Speedmaster 145.022 (july 1976) originality?

fvancauw · Dec 23, 2021

Hello

I'm new here on the forums because I just got my first Omega watch.

I've bought a Speedmaster (145.022 production date july 1976) and I have some questions and concerns.

- the watch has a stepped dial

I found several 1976 watches online, and some has a stepped dial other not.
Anyone can tell if there are 1976 Speedmasters with stepped dials or not?
Does my watch has an older dial? Or are there newer stepped dials that's fit my watch?

Also:
- the watch has new hands (I know this from the seller)

I didn's noticed the
- the bezel is the DNN and not with the dot beside the 70

I didn't know
- the watch has a new bracelet
- I think also the case is new

What does this to the value of the watch.
After all half the watch is non 1976.

I didn't do my homework correct, because I was blinded by the date.
I've bought the watch becauce I am born in july 1976.

Davidt · Dec 23, 2021

The bezel is a modern replacement so that usually impacts value by the cost of a correct bezel.

It’s hard to confirm whether the case is original from your pictures. If you know it’s a service replacement then that would also usually reduce the value by the same amount.

When you say -76, is this based on the serial number charts, an extract or what’s stamped in the caseback? I’m sure no Speedmaster with a -76 back had a stepped dial. However, if you have a -74 reference, which was produced in ‘76 that could be correct.

A bigger issue here is that if the dial and movement are original but the case, bezel and hands are service you significantly affect the originality of the watch and in my mind the value is reduced by much more than the cost of simply finding the replacement parts. Having to source an original bezel when everything else is original is one thing. Having to source numerous items and effectively creating a mish-mash of parts significantly reduces the attractiveness of the watch and thus the value IMO

fvancauw · Dec 23, 2021

Davidt
When you say -76, is this based on the serial number charts, an extract or what’s stamped in the caseback? I’m sure no Speedmaster with a -76 back had a stepped dial. However, if you have a -74 reference, which was produced in ‘76 that could be correct.

Based on the "extract from the archives" that was delivered with the watch.

fvancauw · Dec 23, 2021

more pictures

levkov · Dec 23, 2021

I'm only chiming in regarding the step dial. Up until few years ago it had been widely accepted that the 145.022-71 was the last reference to sport a step dial. This has changed lately though, more 145.022-74's have surfaced that too had a step dial (a friend's among them). I'm told that the latest Moonwatch Only book confirms this, although I can't check this myself I'm afraid, as i only have the previous (red cover) version.
A 1976 Speedy is easily associated as ref 145.022-74, so it is possible that the dial is original to the watch

fvancauw · Dec 23, 2021

This is the watch at the sellers page.

https://thewatchcollector.co.uk/products/omega-speedmaster-professional

Davidt · Dec 23, 2021

F fvancauw
Based on the "extract from the archives" that was delivered with the watch.

Ok so it’s likely not a 145.022-76 but a 145.022-74 which was produced in ‘76. This is an important difference as it means the step dial may well be correct.

Do you have a picture of the inside of the caseback to confirm?

Incidentally the bracelet is also a service item.

fvancauw · Dec 23, 2021

levkov
I'm only chiming in regarding the step dial. Up until few years ago it had been widely accepted that the 145.022-71 was the last reference to sport a step dial. This has changed lately though, more 145.022-74's have surfaced that too had a step dial (a friend's among them). I'm told that the latest Moonwatch Only book confirms this, although I can't check this myself I'm afraid, as i only have the previous (red cover) version.
A 1976 Speedy is easily associated as ref 145.022-74, so it is possible that the dial is original to the watch

I'll open the watch asap ...

I'm mention 145.022-76 but on the extract I see 145.022 maybe it is the right dial.

fvancauw · Dec 23, 2021

Can't open the case now, because I don't have the right tools.

dennisthemenace · Dec 23, 2021

That's an old movement and dial in a brand new case.

befobe · Dec 23, 2021

The index are very "white", aren't they?...😕

Dan321 · Dec 23, 2021

I would suggest buying this book, 3rd edition
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Moonwatc...2349624.m46890.l49286&mkrid=710-127635-2958-0

Foo2rama · Dec 23, 2021

levkov
I'm only chiming in regarding the step dial. Up until few years ago it had been widely accepted that the 145.022-71 was the last reference to sport a step dial. This has changed lately though, more 145.022-74's have surfaced that too had a step dial (a friend's among them). I'm told that the latest Moonwatch Only book confirms this, although I can't check this myself I'm afraid, as i only have the previous (red cover) version.
A 1976 Speedy is easily associated as ref 145.022-74, so it is possible that the dial is original to the watch

no

as someone that tracks -74 step dials and the 2 types of -76 dials a step dial should never be present on a -76.

This was is at best a Frankenstein with a later bezel and an earlier dial.

padders · Dec 23, 2021

Foo2rama
no

as someone that tracks -74 step dials and the 2 types of -76 dials a step dial should never be present on a -76.

This was is at best a Frankenstein with a later bezel and an earlier dial.

In fairness though, we don't know it is a -76, that was an assumption by the OP based on the extract date. It is more likely a -74 in actuality so while the case and bezel may be suspect, the dial could have started with that movement.

Foo2rama · Dec 23, 2021

padders
In fairness though, we don't know it is a -76, that was an assumption by the OP based on the extract date. It is more likely a -74 in actuality so while the case and bezel may be suspect, the dial could have started with that movement.

Late 74’s don’t have the step.

Dan S · Dec 23, 2021

I'm not sure the case is new. The dealer indicates that it was service by Omega, and they probably refinished the case. You can see that the surfaces basically have the correct finishes, but there are a few sloppy places where the polished region strays into the brushed facet, the backs of some of the lugs are not flat, and some deeper gouges were not removed. I had to look at the original dealer listing to see the details.

fvancauw · Dec 23, 2021

Dan S
I don't think the case is new, it looks like Omega refinished the case. You can see that the surfaces basically have the correct finishes, but there are a few sloppy places where the polished region strays into the brushed facet, and some deeper gouges were not removed.

That would be very good news ...
The polish / finish looks very good then.

dennisthemenace · Dec 23, 2021

Dan S
I don't think the case is new, it looks like Omega refinished the case.

Take another look at the caseback.

Scarecrow Boat · Dec 23, 2021

Davidt
Do you have a picture of the inside of the caseback to confirm?

Just curious, but would opening the caseback matter at this point? It is modern caseback- lacking the serifs and has the globe engraving.

edit to add: if it was serviced by Omega, would they engrave the correct reference into it?

Dan S · Dec 23, 2021

dennisthemenace
Take another look at the caseback.

Yes, the back is definitely new, good eye. I got caught up focusing on the mid-case. I assume that Omega will replace a badly gouged case-back.

Speedmaster 145.022 (july 1976) originality?

fvancauw

Davidt

fvancauw

fvancauw

levkov

fvancauw

Davidt

fvancauw

fvancauw

dennisthemenace

befobe

Dan321

Foo2rama

padders

Foo2rama

Dan S

fvancauw

dennisthemenace

Scarecrow Boat

Dan S

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