Three Omega Speedmasters 105.003´s on auctions!

Friday again - so why not time for some Speedy Auctions!

But first, some thoughts…

Condition, Condition, Condition - these are the core values for most collectors!
And this often means that the prices are very high, and finding them are getting harder and harder!

We always love and drool when some Forum member shows a watch that has razorsharp edges, perfect creamy lume, a perfect bezel etc etc!

Thanks @Duracuir1 for your thread on this!
😀

But how about those that are very used and trashed/worn/ tired or with non correct replacement parts?
Do they also get the same appreciation from collectors?
Well - the answer is obvious, but they sometimes fetch a very low price - how do we feel then?
🤔

I have noticed that even the so called ”old dogs” get new owners - sometimes for project watches, and sometimes just to wear and have fun.
And even these reach high prices!

And here are three watches that I recently followed on auctions.
All of them are Ed Whites, the two first are 105.003-65,
and sadly I do not have the exact reference for the last one (but you will understand why I didn't ask for more info).


EW nr 1:

This one looked very promising, it could be a one-owner watch, but who really knows…?
Since the crystal (with the old Omega logo) was very scratched,
it took some time to look at the different pictures, and there could be some marks after a watchmaker, tool and a possible oil drop or two.
The lume was not the best, with lumeloss and some moldingspots/discoloration.
And the typical bubbly and wobbley lume that many EW´s have.

The bezel was very dirty, and had it shares of dings and marks, but should clean up nicely!

The case and caseback - even though they have lived a hard life, they are very attractive, with nice edges and visible brushing.

The movement is dirty, but after a service, it will be very nice.
And…erhhhhmm….the serial nr would place the production year at 1966 - YAY!
🍺🍺🍺

The minute hand had black lume, and the others had cracks and some paint loss.

The crown is original, but very dinged, and the pushers could be original also.

Grading?
Dial - Good (maybe Good plus if it would be clean)
Bezel - Good minus
Case and caseback - Very Good
Movement - Very Good (after the service)
Hand - Fair minus
Crown and pushers - Fair

With this in mind, I actually did a Masterplan!
Auction day - and the hammer landed at 7750 € / 9100 $ with the premium.
The winner was in the room, so he/she might have assessed the watch in hand.
Sadly a bit over my Masterplan!

EW nr 2:

At the first glance (the first seconds...😲) I liked the watch!
The dial could have a nice brown tone, and the lume looked very nice!

But then, I started to more closely and zoomed in,
and there was some weird blotches on the dial, or could it be reflections? Maybe dirt on the crystal or other stuff?
The auction houses quickly added more detailed pictures since there were more people (other than me...) who wanted to know the condition.
And these clearly showed a damaged dial, with destroyed lume in the area.
Really really sad about this - so I skipped my Masterplan…

The bezel had some deep marks and looked tired.
The case and caseback looked a bit soft.

Original crown, and the pushers looks old also.
There was no gasket, some screwheads had marks and the movement was in need for a service, but should be fine after that.
The hand were messed up, and not attractive…

I would grade the watch as Good minus, but then there is the condition of the dial - this one sinks the grading to Fair minus/Poor plus?
Is the dial even worth a total make-over?
Or source a nice one, but they are pricey!
And then - sort out the hands and make them nice...?

Auction day came, and since there was a low estimate - lots of bids!
And the hammer fell at 6000 € / 7000 $ including the premium.
I did not see that coming….But people love Speedys…!
😉
That places the watch in the Good grading…


EW nr 3:

This one was sadly totally renovated, and everything exchanged….It almost looked like an Omega HQ service...
So I didn't do any more research.

And the hammer price was 5650 € / 6650 $ including the premium.
Roughly Good minus on the chart.

To sum it up:

EW nr 1: 7750 € / 9100 $
EW nr 2: 6000 € / 7000 $
EW nr 3: 5650 € / 6650 $

And on to the pictures!

Enjoy, and please do share your thoughts and comment?

And of course - Have a Lovely Weekend!

Cheers!



EW nr 1:





EW nr 2:




And nr 3:

Google.com
Write:
Omega Speedmasters on auctions

Good Luck!
😉

No 1 had replaced pushers but a nice bezel and warranted the shade under 10k. The watch might improve with a service and the bezel might clean. Dial probably not that attractive in real life but you never know based on these photos. For sure the markers are thin and not very nice colour. Not my first choice.

No 2 has a dial that looks damaged beyond attractive. Severely damaged bezel

No 3 was probably the best buy, if you have a spare bezel and dial. Indeed I think it is an omega service and that can be a good basis for a good watch. If anyone has the spares already it’s good. Might be tough to go shopping for them today, but I’ve known people succeed. It just might cost.

It is worth noting that no’s 2&3 sold for very similar money so one could argue the no 2 was priced by valuing the dial and bezel the same as the service parts.

Except the movement in no 3 is omega serviced. (Looks like)

The thing to remember also is that a buyer who has handled them at viewing often has more confidence than a remote viewer.

Here is a nice Ed White.

It’s the kind of thing we all aim for

Thanks Hans, nice post again !

I am not very knowledgable on this reference but to me EW1 is a nice/good watch and the price seems spot on for me. I missed the replacement pushers as @Spacefruit mentioned.
EW2 is not for me at any price 🙂.....

And EW3 looks like a great buy for someone on a budget wanting a 321 as everyday companion.