Vintage Buying Advice - 1970's

Previously posted this on the open forum, hoping to get some responses here!

Hey everyone, have the opportunity to purchase this watch from a colleague for $2500. He picked up the watch in a trade and has no box & papers, but says that it has been recently serviced (unknown by who). Thanks to the speedy tuesday facebook group, I've been able to get some information. According to the owner, the serial # dates it to 1974. As can be seen from the photos, the case is in great shape with the caseback with significantly more wear, seems like the back may have been replaced? Also, I was able to glean that the chrono hand is not period correct (and perhaps more valuable than what would have been original). Also, it's a step dial which would date it to 1971-1972, correct?

Assuming it's a 1974 case with maybe a new caseback, a different chrono hand, and a dial dated at 1971? Also, he could be wrong about the 1974 case, it may be 1970. My biggest concern is the lack of patina, I'm not sure if the lume has been scraped off or what.

Too many red flags or is this going to be the case anytime you're dealing with a 50 year old watch.

We are going to need bigger pictures to evaluate. $2500 is low for most any Speedmaster, even if there are issues which this may have. It does indeed have a step dial. Lume looks to be gone, but that is a guess at this resolution. Case also looks polished, but again the photo is too small. Could be put together from various parts.

If you want real answers, need high res photos of inside and out. An actual watchmaker can open it for you.

Welcome to the forum. At $2500 you did OK. Find a correct chrono hand and wear it.

Sorry about photo quality, let's see if these look any better.

Thanks man, I haven't purchased yet.

See: https://speedmaster101.com/about/

I do believe the dial has had the lume removed. There are skilled watchmakers that can create an appropriate aged look with tinted lume. The case looks better in the new pictures and not overly polished. Is this $2500usd or aud? Speedmaster 101 lists a 145022-71 in poor condition as being worth $2300. This watch is certainly better than poor. If the movement has actually been serviced recently and is correct for the watch, I would jump on this opportunity (assuming you want a Speedmaster, and willing to accept some issues). You could find a better example for significantly more money, but at this price I think it is good.

I think it's a fair price for a good looking, intensively worn watch. The caseback has been polished, most likely to "remove" scratches. I don't think it has been replaced.

As others have said, it's a reasonable price for a nice if in some ways 'flawed' Speedy; I'd go for it.

Thanks everyone!