and caseback interior? This will help the members of the forum to better give you direction and their opinions pertaining to the watches in question. Also what are the prices for each watch you are considering?

See this link for a 142.022-68 transitional (https://omegaforums.net/threads/see...speedmaster-145-022-68st.122738/#post-1649237)... buyer is getting a great deal.

A great link to get a better idea of value is Speedmaster 101 price guide.
Link:https://speedmaster101.com/price-chart-2/

145022-69 DO90 3,000 (poor) 4,500(fair) 7000 (good) 9,500(very good) 14,000 (excellent)

145022-71/73 2,600 p 3,100 f 3,600 g 5,200 vg 7,000ex
145012-67 5,000p 6,000 f 9,000 g 14,000 vg 18,000ex

These are values for the watch head only...bracelet/box and papers will add extra value

Look at the three major parts, the case, the dial and the bezel. Decide which category each part falls into and make an informed judgement as to what the watch is overall. It is possible it as an Excellent dial and a fair case - so use your judgement, take an average and see how it feels. This chart is just to get you in the right area. It is not an exact proscription.

Poor - These watches are unattractive, have damaged parts, and have very little going for them other than they can tell the time correctly twice per day. The bezel is damaged, the dial is damaged, the case has lost definition or heavily scored. The movement might be corroded, or missing some minor parts. Often these can be valued more accurately by valuing the parts separately. The figure here is really just a guide.

Fair - Often the quality of a well used watch, one that has lived a useful life. It might be damaged or missing some service parts, movement needing work. This category can sometimes be improved with sympathetic work and service. It will remain fair if after service it still shows a damaged bezel, a dial with damage or missing, or discoloured plots, and a case with missing lines or heavy damage.

Good - Complete with correct parts. it is likely the lowest condition most collectors or owners are happy with. The case and dial and bezel should be without significant damage, though there may be some wear or light marks on case or bezel. The plots are an attractive colour not green or missing. Some minor plot damage or issues are acceptable. The bezel may have several marks but no major damage.

Very Good - Case Dial and bezel are without obvious damage. Parts are original or replaced with correct vintage replacements. The watch is attractive. The parts look good together. There may be minor marks on case or bezel, and the dial is clean and with attractive plots with luminous material intact.

Excellent - Very, very few watches are in this condition. Very little wear and without any damage. Perhaps very minor marks from very light wear No damage or degredation to dial, case or bezel, all parts correct and original. This is the highest price I would expect a Speedmaster to fetch unless it is New Old Stock and absolutely unworn ever - this is another step up in value.

Apologies, while I am referencing real pieces I've seen, my question is more of a hypothetical to see if there are certain variables here that folks think are more or less interesting to consider for a first piece.

I appreciate everything can be a good or bad deal at a certain price, but am less so looking for price advice as much as perspective on how to folks would think through these certain pieces which I thought represented general buckets you might find in the market.

I guess to ask another way: all else equal and not drastically over/under paying, if you could only have one as your first Speedmaster would you choose:

1) a highly-serviced 145.022 with a unique feature (Apollo case back in this instance)
2) a later 145.022 with nothing unique but good overall condition and original
3) a less good quality 145.012

If the answer really is it's just personal preference, that's also helpful to know! But if there is consistent answer here that would just help me think through things as I see more pieces. If I'm just completely off base with how I'm thinking about through this, just let me know - won't be offended.

Once again without knowing the prices or the condition of each Speedmaster it would be impossible to tell you which watch would be the "best buy".

It's also easier if you are comparing all like watches to one another, the calibre 321 is a whole other beast in comparison to the 861 movement. As far as desirability, I have always preferred a 321 over the 861, but that is my preference. Any watch that is not attractive, is not a good buy, any watch that is missing original pieces is not a good buy especially if very costly to find the original parts. So, based on the information you have provided, and it is not adequate, the best buy between #1 and #2 is #2. Not knowing the price of the #3 or what your definition of,"a less good quality"... I honestly can't give you an answer. The best overall value for your money in today's market are the 145.022 Speedmasters. Use Speedmaster 101 price chart as a guide and find one within your budget, having all the original parts, and is attractive to your eye.

Good luck in your hunt.

I was able to get some photos of a specific one I'm considering. This is the 145.022-69 I was referencing with the Apollo XI caseback.

Unfortunately I don't have photos of the movement but based on what I have, I'd be interested in help figuring out how much of the watch has been replaced with service parts. I can easily identify the mismatched bezel but am less confident on the other components.

Any ballpark value range would also be helpful. Thanks

If you want the Apollo XI, find a better example in my opinion. I agree with everything that Dan S wrote... the example you are interested in is a no go. It is not a collector's watch, however, if you are not interested in a collector's Speedmaster, and, If you like the watch, fine, it's your money and your pleasure. I understand the lure of the very rare caseback and if this is the watch and caseback you want and if you want to buy a watch that is collectible... then let the hunt begin, but get a decent example and be prepared to reach deep into your pockets...

Once again as Dan S has mentioned... it's very personal.

Somewhere, there is a white polishing wheel that is now black with metal oxide. I'm also a no-go, that midcase is wrecked and is never coming back.