I'm intrigued by this watch going on eBay. It's a Speedmaster Reduced, with a reverse panda dial modification. According to the seller, the replacement dial came directly from Omega. Assuming this is true (which I'm dubious of), what are everyone's thoughts on franken-speedmasters, and franken watches in general? How much does it hurt re-sale value? Thanks, Jake
Resale is going to be hurt quite a bit, but it depends on the asking price. I have trouble with this and will let others chime in, but does the case look polished? If you like the watch, I say to get it as nobody should tell you what you should like/not like.
Appreciate the reply. Seller did indicate that the case has been polished, another knock. All said, I can't quit the desire for a reverse panda...
The dial is not what concerns me. There's a legit panda Speedy Reduced, with hesalite crystal. But this one looks like it has a sapphire crystal? And AFAIK, there were no sapphire crystal Speedy Reduced that had a panda dial - are the 3510.50 and 3539.50 dials interchangeble?
ebay link for full reference: https://www.ebay.com/itm/192631302926?ViewItem=&item=192631302926Purchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network
As above(Dan7800), yes it will hurt resale value but that aside and if we believe it is an Omega dial, then I would view it the same way as a Speedmaster Professional with the Mitsukoshi dial and handset mod(which I would class as modded rather than Franken). I remember there was a Speemaster Reduced with a reverse Panda dial so the dial could be an original part, I'm sure others will confirm.
I’m with @dan7800 and @Tet on this. Resale will take a hit, but it looks good. If you like it, but it. I promise no one will ever approach and ask if it’s been modded or if it’s a “Frankenwatch”. As long as everything is fully disclosed in the event of a resale. Advertise it for what it is and no one is deceitful about it or misrepresented. Short of that, I say Rock it!!!
potential issues with this watch - 1) polished case 2) dial looks original, but is fit into a 3539.50, not a 3510.50. 3510.52 would be the actual omega reference that this watch is approximating. 3) hands aren't appropriate for the 3510.52. no idea if the hands are omega. Finding an original unpolished 3510 can be a challenge, can be done. I went through this last month lol. The replacement dials that were used to mod theses speedy reduced have pretty much dried up. Unless you get a 3510.52, any watch with this configuration would be modded, but a modded 3510.50 would be closer to the original actual reference, if that matters to you. Also something to consider - the 3220 movement (post 2000 3510.50, or any 3539.50), would be better to get than the 1140, 1141 movements (also used on the 3510.50 - prior to 2000). apparently omega won't service the 1140/1141 any longer. So if a 1140/1141 movement needs service it would simply be replaced with a 3220 (which can be costly). These movement differences/issues with speedy reduced models have been covered extensively.
If it's advertised as what it is, purchased knowing what it isn't and you like it and present it accordingly ..great. Wear the hell out of it. have fun kfw
I've done a couple of Speedy mods using older watches that I was able to pickup at a good price. I just make sure to keep all of the original parts so that 1) I can de-mod the watch when service is required and 2) If I ever decide to sell the watch, I can assure the buyer it still retains its "intrinsic" value.
It’s a dime a dozen reduced... there are how many for sale at any given time? Not a huge reduced price.
Well said that man. I expect that the majority here are into "pure" Omegas as issued by the factory but there IS a case for a personalised watch (personally I'd love my yellow-dialled Schumacher Reduced to grow to full size); for me it's all about the description and honesty but one man's mod is another man's abberation. Just for a minute imagine where we'd be today if John Glenn/Paul Newman/Steve McQueen had swapped out the handset on his Seamaster: we'd talk affectionately about this handsome feature which, by now, would have led to at least one LE release from Omega. Ok, If you like this watch then buy it and wear it with pleasure.
Take a look on the vendor's website, if it's the same watch it's $100 cheaper than on ebay. However, also go thru their Speedmaster Professional listings, most of which are mods including Mitsukoshi, Japan Racing, Gemini IV and Tin Tin's. Modding may be part of their business! https://tambowatches.com/products/o...ed-w-new-reverse-panda-dial-full-service-39mm
At the seller's price, no way! At HALF price it may be worth a look. He's charging full price for a legit Speedy.
I like my modded speedy, and could careless if anyone knocks it. But if you have been hunting that reduced, then get it if you are comfortable with the price. Polished or not, you’ll wear that polish off at some point, lol But I myself would not pay that much for that reduced. I paid 2500 for my speedy pro (no box or papers from a trusted seller) to give you an idea. Picture of my modded
When watches are polished it removes material from the case. Excessive polishing will round off sharp edges and reduce the overall resale value. Unless your comment was tongue in cheek...