Speedmaster 1985 - claimed all original, legit?

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hotzenplotz

·Apr 11, 2023

Dear Omega-Experts,

after deciding to buy a (relatively) vintage Speedmaster I've been lurking for a few years now and checked ended listings on eBay etc. to get a feel for authentic watches. This 1985 (my birth year) 145.022 looks legit. But, my eye is obviously not as trained as yours. And I'm really curious as to why this listing has been open at a really good price for a few weeks now! Can you spot any oddities about this one? Is this an aftermarket bezel?

Thanks for your time!

 

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OneTwo

·Apr 11, 2023

If listed on eBay or C24, this could be due to seller feedback. Also, were there any movement photos included in the listing? As this could affect the potential buyer's interest.

Edited: Apr 11, 2023

 

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SpdMastr

·Apr 11, 2023

Greetings! The watch is reference 3590.50 and it is newer than 1985; the serial # dates it to 1991 according to the database @ IlovemySpeedmaster. The characteristics of the watch (serial # on the lug, bezel type, bracelet style, “Speedmaster” with high letter “t”) bear this out also. Cheers!

 

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hotzenplotz

·Apr 11, 2023

Thanks for your replies! Sadly no photo of the movement. Re: serial numbers I also stumbled over the fact that by some accounts the serial should be a 1991 or even 1992. Would this make the watch less valuable though? The seller is asking approx. USD 4K.

 

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SpdMastr

·Apr 11, 2023

IMO a 1985 Speedmaster and 1991 Speedmaster can be valued similarly, with the ‘85 perhaps commanding a slight premium given equal condition. Though both references have some unique vintage features (tritium lume, dial fonts, bracelets, etc), they are not as desirable as earlier variants…yet.

$4000 USD for a 3590.50 is a very average price, especially if the watch hasn’t been serviced recently.

 

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machamp6650

·Apr 11, 2023

Watch looks OK to me (other than cracked lume on the minute hand) although I agree that this appears to be a 3590.50 from early 90s. I would expect that you should have a few decent options for purchasing a 3590.50 at around 4k USD.

 

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hotzenplotz

·Apr 11, 2023

Alright. Thanks again for helping me make an informed decision against this watch! This forum is infinitely valuable.

 

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Davidt

·Apr 11, 2023

Did that bezel type appear on 3590.50’s? I thought they started with the next reference in the mid-late 90’s.

Personally I find the ‘tall’ tachymetre bezel of the 70’s, 80’s and eqrly 90’s much more attractive.

 

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SpdMastr

·Apr 11, 2023

Davidt

Did that bezel type appear on 3590.50’s? I thought they started with the next reference in the mid-late 90’s.

Personally I find the ‘tall’ tachymetre bezel of the 70’s, 80’s and eqrly 90’s much more attractive.

Yes the serif-less DN70 bezel is correct; here’s my 1992 3592.50 (with short S dial):

Edited: Apr 11, 2023

 

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Davidt

·Apr 11, 2023

Ah for some reason I was thinking it had the layer ‘accent over E’/‘dot below 70’ bezel but clearly it’s the slightly earlier version which is correct for this ref.

I think the price is fairly good. $4k equates to around £3200. I wouldn’t sell mine for that.