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Speedmaster(s) ID & Valuation: Heirlooms

AmateurHour
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Friend just texted me these pics. Left behind by her grandfather, a pawn shop offered her $300 each. I choked at hearing that.

I’ll start with the Speedy Pros. Are you guys able to ID the models, and perhaps give a value estimate? She says both need work, and I assume neither has seen a full service in its life. The DON has the 1035(?) bracelet and seahorse-only caseback, and appears to be an embossed logo, not applied…145.022-6x? The other I find harder to date.

There is also a De Ville and a Flightmaster, both shown front and rear, as well.
Edited:
 
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Dan S
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Hard to give a really accurate valuation, but the pre-moon is likely a 145.022-69, and probably worth in the neighborhood of $6k-$7k with the flatlink bracelet (the bracelet looks pretty rough). Just a guess because I really can't see the condition, but the watch itself looks decent at first glance. The lume in the hands is not attractive, which hurts the value a bit.

The moonwatch looks to have a legit DNN bezel but not a stepped dial, so I'm going to infer 145.022-74 or -76 or something like that. The dial looks washed unfortunately (lume missing from many markers), so I'd estimate $4k-ish.
Edited:
 
AmateurHour
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Dan S Dan S
Hard to give a really accurate valuation, but the pre-moon is likely a 145.022-69, and probably worth in the neighborhood of $7k with the flatlink bracelet (the bracelet looks pretty rough). Just a guess because I really can't see the condition, but the watch itself looks decent at first glance. If there are flaws I can't see, it will hurt the value.

The moonwatch looks to have a legit DNN bezel but not a stepped dial, so I'm going to infer 145.022-74 or -76 or something like that. With the bracelet, could be worth $5k-ish if all original. However, I have a bad feeling that it has service dial and hands because everything looks super-white, which would really hurt the value, but would still be worth $3k-ish. Need better photos to tell.
Thank you. Check if the new pics help at all.
 
Dan S
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AmateurHour AmateurHour
Thank you. Check if the new pics help at all.

Please see my edited comments after looking at the new photos.
 
Scarecrow Boat
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Dan S Dan S
The moonwatch looks to have a legit DNN bezel but not a stepped dial, so I'm going to infer 145.022-74 or -76 or something like that. The dial looks washed unfortunately (lume missing from many markers), so I'd estimate $4k-ish.
I can’t comment on anything else, but add that it also has an incorrect chrono hand. Looking at the hour and minute as well, there is something that seems off about them.
 
Dan S
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Scarecrow Boat Scarecrow Boat
I can’t comment on anything else, but add that it also has an incorrect chrono hand. Looking at the hour and minute as well, there is something that seems off about them.

True. Once I saw the dial, I think my brain turned off a little bit.
 
dennisthemenace
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The '69 appears to have had the dial touched up and an incorrect minute recorder hand fitted at some point.
 
MtV
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Regardless of the number of flaws we find with it, 300$ is an insult.
 
calalum
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And why was she discussing these watches at a pawn shop in the first place?
 
Scarecrow Boat
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calalum calalum
And why was she discussing these watches at a pawn shop in the first place?
It is easy to have this perspective as we are a special group of people that love watches. To us it is a Speedmaster with a DON bezel... to someone else, it is just a dirty, tired, visibly damaged, worn out watch that can't possibly be of worth. Not everyone knows what to do or where to go, despite how easy it is to google what is on the dial. Good luck to everyone that lies to their significant others about the value of their watch. What do you think will happen when the time comes for the significant other to pass that watch on...
 
paddymoran
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Scarecrow Boat Scarecrow Boat
Good luck to everyone that lies to their significant others about the value of their watch. What do you think will happen when the time comes for the significant other to pass that watch on...

So true - watches might be relatively okay to identify and sell for close to market value but what about all the components, accessories, etc that we’ve built up over time. That special Ed White dial or NOS 1039/ 516 bracelet and end links - might end up in a garage sale!! I’ve seen it happen with collections of rare Beach Boys material when owners have passed away.
 
calalum
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I get all of that. Just pointing out that a person looking to do as well as possible with selling or valuing watches is presumably not going to succeed at a pawn broker.
 
Dan S
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calalum calalum
I get all of that. Just pointing out that a person looking to do as well as possible with selling or valuing watches is presumably not going to succeed at a pawn broker.

No doubt. But some people may not even be aware of the options that are available. And others may be impulsive, or desire a fast resolution.
 
paddymoran
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And if the items aren’t known to be valuable (dirty old watches) why would someone go to the effort and cost of having them appraised?
 
AmateurHour
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calalum calalum
And why was she discussing these watches at a pawn shop in the first place?
Probably for the reason that years ago an original JLC diver ended up at a Goodwill in Phoenix and the guy made $30k and a Speedy Pro off the deal. She didn’t have a clue, and they were thrown in with a ton of other items, including some stunning belt buckles which she’s since also learned are worth a great deal.

I’m just glad she asked me about them. I think at this point I’ll have her take them to a reputable appraiser in Florida. Any recommendations would be appreciated, and thank you guys for the feedback.
 
studeb
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AmateurHour AmateurHour
Probably for the reason that years ago an original JLC diver ended up at a Goodwill in Phoenix and the guy made $30k and a Speedy Pro off the deal. She didn’t have a clue, and they were thrown in with a ton of other items, including some stunning belt buckles which she’s since also learned are worth a great deal.

I’m just glad she asked me about them. I think at this point I’ll have her take them to a reputable appraiser in Florida. Any recommendations would be appreciated, and thank you guys for the feedback.

What is your friend after?
Valuation for insurance?
Selling for money?
 
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