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  1. davidswiss Jun 11, 2017

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    A few months ago I attended an auction house in Eastbourne to check out a speedie 125 and observe how much a 60's speedie would sell for. Well the 125 was pretty well beaten up and went for £900 plus commission (not to me) while the early speedmaster went for £16000 plus commission. I had also noted a 198.0001 seamaster f300. It wasn't working but the pictures of the movement looked ok and I'd become more interested in these over the past months so I put in a bid and got it for £155 including commission. Not bad I thought, send it for a basic service and a new battery and all will be well. Paul at electric watches was too busy to take on new work but I was lucky to be put into contact with Keith Tilley (thanks padders for that) and gave him the watch for, what I thought, a simple fix.
    Unfortunately as well as the service and the battery the list of parts that needed replacing included: movement plate, date ring, index wheel and intermediate wheel. So this cost quite a lot more than I had intended investing in it. However, since I got it back from Keith it's kept superb time and I think looks very handsome on it's new strap.
    The moral of this story, for me at least, is don't buy tuning fork watches at auction which aren't already running correctly except for spares. Any further purchases will be via the forum.
    P1050364.JPG
     
  2. watchknut New watch + Instagram + wife = dumbass Jun 11, 2017

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    Good looking watch, congrats!
     
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  3. lillatroll Jun 11, 2017

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    Big fan of these, well actually most 70s omega watches . I am sure it was worth the bill and if nothing else you have rescued a watch from the grave yard.
     
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  4. X350 XJR Vintage Omega Aficionado Jun 11, 2017

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    Looks like it was worth the effort, that's a very nice example.
     
    davidswiss likes this.
  5. padders Oooo subtitles! Jun 11, 2017

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    Ouch! Glad it worked out eventually.
     
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  6. Monkey Nutter Jun 11, 2017

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    Just pleased for you that the parts for such a vintage watch are still available - would have been a real shame if it had have been 'unfixable' due to the lack of spares.

    Looks great, and in situations like this I always tell myself that I will be enjoying the watch long after the cost of the repair has been forgotten.

    Enjoy!
     
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  7. davidswiss Jun 11, 2017

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    Apparently getting decent spares is an issue and your correct, it's great to wear and if I ever get bored I can always raise a smile by listening to it hum.
     
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  8. rogart ray it again, Ram. Jun 11, 2017

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    Always a gamble with old watches. How much do you think the 125 cost when finished ? I say you did a good buy and a great looking watch.
     
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  9. webvan Jun 11, 2017

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    You don't say how much your final cost was but these are nice watches that were very much sought after in their time and the more there are that survive, the better!
     
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  10. whippetman01 Jun 11, 2017

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    Did the same thing and Keith sorted it out with an excellent service
     
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  11. jimmyd13 Jun 11, 2017

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    Saving watches from the melt or the scrap heap is something I often do. Many cost more to help than they are "worth", but by the time you've done it you have an emotional investment in the watch as well as a financial one and they truly become "yours".

    Enjoy the hummer ... looks a beaut.
     
    Edited Jun 12, 2017
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  12. mollydooker Jun 11, 2017

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    That's a nice one. Bad luck it needed those parts though.
     
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  13. budgewink Jun 11, 2017

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    Isn't there parts of these hummers that if they go wrong are hard to find?
    Was interested in finding a longines ultronic before getting cold feet.
     
  14. JackDaniels83 Jun 12, 2017

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    All parts are still out there. You just have to give the watch to a tuning fork specialist. If you like to have one, buy one.
     
  15. keitht Jun 12, 2017

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    Gald I as able to be of service David, and equally pleased its performing well.

    I am sure i joined this forum in its early days, but drifted away and mainly posted on TZ.
    After being contacted by a couple of current members regarding the f300s I thought it might be prudent to renew my aquaintence with you all and hope I can offer advice, help where needed in relation to the early qurtz and electronic calibres.

    K
     
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  16. davidswiss Jun 12, 2017

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    Difficult to say. The movement looked a bit ropey and the case was well used. It really depended on what the buyer wanted to do. Obviously a complete movement service (I don't know what if any parts would need to be replaced) and then the case could be refinished at a cost or just cleaned. I have no idea what that would cost but would guess about £400 for the service and a bit more for a refinished case.
     
  17. davidswiss Jun 12, 2017

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    Can't emphasize how much pleasure this watch gives. Totally accurate, looks good and it hums. Thanks again Keith.
     
  18. WatchWarlock Jun 12, 2017

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    Been hesitant with hummers, given the serviceability. But might rethink my stance after your story!
     
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  19. jaguar11 Jun 12, 2017

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    Looks great and well worth it. A really nice piece you now have. Enjoy!!!
     
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  20. davidswiss Jun 12, 2017

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    Since I bought it I've looked around and there seem to be quite a few at auction that don't work, "probably just need a battery replacement".
    These could be a useful source of spares I suppose.
     
    DaveK likes this.