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Twin ‘71 Speedmaster Pro 145.022-71s Calibre 861 needing advice on bracelet and servicing

jds1971
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The swimming and flooding was not in my history line, somebody else added that. Again, these were purchased by my father post Vietnam at an Army PX. One was given to my Grandfather and was kept by my father. Talking with him, he says the only thing he had done to the watch was have the hesalite crystal replaced because it cracked. I guess it could be possible that the crack damaged the dial and the dial was replaced with a service domed dial. As for my grandfathers watch, he’s no longer with us, so hard to say if anything was done to it. My dad doesn’t recall him have anything done to it.
 
Davidt
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You should understand this is an often heard story. “My father had this watch and it’s Berber been serviced” yet the hypothetical watch has a redial and numerous service parts.

The truth is, we’re talking 50 years ago. It’s perfectly understandable that details/services get forgotten about.

It’s unusual to swap a caseback. I do think it’s much more plausible that the movement was intentionally (due to damage) or unintentionally (by a careless watchmaker who was servicing two similar watches at the same time) swapped at service.
 
jds1971
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The little research I did shows that serial number maybe an 861 for a speedmaster mkiII racing. I’m also aware that manufactured items sent to the military exchanges aren’t always the same as the products sold to the general public. Some items are specially made for sale at the exchanges only. I’ll still enjoy wearing it. Kinda disheartening that it’s not original and has been Frankenstein’d. I’ll wait to see what the other one that’s in service reveals.
 
Vinz Clortho
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Wouldn't disheartened, that's the beauty of vintage pieces. Just like people, they live interesting lives and the stories they could tell. Even better part is you have two vintage Speedies worn by your grandfather and your dad and know when they were purchased and most of the history pertaining to them.

When I found my birth year watch,well close enough for government work it's a Straight Writing 69 from the early 70s. The patina gives it character and warmth only found with vintage pieces. Would love to know the history of the watch But even without it, knowing it came out during the height of the space race is good enough for me.

20240427_182115.webp 20240521_162451.webp
 
jds1971
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Vinz Clortho Vinz Clortho
Wouldn't disheartened, that's the beauty of vintage pieces. Just like people, they live interesting lives and the stories they could tell. Even better part is you have two vintage Speedies worn by your grandfather and your dad and know when they were purchased and most of the history pertaining to them.

When I found my birth year watch,well close enough for government work it's a Straight Writing 69 from the early 70s. The patina gives it character and warmth only found with vintage pieces. Would love to know the history of the watch But even without it, knowing it came out during the height of the space race is good enough for me.

20240427_182115.webp 20240521_162451.webp
Gorgeous watch. I do plan to wear them proudly. Thanks for the warm words.
 
impaw
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do not be disheartened 😀
I would swap a correct and original watch for a watch that my father has owned in a heartbeat!
That history is priceless.
 
140dave
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impaw impaw
do not be disheartened 😀
I would swap a correct and original watch for a watch that my father has owned in a heartbeat!
That history is priceless.
Exactly!
I gave my father a Speedmaster just so one day I can wear "my Dads Speedy". (Yes, really)
 
impaw
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140dave 140dave
Exactly!
I gave my father a Speedmaster just so one day I can wear "my Dads Speedy". (Yes, really)
You are a genius!!!👍
 
jds1971
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Back from service and the twins are back together again. The one on the right was serviced.

IMG_0232.webp
 
SOG53
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This recent thread is interesting have a look. It also mentions watches bought from military bases.
Maybe they are original -74 watches with earlier movements that were in supply at the time.

https://omegaforums.net/posts/2436888/ Aludic
Aludic ·
As much as I appreciate how compelling a story it is to think that Omega would have swapped the case backs, there's a few things to consider here:

1. It's not just the caseback, but also the dial in most 145.022-74's is different from the earlier Speedmasters (no longer stepped, but domed)
2. The 273xxxxx serials that are found in the 145.022-71's exactly fit the established and documented range of the 145.022-68. I have personally seen no less than 8 (!) EoA's of 145.022-68's in that same range. If the theory of these older watches being recalled and converted to 145.022-74's holds...
Edited:
 
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