Speedmaster 2998-1?

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My fiancees mother passed away couple weeks ago and fiancee and her sisters are going through all the stuff and they found this watch. Watch belonged to my fiancees grandfather and was used as a normal watch so it is not in mint condition but doesn't seem to be fiddled and works just fine as far as I can say.

I spent couple days searching information about the watch and I'm wondering if the watch is 2998-1 and what it might be worth. Estate has no intention to keep the watch so they are going to sell it eventually and I'm just looking information about the watch. Watch has box and papers with movement serial number. Didn't open the case to be sure but all the clues indicates that it is 2998-1.

 
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Wow.

At first glance that looks special. From your description I was expecting a heavily worn 2998 full of service parts but aside from the incorrect late 60’s/70’s bracelet it looks very good.

I wonder if there’s a hint or chocolate in that dial?

The best advice right now is not to rush anything. Do not accept the first offer a local dealer gives you. The market is funny right now but good watches sell well and I’d say this is a $30k + watch.

Can you take some better, more focussed shots of the dial?
 
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There is a slight hint of chocolate but very faint. I have to get better phone or camera to get better pictures later on since my potato can't take better pictures. Tried my best with what I got.
 
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Don't touch the watch, don't even attempt to clean it. Just leave it completely alone and take your time formulating a plan.
 
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Looks like a nice example. I echo the remarks made here - leave it as is and think about what to do with it. The top auction houses including Sothebys and Christies will be interested if you decide to sell.
 
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😍
I can only repeat what others have said.
Do not do aything to the watch. Don't even try to clean it!
Put it in a safe place and ignore any offers you may receive, take your time and get a plan together.

This looks like a valuable watch with considerable interest to collectors, the original box and papers add to the value of the package.

Good Luck with it.
 
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Actually, my first reaction when I scrolled down through the photos was "holy shit!".

I'm sure I wasn't alone.
 
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Yikes! I too was ready for a franken horror show. Park this thing. No rush to sell. It’s gonna stay valuable. As advised don’t service it or try to wind it. Any buyer will handle that themselves. I’m sure you are already getting e mail offers. Speedmaster101.com for more perspective.
 
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That's the Sizzle on the flame!

Think of the watch as an old piece of furniture or old car. If you try to clean the dirt and grime off to pretty it up you probably destroy the value to a collector. Since you mentioned a hint of chocolate in the dial, you've clearly done some research, good on you.

Put the serial number in here: ilovemyspeedmaster.com

Also, condolences.
 
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Wow.

At first glance that looks special. From your description I was expecting a heavily worn 2998 full of service parts but aside from the incorrect late 60’s/70’s bracelet it looks very good.

I wonder if there’s a hint or chocolate in that dial?

The best advice right now is not to rush anything. Do not accept the first offer a local dealer gives you. The market is funny right now but good watches sell well and I’d say this is a $30k + watch.

Can you take some better, more focussed shots of the dial?
30k+ seems a bit high these days considering this truly nos example only reached 20+ recently on public auction :


But still, what a nice watch!
 
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30k+ seems a bit high these days considering this truly nos example only reached 20+ recently on public auction :


But still, what a nice watch!

Well the watch in this thread is an earlier ref with base 1000 bezel so not really comparing apples to apples. I know which one I’d rather own.

But, I know what you mean. That’s why I caveated it by saying the market is funny right now. I do still think this is a 30k watch (and honestly, in the right auction, I think it would go higher).
 
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Waow. It looks stunning. The dial looks great and lume very nicely aged.
Actually, my first reaction when I scrolled down through the photos was "holy shit!".

I'm sure I wasn't alone.
Totally! The suspense was building up nicely starting with the box… every picture was like… this is getting better and better! 😝

Very nice heirloom!
 
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That's very nice indeed. Great heirloom - see if you can get a professional written authentication this will help the sale and the price
 
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That's very nice indeed. Great heirloom - see if you can get a professional written authentication this will help the sale and the price
I disagree with this. What kind of professional are you suggesting?
Most dealers won’t do this and even if they did, the word of many dealers isn’t worth the paper it’s written on. The people who will pay big bucks for this are serious collectors and they know what it is. The key things here are leaving it untouched and deciding on the best sales route
 
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see if you can get a professional written authentication
Who do you suggest?
The local Omega Boutique or AD?
 
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Forums are based on experience. My experience is selling high value watches the Omega the CoA from Omega, while expensive at 800 euro, will add significantly to the hammer price, as it gives certainty to someone who is investing 10 x thousands in a watch and may not have the knowledge shared by those active on the Forum. You can also get extracts from the Archives for less than that, around 100 euro I believe.
 
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I disagree with this. What kind of professional are you suggesting?
Most dealers won’t do this and even if they did, the word of many dealers isn’t worth the paper it’s written on. The people who will pay big bucks for this are serious collectors and they know what it is. The key things here are leaving it untouched and deciding on the best sales route
Omega - they are in Biel, Switzerland. They produce a Certificate of Authenticity. The cost, IMO, and experience is well worth it if the seller wants to maximise the return from the sale of the watch.