The Speedmaster minefield

padders

That seller won't sell into the EU (which still includes the UK) for tax reasons so that is a non starter. Were he to sell into the EU he would presumably have to account for sales tax. If he were to pass that on in the price it would cost only a couple of hundred under the RRP so not a great deal really. Another seller, Demollo used to do something similar but I think maybe no longer has this restriction. There are better deals available for UK buyers, seller like Dom Hackett, Chonext and others can supplant at a circa 20% discount to RRP.

Zippo

Sweet! How does that beauty run, do you get much issues with the 70s? Looks great condition.

airansun

My suggestion: I’d be looking for the nicest 70’s Speedmaster I could find.

Yes, there are some risks, but they’re reduced if you find something here on OF. I’ve only had positive buying/selling experiences here.

A 70’s Speedmaster will always be more special to you, sitting on your wrist, than a modern one. And I could argue that a really nice 70’s Speedmaster will hold its value, going forward, better than a new one you could buy today.

My -74, which I bought used in 1981. I wore this watch when my wife and I were married, when my oldest was born etc etc.

No new Speedmaster is going to look like this. Get something special with so much money. Figure $5-6k for an ‘almost collector’ -74, -76 or -78.

airansun

It runs quite well and with pleasing accuracy. I’ve never had a problem with it and, during the years I wore it every day (1981-87), I treated it like a tool watch and not something precious. Granted, I worked in an office, but I think it’s held up well. It’s what makes me comfortable actually wearing, regularly wearing, old Speedmasters.

One benefit of my having put it aside after 1987 was that the first time I had it serviced was in 2015, when I already knew enough to prevent it from being polished or ‘updated’ during service.

I was pretty unhappy when the tritium lost its nighttime glow and slowly turned yellow. Obviously, I don’t feel that way anymore.

Mine isn’t for sale, but I assume it’s worth about $5k in this state.

I like the serial number: 31312813. 🙄

To me, this path seems so much more interesting. And -74s, -76s and -78s this nice, and nicer, are around and appear regularly. You do need to do much more homework this way, but oh! the satisfaction.

Zippo

So the watch in the OP is selling for £2595, no papers and a aftermarket strap. For £3150 you could get brand new (stickered) with 5 years warranty. That's a difference of £555 unless a discount was negotiated with the pawnbroker. What would you choose, or neither?

P percymon

Bear in mind Omega just raised retail prices 5% so if you have that offer of £3150 on the table it might be advisable to move on it quickly, before any discounted sellers raise their prices as well. A quick google search for the leather strap , hesalite verison 311.33.42.30.01.001 came back with £3206 with 20-30 delivery timescale.

Zippo

Hi, thanks for the response! Here are the only other pics. They seem to be reluctant to open it.