Community Stories

Speedmaster 145.022 CRS case lug width difference (20.3mm)

RX-78-2
Posts
8
Likes
0
Hello
I recently purchased a circa 1979 145.022 Moonwatch.
18_d6732417-50d6-47a7-950b-50646690be47_1728x.webp 16_e86a18e3-cd7a-415a-a184-3b737f9b86e7_1728x.webp


However, the lug width seems unusually large. The seller said it has never been polished.
I agree with that when I look at the case condition, I don't think I polished it.

The photo below shows it with a 20mm Fostner Bullet bracelet. I measured it with a vernier calibers and it measures 20.3mm.
(this bracelet was used before on the 1861 model. At that time, there was almost no gap)

the seller said it is normal because of the case size tolerance of the older models.
Is that true? Please help me.

Thanks

20250130_200147.webp 20250130_200213.webp 20250130_200040.webp
 
dsio
Posts
30,615
Likes
36,129
There are some small variations in tolerances, I wouldn’t consider that to be any more than that, the Forstner is being made with tolerance too to ensure it fits as many watches as possible through the generations
 
RX-78-2
Posts
8
Likes
0
dsio dsio
There are some small variations in tolerances, I wouldn’t consider that to be any more than that, the Forstner is being made with tolerance too to ensure it fits as many watches as possible through the generations
Thank you so much for your reply, I know there has to be tolerance but 0.3mm seems too big. I think Omega is taking too big a tolerance. It breaks my heart.
 
rexquando65
Posts
121
Likes
378
RX-78-2 RX-78-2
Thank you so much for your reply, I know there has to be tolerance but 0.3mm seems too big. I think Omega is taking too big a tolerance. It breaks my heart.
My 77ish CRS says heh. Your watch looks great. I love the greenish tritium.

20180926_121108~2.webp
 
RX-78-2
Posts
8
Likes
0
rexquando65 rexquando65
My 77ish CRS says heh. Your watch looks great. I love the greenish tritium.

20180926_121108~2.webp
i think your Moonwatch's lug size looks normal (20mm) and great condition. my eye sparkle with jealousy. Have a good weekend.
 
Dan S
Posts
21,456
Likes
48,717
Where did you buy this watch? If you paid a premium to buy it from a dealer, they probably take returns for buyer's remorse.
 
RX-78-2
Posts
8
Likes
0
I am currently contemplating whether to consider this 20.3mm lug size as a simple tolerance or a serious problem. Some people will wear their watches without thinking it is a big deal, while others will return them to the seller. If there is even one Speedmaster with a large lug size like this, I think it can be considered a simple tolerance.
 
RX-78-2
Posts
8
Likes
0
Dan S Dan S
Where did you buy this watch? If you paid a premium to buy it from a dealer, they probably take returns for buyer's remorse.
I can return the item, but I can't make a decision because I'm satisfied with everything except the rug size.. Thanks for your opinion
 
Dan S
Posts
21,456
Likes
48,717
RX-78-2 RX-78-2
I can return the item, but I can't make a decision because I'm satisfied with everything except the rug size.. Thanks for your opinion
RX-78-2 RX-78-2
I am currently contemplating whether to consider this 20.3mm lug size as a simple tolerance or a serious problem. Some people will wear their watches without thinking it is a big deal, while others will return them to the seller. If there is even one Speedmaster with a large lug size like this, I think it can be considered a simple tolerance.
Why does it matter whether the lug spacing is within tolerances or not, if it bothers you, it will always bother you. You wrote, "it breaks my heart," so it seems that you really don't like the way it looks.

I see this pretty often, where people talk themselves into believing that a watch is original, and therefore they should accept it, even though they don't like the way it looks, e.g. mismatched lume on hands and dial. Usually this is prior to a purchase, of course. Maybe the gap is 0.15mm larger than it should be, which makes it unappealing to you. Yes, some people may not be bothered by these things, but it's your watch, so you have to decide how you feel about it. Our opinions don't matter. And if you find one other Speedmaster with 20.3mm between the lugs, that doesn't prove anything one way or the other.

The #1 most important thing is whether you really like the watch or not. If the gap decreases your enjoyment of the watch, return it. Just don't expect the seller to deal with you again. If it doesn't bother you, and you like the watch overall, then stop worrying about details, since you will never have a definitive answer to your question.
Edited:
 
Vercingetorix
Posts
3,658
Likes
6,170
No gap.
IMG_7820.webp

Gap
IMG_7821.webp
Dump the aftermarket bracelet. I seem to remember OEM 1171s needing to filed to fit for just this reason.
 
RX-78-2
Posts
8
Likes
0
Vercingetorix Vercingetorix
No gap.
IMG_7820.webp

Gap
IMG_7821.webp
Dump the aftermarket bracelet.
This is just an optical illusion. There is a gap even with the original bracelet. I measured the Moonwatch case lugs precisely with a vernier calipers and the case lug size is 20.3mm. Aftermarket bracelet end links has no problem.
 
RX-78-2
Posts
8
Likes
0
Dan S Dan S
Why does it matter whether the lug spacing is within tolerances or not, if it bothers you, it will always bother you. You wrote, "it breaks my heart," so it seems that you really don't like the way it looks.

I see this pretty often, where people talk themselves into believing that a watch is original, and therefore they should accept it, even though they don't like the way it looks, e.g. mismatched lume on hands and dial. Usually this is prior to a purchase, of course. Maybe the gap is 0.15mm larger than it should be, which makes it unappealing to you. Yes, some people may not be bothered by these things, but it's your watch, so you have to decide how you feel about it. Our opinions don't matter. And if you find one other Speedmaster with 20.3mm between the lugs, that doesn't prove anything one way or the other.

The #1 most important thing is whether you really like the watch or not. If the gap decreases your enjoyment of the watch, return it. Just don't expect the seller to deal with you again. If it doesn't bother you, and you like the watch overall, then stop worrying about details, since you will never have a definitive answer to your question.
You have pointed up a very important point, and I agree with your opinion. It is something I have to draw my own conclusion on. Thank you for your good opinion.
 
Tag0935
Posts
191
Likes
177
In this unfortunate situation, when the added tolerance results in a wider lug width, you can consider yourself on the lucky side as you won't have a problem with fitting any strap/bracelet. In my case, the tolerance resulted in a lug width of 18.7 instead of 19 mm, so bracelets are automatically out of the game 😀
 
RX-78-2
Posts
8
Likes
0
Tag0935 Tag0935
In this unfortunate situation, when the added tolerance results in a wider lug width, you can consider yourself on the lucky side as you won't have a problem with fitting any strap/bracelet. In my case, the tolerance resulted in a lug width of 18.7 instead of 19 mm, so bracelets are automatically out of the game 😀
OMG finally found someone with the same problem as me. I guess I was a little bit luckier than you. Thanks for the proof that there is actually a ±0.3mm tolerance in lug sizes. 😀
 
Tag0935
Posts
191
Likes
177
Rather that being happy for the confirmation of the tolerance, you should focus on whether it bothers you on your particular watch. I'm happy with mine as I can get a custom strap, so no harm done. But it was quite a surprise to see such a big negative tolerance when I struggled to fit a 19 strap 😀
 
Sign up or log in to reply...

Similar threads

Aludic

Omega Speedmaster 145.022 CRS / 1984-1985 / Recently serviced

Aludic Private Watch Sales
Aludic
Aludic
Posts
4
Views
2K
M

Looking for a stainless steel bracelet for my 40mm Speedmaster Racing 19mm lug width

msm0264 Modern Omega Watches
Meme-Dweller
Meme-Dweller
Posts
1
Views
424
N

Lug width? Integrated strap advice

Newbieposter Vintage Omega Watches Help, Discussion and Advice
Dan S
Dan S
Posts
2
Views
778
la_lusigne

Omega Speedmaster cal.861;CRS case;1171 bracelet - circa 1985

la_lusigne Private Watch Sales
gbesq
gbesq
Posts
3
Views
5K
norb1967

20 GBP Torre brown leather strap, 18mm lug width

norb1967 Watch Parts and Accessories For Sale
norb1967
norb1967
Posts
3
Views
2K
Aludic

Omega Speedmaster 145.022 CRS / 1981

Aludic Private Watch Sales
Aludic
Aludic
Posts
0
Views
3K