Speedmaster mid case

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Norfolk

·Oct 27, 2021

I have been offered a 1971 Speedy locally. Not cheap but not too dear. It’s a good original piece but…the mid case has had some pretty heavy wear. Lugs and sides very gouged. I’m wondering if a mid case swap would be an option. I’ve no idea what sort of cost is involved but it would transform the watch. Does it then ruin the integrity of the piece? Are they available from Omega and is the 71 any different to any other 861 based movement?
Crown pushers caseback etc all good. The dial and hands are great. The bezel poor but I have a DNN I could use instead.. And it has original 12 bracelet with 47 end links dated 8/72. Not sure what ref this is for bracelet itself.
Thoughts?

 

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timoss

·Oct 27, 2021

There are plenty available on eBay, and I would recommend that over new replacement from Omega—I don’t think brand new would match the condition of the rest of the watch well.

 

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paddymoran

·Oct 27, 2021

I’d agree with the last contributor - buy a used one with wear broadly consummate to the age of the watch. Don’t think it needs to be a 71 model though.

 

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Norfolk

·Oct 27, 2021

Thanks. Quick search on EBay produced nothing! Some 321 cases at high prices but no mid cases for 861. I’m happy with a used one - just not too chewed.
Any other leads? Guess I’ll post a WTB on the forum if I get the watch.

 

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paddymoran

·Oct 27, 2021

Norfolk

Thanks. Quick search on EBay produced nothing! Some 321 cases at high prices but no mid cases for 861. I’m happy with a used one - just not too chewed.
Any other leads? Guess I’ll post a WTB on the forum if I get the watch.

Seems to be a used one up there at the moment - in France. About $2k but includes crown, pushers, bezel and crystal which could be sold on afterwards.

 

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Norfolk

·Oct 27, 2021

Thanks. I had to change location to UK to see the mod case. Just seeing if it adds up….

 

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paddymoran

·Oct 27, 2021

Norfolk

Thanks. I had to change location to UK to see the mod case. Just seeing if it adds up….

Would be curious to hear the ball park price for the 71 Speedy. I picked up a lovely example recently for $3.5k. Running very strongly but just on a leather strap. Great deal I think.

 

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wagudc

·Oct 27, 2021

Norfolk

Thanks. I had to change location to UK to see the mod case. Just seeing if it adds up….

In case you give up and decide to part it out, dibs on the dial.

 

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Dan S

·Oct 27, 2021

Just playing devil's advocate here. If you're not happy with the watch as it is, and it's not cheap, maybe you should just let it go and wait for something that will give you more joy.

 

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kingsrider

·Oct 27, 2021

Why is the price of this watch not being offered? If we are asked for advice do we not deserve all the relevant information?
Lacking a price... My advice is pass.

 

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Norfolk

·Oct 27, 2021

Price is circa US 3500. Was recently serviced apparently. I think with a mid case at near 1500 it doesn’t really add up so I’m probably going to pass. If I could find a reasonable used mid case for 500 then maybe and I have a decent DNN for it.

It would make a nice beater watch for someone else I guess.

 

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Archer

·Oct 28, 2021·Omega Qualified Watchmaker

Just FYI - the mid case (a.k.a. case frame) is not available as a separate part, so the option from Omega would only be a whole new case.

 

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Norfolk

·Oct 28, 2021

Archer

Just FYI - the mid case (a.k.a. case frame) is not available as a separate part, so the option from Omega would only be a whole new case.

Thanks Archer. Think that is ruled out then! Just FYI, what is the cost for that - assume case and caseback? Or does it include crystal, bezel, pushers etc?

 

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Archer

·Oct 28, 2021·Omega Qualified Watchmaker

Norfolk

Thanks Archer. Think that is ruled out then! Just FYI, what is the cost for that - assume case and caseback? Or does it include crystal, bezel, pushers etc?

The case is the entire case - includes everything, so crystal, pushers, crown, bezel, case back, etc.

Price will depend on location, local currency conversions, etc. but around $2K US or so...of course not something one can just call Omega and order, so would have to be done through a watchmaker with a part account.

 

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paddymoran

·Oct 28, 2021

Cheaper option on eBay - from California - NOS 1976 case but obviously in new condition so maybe not what you want.

Description below:
OMEGA MOONWALK CHRONOGRAPH CASE Ref. 145.022. Circa: 1976. 42mm diameter and 48mm in length. Includes the GASKET, both chronograph buttons, and the original Crystal (with the OMEGA Logo in the center). Produced by Omega in 2003. Unused Omega Factory Moonwalk Speedmaster Case. Needs the back, stem and crown. Don't polish a beat up case, buy this original, and protect the value of your watch!

 

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Norfolk

·Oct 28, 2021

wow - thanks. No wonder I couldnt find one....I was searching for Speedmaster case. Doh! That makes the whole project much more interesting....

 

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paddymoran

·Oct 28, 2021

Norfolk

wow - thanks. No wonder I couldnt find one....I was searching for Speedmaster case. Doh! That makes the whole project much more interesting....

I’d nearly buy one of the two myself 😀

 

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machamp6650

·Oct 28, 2021

paddymoran

Cheaper option on eBay - from California - NOS 1976 case but obviously in new condition so maybe not what you want.

Description below:
OMEGA MOONWALK CHRONOGRAPH CASE Ref. 145.022. Circa: 1976. 42mm diameter and 48mm in length. Includes the GASKET, both chronograph buttons, and the original Crystal (with the OMEGA Logo in the center). Produced by Omega in 2003. Unused Omega Factory Moonwalk Speedmaster Case. Needs the back, stem and crown. Don't polish a beat up case, buy this original, and protect the value of your watch!

I'd be cautious about this one. There have been some threads discussing whether cases and other parts from this seller are real or not, with fairly negative conclusions in some cases. Personally I have bought a speedmaster bezel from this seller that was listed as 100% genuine NOS (very similar descriptions as for the case) and it ended up being 100% fake. I also made some inquiries about this case with the seller and came away less than confident.

Edited: Oct 28, 2021

 

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wagudc

·Oct 28, 2021

machamp6650

I'd be cautious about this one. There have been some threads discussing whether cases and other parts from this seller are real or not, with fairly negative conclusions in some cases. Personally I have bought a speedmaster bezel from this seller that was listed as 100% genuine NOS (very similar descriptions as for the case) and it ended up being 100% fake. I also made some inquiries about this case with the seller and came away less than confident.

You should tag @Norfolk to make sure he doesn't miss this response. Yikes.

 

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Norfolk

·Oct 28, 2021

Thanks for the advice. Hmmmm. I’ve ordered one so let you know what happens….