Speedmaster pre-moon alpha hands, real? value?

JoshuaM · Sep 9, 2023

Hi, I have inherited a vintage Omega which I have found out a few things about researching myself but I can't seem to get a universally agreed upon value for it so far.
Here's what I think I know (I could be wrong about some or all of this info):
it's an Omega Speedmaster, with the 17 million serial number indicating it was made in 1960.
I believe it's referred to as a pre-moon, alpha hands model.
dot over 90.
2998-4 stamped inside the case back.
there are several previous service dates scratched into the inside of the case back but nothing very recent.
321 movement.
the bracelet in stamped with 1
61
overall, the watch seems to be in good condition, is running fine when wound. the bezel looks pretty good compared to many other examples I've seen and the dial seems to be in great condition. there are some chew marks on the bracelet and some minor gouging on the case back but nothing too serious, imo. light scratches on the crystal.

I haven't tried the push button functions since I don't know how they work.

I'd like to have this insured, if it's legit of course, so in your opinion, what is the value of this one?

thanks

hansaboy · Sep 9, 2023

Hi there!
Check it out?

https://speedmaster101.com/

Davidt · Sep 9, 2023

Looks nice. I’d say around $20k.

JimJupiter · Sep 9, 2023

Real deal, congrats!

JoshuaM · Sep 9, 2023

Davidt
Looks nice. I’d say around $20k.

Thank you. so you think the condition would be considered somewhere between good and very good? based on the reference chart provided above and your estimate.
also, do you think it's the original bracelet even though it seems that by the numbers, they are representing two different dates? sorry, pretty new to this 😀
thanks again.

Dan S · Sep 9, 2023

Given the lume loss on the dial, I'd be hard pressed to call the condition GOOD. The rest of the watch does look to be in good condition. Still a desirable model and a great heirloom.

I'm not sure I understand the question about the bracelet and two different dates. Can you clarify? I see a 1.61 date code.

JoshuaM · Sep 9, 2023

Dan S
Given the lume loss on the dial, I'd be hard pressed to call the condition GOOD. The rest of the watch does look to be in good condition. Still a desirable model and a great heirloom.

I'm not sure I understand the question about the bracelet and two different dates. Can you clarify? I see a 1.61 date code.

sorry, I thought the serial number inside the case referenced a '60 date. I'm a complete Omega amateur, forgive me. what would you guess the value to be? thank you

Dan S · Sep 9, 2023

The serial number only allows an estimate of the production/delivery date based on data accumulated by collectors; you can't know the delivery date accurately without an extract from the Omega archives. Moreover, the bracelet was often added at the point of sale, which can be years after production. I don't have any problem with the combination of the OP watch and bracelet.

I'm not sure why you are pushing for a valuation. If you want to insure it, put a high replacement value on it in line with a watch in very good condition (and add a few thousand for the bracelet, which is not included in the speedmaster101 table), that would allow you to replace it easily if lost or stolen. If you are asking how much you could sell it for, TBH the dial is going to hold it back.

JoshuaM · Sep 9, 2023

again, sorry. I didn't mean to push, I just thought I should know the value of something I now possess and will care for. thanks again for your help.

pdxleaf · Sep 9, 2023

J JoshuaM
again, sorry. I didn't mean to push, I just thought I should know the value of something I now possess and will care for. thanks again for your help.

You should, it makes sense. You know it's in the tens of thousands, which for most people is alot.

You can't get an exact dollar amount, as the amount is set by a buyer and seller, as well as are you selling yourself, to a watch store, ebay, through an auction, etc...

The Speedmaster101 website that you saw above will be your best ballpark guide. If you still want a more exact amount, a local watch shop may offer an appraisal service.

Congrats on inheriting a great watch!

JoshuaM · Sep 9, 2023

pdxleaf
You should, it makes sense. You know it's in the tens of thousands, which for most people is alot.

You can't get an exact dollar amount, as the amount is set by a buyer and seller, as well as are you selling yourself, to a watch store, ebay, through an auction, etc...

The Speedmaster101 website that you saw above will be your best ballpark guide. If you still want a more exact amount, a local watch shop may offer an appraisal service.

Congrats on inheriting a great watch!

Thank you very much. so insuring it for 20k is adequate, you think? and do you think I should have it serviced or just keep it locked up as it is now? should I wind it, leave it be? thanks again

pdxleaf · Sep 9, 2023

J JoshuaM
Thank you very much. so insuring it for 20k is adequate, you think? and do you think I should have it serviced or just keep it locked up as it is now? should I wind it, leave it be? thanks again

Most of us would want to wear it. But that is up to you. That could be a longer discussion.

If you don't want to wear it, at least not right away, it doesn't make sense to service it. The reason to service it is similar to an automobile. You wouldn't want to try to drive a car that's been sitting around for years. Even if you got it started, you'd be tearing it up with old oil and grease that no longer lubricated. Similar with a watch, rule of thumb is that watch lubricants need replacing after 5 years.

Using the car example again, it doesn't make sense to change the oil etc if you aren't going to drive it. It's extra money and you'll need to do it again later before you drive it.

If you are wondering about damage by letting it sit, you probably can't hurt it, provided there's no moisture damage. If it previously had moisture, then any rust will continue to rust. If it's dry, it'll remain dry. Your movement looks dry and in good shape so just store it in a dry spot.

The one thing you don't want to do is to wind it without servicing it first.

As for insurance, there are several discusdions here on the value of insurance, as well as how. Use Google with Omega Forum insurance to search.

Do as Dan suggested, insure it as a very good condition watch. Most people will insure for a higher value. Some people think insurance is not worth the money. That's a personal decision. Talk with your home insurer about a rider.

I would urge you to read more about Speedmasters and the history of your watch. You have clearly done a lot of research. You may decide you want to wear it. If you do get it serviced, you'll want someone familiar with vintage watches. The value in a vintage watch is like old furniture or old anything, condition and originality. You'll want to be certain that whoever touches your watch will not polish the case, change parts like hands (crystal and movement parts like main springs are okay, provided you get the old parts back.)

If you want to sell it, don't service it. A collector wants it as is. They can see if it's original and they will have their own trusted watchmaker. It's wierd, but it's more valuable left alone.

Thanks for sharing. Pretty cool.

sheepdoll · Sep 9, 2023

It has a column wheel movement. What more is there to want?

JoshuaM · Sep 9, 2023

pdxleaf
Most of us would want to wear it. But that is up to you. That could be a longer discussion.

If you don't want to wear it, at least not right away, it doesn't make sense to service it. The reason to service it is similar to an automobile. You wouldn't want to try to drive a car that's been sitting around for years. Even if you got it started, you'd be tearing it up with old oil and grease that no longer lubricated. Similar with a watch, rule of thumb is that watch lubricants need replacing after 5 years.

Using the car example again, it doesn't make sense to change the oil etc if you aren't going to drive it. It's extra money and you'll need to do it again later before you drive it.

If you are wondering about damage by letting it sit, you probably can't hurt it, provided there's no moisture damage. If it previously had moisture, then any rust will continue to rust. If it's dry, it'll remain dry. Your movement looks dry and in good shape so just store it in a dry spot.

The one thing you don't want to do is to wind it without servicing it first.

As for insurance, there are several discusdions here on the value of insurance, as well as how. Use Google with Omega Forum insurance to search.

Do as Dan suggested, insure it as a very good condition watch. Most people will insure for a higher value. Some people think insurance is not worth the money. That's a personal decision. Talk with your home insurer about a rider.

I would urge you to read more about Speedmasters and the history of your watch. You have clearly done a lot of research. You may decide you want to wear it. If you do get it serviced, you'll want someone familiar with vintage watches. The value in a vintage watch is like old furniture or old anything, condition and originality. You'll want to be certain that whoever touches your watch will not polish the case, change parts like hands (crystal and movement parts like main springs are okay, provided you get the old parts back.)

If you want to sell it, don't service it. A collector wants it as is. They can see if it's original and they will have their own trusted watchmaker. It's wierd, but it's more valuable left alone.

Thanks for sharing. Pretty cool.

Thanks again, much appreciated. There are basically three reasons I probably won't wear it, one is because it's much too tight for my wrist, it actually doesn't even come close to being able to close and I'm not sure how easy it would be to find links or add an extender. I wear about an 8" bracelet and this is closer to 7". second is while I might now own a valuable watch, I'm not wealthy or used to wearing such valuable jewelry and would never feel comfortable thinking it could be stolen or damaged. and finally, no offense meant to anyone reading, it's really not my personal preference style-wise. I'm much more of a 70's vintage Accutron kind of guy.

I don't have much extra cash for insuring it but I know how devastated I would feel if something were to happen to it while in my care. I figure it might hurt a bit now but I think it might give me piece of mind, idk. I'll shop around and think about it. right now it's in a locked watch case with a moisture control aid, away from sunlight and protected from immediate danger.

I did read a bunch about this series and studied the Speedmaster 101 site but without knowing it's authenticity and other details, I knew I couldn't be sure without some more input. I also looked at a very similar example he had on his site, I think it was going for about 30k. I contacted William, from this site, and he seemed willing to take a look, I'm still waiting to hear back.

again, I really appreciate your time and assistance 😀

pdxleaf · Sep 9, 2023

J JoshuaM
Thanks again, much appreciated. There are basically three reasons I probably won't wear it, one is because it's much too tight for my wrist, it actually doesn't even come close to being able to close and I'm not sure how easy it would be to find links or add an extender. I wear about an 8" bracelet and this is closer to 7". second is while I might now own a valuable watch, I'm not wealthy or used to wearing such valuable jewelry and would never feel comfortable thinking it could be stolen or damaged. and finally, no offense meant to anyone reading, it's really not my personal preference style-wise. I'm much more of a 70's vintage Accutron kind of guy.

I don't have much extra cash for insuring it but I know how devastated I would feel if something were to happen to it while in my care. I figure it might hurt a bit now but I think it might give me piece of mind, idk. I'll shop around and think about it. right now it's in a locked watch case with a moisture control aid, away from sunlight and protected from immediate danger.

I did read a bunch about this series and studied the Speedmaster 101 site but without knowing it's authenticity and other details, I knew I couldn't be sure without some more input. I also looked at a very similar example he had on his site, I think it was going for about 30k. I contacted William, from this site, and he seemed willing to take a look, I'm still waiting to hear back.

again, I really appreciate your time and assistance 😀

Great Accutron.

You just made a bunch of Accutron fans extremely happy!

You're in good hands with William.

watchyouwant · Sep 9, 2023

So, these are just preambles for a Sale ?

JoshuaM · Sep 9, 2023

pdxleaf
Great Accutron.

You just made a bunch of Accutron fans extremely happy!

You're in good hands with William.

Beauties!

here's my very small collection (I actually have two of the same tv dial model, looking to trade one)

pdxleaf · Sep 9, 2023

J JoshuaM
Beauties!

here's my very small collection (I actually have two of the same tv dial model, looking to trade one)

https://omegaforums.net/threads/show-us-your-vintage-accutron.133242/

JoshuaM · Sep 9, 2023

watchyouwant
So, these are just preambles for a Sale ?

I'm not selling, if that's what you mean. I was only trying to know what I have and what it's worth. I asked for info on facebook but it was confusing and while I was waiting to hear back from Speedmaster 101, I thought I'd ask and share here. I apologize if I'm in the wrong forum/sub for this inquiry.

harrymai86 · Sep 9, 2023

Very even lume loss on the outer edge of the index. Wonder if it will keep losing lume so will it need any stablizer?

Speedmaster pre-moon alpha hands, real? value?

JoshuaM

hansaboy

Davidt

JimJupiter

JoshuaM

Dan S

JoshuaM

Dan S

JoshuaM

pdxleaf

JoshuaM

pdxleaf

sheepdoll

JoshuaM

pdxleaf

watchyouwant

JoshuaM

pdxleaf

JoshuaM

harrymai86

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