Thoughts on Speedmaster 145.022-71? Is the bezel authentic?

P

Posts

13

Likes

3

PapaGanoosh

·Feb 24, 2022

Updated Post: Question on 145.022-71 see below post #5.

Original Post: I'm looking at this speedmaster and curious what your thoughts are on whether this watch is entirely original? I believe this watch is from 1987 so it would be a 145.022 - 78. I'm most suspicious about the bezel. From what I've been reading online at Speedmaster 101 (https://speedmaster101.com/145-022/145-022-71-74-76-78/), the sample shown in the link (and from what I can find online) for the 145.022-78 seems to show the bezel with the Large TACHYMETER letters. However, this one seems to have small TACHYMETER letters.

Could this still be original? Other than that, the dial, hands, etc look correct from my novice comparison to the one in example shown in the link. Also thoughts on condition?

Edited: Mar 10, 2022

 

Posts

17,759

Likes

26,940

Foo2rama

·Feb 24, 2022·Nowhere near as grumpy as he used to be...

A watch made in 1987 would not be a 145.022-78.

it’s a 145.022 or a 345.022

 

Posts

1,220

Likes

5,522

Aludic

·Feb 25, 2022·@SpeedyBirthYear

Judging by the 1479 / 812 bracelet, which could very well be original to this particular Speedmaster, this is most likely a 1989 or 1990 model. The bezel (B4) is another indication in that direction as it was made from 1990 onwards.

I've got one exactly like this (same bracelet, same bezel, same dial), which even seems to have a similarly coloured lume on the dial. Adding this all up, I'd say it is a 3590.50 with a serial round and about 4826XXXX.

Lovely piece and most likely all original, by the way.

 

P

Posts

13

Likes

3

PapaGanoosh

·Mar 3, 2022

Thanks for the clarifications. I was bit confused as I thought the -78 took production year up until 1988.

If this is a late 80s / early 90s watch making it a 3590.50, what are the differences between that vs a 145.022 and a late 145.022-78? Is the difference just the large TACHYMETRE letters? It looks like the bracelet is different as well?

 

Posts

17,759

Likes

26,940

Foo2rama

·Mar 3, 2022·Nowhere near as grumpy as he used to be...

P PapaGanoosh

Thanks for the clarifications. I was bit confused as I thought the -78 took production year up until 1988.

If this is a late 80s / early 90s watch making it a 3590.50, what are the differences between that vs a 145.022 and a late 145.022-78? Is the difference just the large TACHYMETRE letters? It looks like the bracelet is different as well?

Minor font changes to dial and bezel.

 

P

Posts

13

Likes

3

PapaGanoosh

·Mar 10, 2022

Hey guys, thought I'd leave this in the same thread rather than start a new thread. What are your thoughts on this 145.022-71? Does the bezel look authentic? At first I thought the font on the 70s and 75 looked a bit fatter thicker or a bit off but after a second look it looks ok. I think the chrono drop end is a replacement as the -71 should have a square end hand.

Also thoughts on overall condition of the case? Is it overpolished?

Edited: Mar 10, 2022

 

Posts

894

Likes

3,677

TheGreekPhysique

·Mar 10, 2022

Dial looks correct to me. I can't tell if there is any damage or its just marks/debris on the crystal. You are correct on the chrono hand it appears to be from an earlier model. Its impossible to tell the condition of the case from the 2 pictures you provided. Would need more to get an idea of the lug profile etc.

 

P

Posts

13

Likes

3

PapaGanoosh

·Mar 10, 2022

Thanks appreciate it. I actually meant to ask about the bezel. Edited the post.

I think it's just dust in the crystal. Will try to get side profile of the case.

 

P

Posts

13

Likes

3

PapaGanoosh

·Mar 11, 2022

I've been trying to find replica DNN bezels online and they just don't seem to be as prevalent as replica DON bezels. I'm guessing that's tied to the value of the watches that the DON bezels are on?

 

Posts

567

Likes

1,109

Badwolf

·Mar 11, 2022

I'd rather have a service bezel than a replica. Then keep an eye out for a correct one.

 

P

Posts

13

Likes

3

PapaGanoosh

·Mar 11, 2022

Yes agreed. I meant to say that I've been trying to find a replica as a comparison against the one in post 5 to determine if that one is authentic. As far as I can tell against comparisons on speedmaster101 or others sold on reputable sites, it seems to match up to me but I'm just a novice so was looking for some more experienced opinions.

 

P

Posts

13

Likes

3

PapaGanoosh

·Mar 12, 2022

TheGreekPhysique

Dial looks correct to me. I can't tell if there is any damage or its just marks/debris on the crystal. You are correct on the chrono hand it appears to be from an earlier model. Its impossible to tell the condition of the case from the 2 pictures you provided. Would need more to get an idea of the lug profile etc.

Some additional photos of the case profile. HF case, not sure if that matters. Not sure if they have different profile to CB case.

 

Posts

1,905

Likes

9,224

140dave

·Mar 12, 2022

Bezel looks fine to me FWIW

 

Posts

17,759

Likes

26,940

Foo2rama

·Mar 12, 2022·Nowhere near as grumpy as he used to be...

P PapaGanoosh

I've been trying to find replica DNN bezels online and they just don't seem to be as prevalent as replica DON bezels. I'm guessing that's tied to the value of the watches that the DON bezels are on?

I’ve not seen any yet…

Its a supply demand thing for DNN vs DON.