Speedmaster Valuation

A friend has inhereted this watch and is wanting to sell. I am interested.

What can you tell me from the attached picture as far as age/value?

I noticed that paint has flaked off one hand is visible in the picture. Does the band look stretched? What is the going rate for an overhaul?

Thanks in advance!

Hey! Thanks for posting the watch here. Maybe there are some folks here that can tell you more about this watch just from the one picture but I have a feeling that you will get even better advice if you can give is some more pictures or information! Any chance you have a picture of the movement, the inside of the case back, the caseback itself? Did your friend give you date of production? All of these things will help folks narrow down the the exact model you have so they can give you a better idea of a fair price! While you are securing those pictures and details it might be nice to get a well lit shot that shows the dial little imperfections might pop a little more and they can really go on to affect how desirable and therefore expensive the watch is.

I am not a speedy expert so I am sure the next poster will correct me but to my eye this looks like a late 70's model due to the stepped dial and DN90 bezel. The bezel looks pretty good (ding around the 2 o clock) hard to tell about the dial, however I am not a fan of the way the lume has aged looks uneven and possibly a bit crumbly specifically on the hour hand. The case still has its lines but the bracelet is very loose. I would say $4500 usd? But I have not been shopping these watches and the value could change dramatically depending on the exact refernce you have in front of you.

I hope I have snuck in enough weasel words that you don't take my reply with to much seriousness, but are still able to extract some value from the post.

Cheers

You asked some specific questions, so I will address those:
- from picture, what age/value? as others said, one picture doesn't give much, but I concur early 70's (that "step" in the dial disappeared beginning in '74). Value is impossible from one pic, and, there are other considerations I explain below.
- paint flake from one hand: the hands look original and their condition appears normal, that won't impact value or operation, and you can choose to have them relumed
- band appears stretched? yes, it is, quite a bit from the pic and that does impact its value, and its function. The endlink looks a little misfit as well to me, but hard to see clearly in the pic provided.
- Going rate for overhaul? A vintage speedmaster overhaul from a qualified watchmaker is around $500 - $800 USD I would say, and could be more depending on parts replacements.

You said a "friend" is selling this... now, do you want to get this for the lowest possible price, or, do you want to strike a "fair" agreement? How much does the seller know about watches? If the seller doesn't know anything about watches, nor has any inclination to put time into assessing what the value may be, you could offer $800 and they may say "great I'll take it" and in that case you will probably have made a good deal for yourself. There's no way to give a "fair" offer without having a qualified person take a complete assessment of the watch, including opening the caseback and looking at the movement. If you are just inspecting the outside, then its just a best guess. My best guess.... $2500. That's becuase I don't find the watch attractive, the dial lume plots are discolored and gray, bracelet is shagged, and its for sure going to need a service before turning into a daily wearable. (there, I just gave you some negotiating points 😀. Good luck.

Thanks for all of the input. He sold it before I had a chance to get back with him. $2800.

At this price, just for the parts, I would have bought it...

Unfortunate as a friend he didn’t give you a minute to ponder/research before selling… but maybe he needed the money. Good luck on your search, I think you can find one that presents a bit better.