Speedmaster with "Dirt" on edge of Crystal...how concerned should I be?

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bungee2012

·Nov 9, 2020

Hello all,

I'm considering a Speedmaster 3570.50 from about 1998, with Tritium and an 1861 movement. As far as I can tell, everything here seems correct, however, the watch is service history unknown, and I see some brown "stuff" around where the bezel meets the crystal. I also see some brown discoloration around the hippocampus. The seller insists it's dirt and not corrosion, but refuses to clean it off. A second opinion would be much appreciated--I'm particularly concerned about possible water resistance (not planning on taking it swimming, but this would become my "daily wear," rain or shine). Thanks!

Edited: Nov 9, 2020

 

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WYO_Watch

·Nov 9, 2020

I don’t think dirt on the crystal would scare me...

 

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Foo2rama

·Nov 9, 2020·Nowhere near as grumpy as he used to be...

Its obviously horrible....

It totally ruins your sharp sides, and well aged lume.

I will take it off your hands for a small fee.

 

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Dan S

·Nov 9, 2020

What is the asking price? Since the service history is unknown, a full service and pressure testing will be required to assure water resistance. If you keep pestering the seller with silly requests, you will alienate him and someone else will buy it.

 

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STANDY

·Nov 9, 2020·schizophrenic pizza orderer and watch collector

Get it serviced and it will be dirt less and water resistant to 50 meters.

Any watch you buy second hand needs a service unless it comes with a receipt of service in the last year or so. ( if it has this a good scrub with a soft tooth brush with a bit of dawn dishwasher liquid will have it looking new )

 

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SkunkPrince

·Nov 9, 2020

Just old filth. It will come off.

 

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bungee2012

·Nov 9, 2020

Thank you for your advice, all. Happy to say the watch is now mine!

Any recommendations on where to get it serviced? Would prefer a shop in Northern/Central Jersey, who won't break the bank!

 

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STANDY

·Nov 10, 2020·schizophrenic pizza orderer and watch collector

B bungee2012

Thank you for your advice, all. Happy to say the watch is now mine!

Any recommendations on where to get it serviced? Would prefer a shop in Northern/Central Jersey, who won't break the bank!

Cheap and good don’t really work out in the watch world. (Unless your in the game for a bit)
Also many of us send a watch across country or to the other side of the world for a good watchmaker.

Try just asking for a good watchmaker with a Omega parts account. 😉

PS Not Omega as they will replace parts that will effect the value.

 

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zwjk

·Nov 10, 2020

Congrats on the watch. I love the consistent patina on the 90s Speedies.

I hear LA Watchworks do good work but probably not near Jersey.