Hey guys,

You’ve got some really good info on Speedmasters and I’ve been reading forums specifically on the reference 145.022. I was curious if I attach a few pictures here if you wouldn’t mind giving me some guidance on what year you think this watch is and honest opinions on the condition.

It’s a piece that an individual is selling and it looks to be a great example with nice patina and ghosting on the bezel (not sure if that’s a good thing or not but I love the way it looks).

I meant to take pics of the caseback but it’s got the same back that Speedmasters today have so I don’t think it’s a pre moon. Also, I don’t know for sure if it’s a step dial or not. It slopes down on the edge but can’t tell for sure.

Any insight would be greatly appreciated. It’s a piece I’m still thinking about purchasing.

Seller believes it’s a 72ish model.

Pics should be below!

 

You can tell the date from the inside caseback and also the serial number on the movement. Otherwise looks fine.. depends on price.

 

Post 1978.

 

I’d ask for a UV photo too. Looks like the hour and minute hands might have been replaced. Nice fat case.

 

Not so sure, but a check is needed. My 76 looks like that in some light.

 

This watch looks great.

It's most likely a 70's reference 145.022 (-74, -76, -78) and it's not a step dial, as far as I can see.

Some experts here will be able to tell you more.

There are many transitional models from the period and many options that parts might have been swapped. So the only way to find out the truth about this watch is to have it opened and see what's engraved inside the caseback and on the movement.

 

No there is not transitional watches from this period. Where do you get that? Additionally if it’s post 1980 the caseback tells you nothing.

It’s clearly a (late 77) 78-90 dial and the bezel goes to mid 80’s.

 

I fully agree.

And I knew the experts can tell more, as I stated above... Thank you.

 

Seller is asking $4,500 for it. Seems pretty fair considering. Plan is to take it to a watchmaker to open the caseback and have a look

 

That's a good idea.

 

Seems a tad high. I’d do a Lume test. The hands should only glow brightly for about 10-15 seconds. We need to see the inside of the caseback and serial number to tell you more.

 

If it’s tritium how would they still glow? I thought tritium lasted approx 12 yrs and then died completely.

 

Why do we need to see more? It's most likely what you already suggested above.

 

Watch case sure looks better than the bracelet. Bracelet looks like it had sandpaper taken to it.

 

Yeah the bracelet is rough. It does come with an extra bracelet that is in much better condition

 

No, it wouldn’t die completely, especially not the mixture Omega used. (Vintage Rolexes are different.) Regardless, the UV light will tell you about the consistency of the lume, depending on how it reacts to the light. When that UV is taken away, the glow should fade fairly quickly if it’s tritium.

 

+1

I would recommend sticking around here for a minute and learning a tad more about what type of a Speedmaster you want. It should also give you a decent idea on reasonable prices. If you’re after a premoon - it isn’t this piece. If you’re after a mint condition tritium piece - it isn’t this piece.

Not that this watch is unattractive, it does have nice patina (hands are being questioned), and I am a fan of ghosted bezels (although generally this is a $ deducter), you also mentioned another bracelet which is a plus (could be couple hundred $). But for the asking price, I’d still be walking.

 

Tritium will hold a small Charge for about 15 seconds. Luminova will hold a glow for a much longer period.

 

Want to value a watch without being sure of what it is?

 

Surely not. But I am not as experienced as you are.