Vintage Speedmaster advice

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Luca79

·Feb 18, 2020

Hi all, I'm new here.
I'd like to add a nice vintage Speedmaster to my collection, and I think I have narrowed it down to the 105.003 reference.
I did my best to study the history and the details of this version, but I'd appreciate if you could share some opinions about it.

I found this one for sale, does it look right? It doesn't seem to have the usual nice patina of similar examples I've seen.

Thanks for any input!

https://www.chrono24.com/omega/spee...-vintage-1965-kaliber-321-rar--id13650704.htm

 

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Dan S

·Feb 18, 2020

Not only doesn't it have patina, I don't think there is any lume on the dial at all. And the hands are probably luminova replacements. The case looks pretty nice at first glance. Bezel is correct, in average condition.

 

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Luca79

·Feb 18, 2020

Wow thank you very much, you saved me some headache!

With this one, are we going better?

https://www.chrono24.it/omega/speed...atch-pre-moon-321-dial-patina--id13749131.htm

Of course, if you have a link to a very nice example, that’s great.

Thanks!

 

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Patrik83

·Feb 18, 2020

L Luca79

Wow thank you very much, you saved me some headache!

With this one, are we going better?

https://www.chrono24.it/omega/speed...atch-pre-moon-321-dial-patina--id13749131.htm

Of course, if you have a link to a very nice example, that’s great.

Thanks!

A good example takes time to find or costs a lot extra to get directly.

 

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Passover

·Feb 18, 2020

Hi Luca and welcome here on OF!

First please post pictures instead of links.

You want to buy an Ed White?

Start with that:

http://speedmaster101.wpengine.com/105-003/

Will take you some weeks of reading and checking offers...

Good luck!

 

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Dan S

·Feb 18, 2020

L Luca79

Of course, if you have a link to a very nice example, that’s great.

There are lots of nice examples shown on the forum, and on the speedmaster101 site. Keep studying and you will soon be able to identify the most common issues for yourself. The forum is great for helping figure out the really tricky obscure details.

 

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gemini4

·Feb 18, 2020·Hoarder Of Speed et alia

Luca, the first 105.003 example should sleep with the fishes.

 

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Patrik83

·Feb 18, 2020

You need to think about what you like as everyone have different tastes. Only you can make up your mind on this and what makes you smile when looking down on your wrist.

A couple of questions you should think about...
Do you like a very worn? (like the second one)
Do you like a minty one? (not the first as this looks like new but in a wrong kind of way)?
What can the watch cost? As a minty correct costs multiple times more than one that has a lot of wear.
What parts need to be correct for the reference?

But regarding the second one. It looks correct (I have not checked the serial) but it has quite some wear which drags the value down.

 

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Luca79

·Feb 19, 2020

I’m also considering stretching the budget and look at the 2998 version...
This one looks good but aren’t the indexes a little messy?




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Edited: Feb 19, 2020

 

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Foo2rama

·Feb 19, 2020·Nowhere near as grumpy as he used to be...

diving into the deep end on the most expensive and fraught filled models with little basic research. You might be better paying an expert to help you.

 

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Luca.P

·Feb 19, 2020

L Luca79

I’m also considering stretching the budget and look at the 2998 version...
This one looks good but aren’t the indexes a little messy?

I love the Ref 2998 for the aesthetics - most beatuiful Speedmaster for me.
This example seems to have been relumed a little sloppily on the indexes and Chrono seconds hand. Case looks polished and crown has been replaced. I think the subdial hands have been replaced but I´m not sure.
Question is if you would prefer a pristine 105003 or an average 2998?

 

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Luca79

·Feb 19, 2020

Well, I like them both, it’s just a matter of finding a great looking one, with the right patina, and of course mostly original with no changed parts here and there.

It’s true that I might be better off asking for help from someone who is very experienced with so many little details involved.

 

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OMEGuy

·Feb 19, 2020

Take your time, read and learn something about these watches, before you buy one.

The time for getting the right one for cheap money has long gone, sadly.

Unless you don't know what's important, it's not important what you know.

 

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Foo2rama

·Feb 19, 2020·Nowhere near as grumpy as he used to be...

L Luca79

Well, I like them both, it’s just a matter of finding a great looking one, with the right patina, and of course mostly original with no changed parts here and there.

It’s true that I might be better off asking for help from someone who is very experienced with so many little details involved.

There are many experts here that can help, problem is a shotgun approach and listing the ones you can find will quickly burnout the people that can provide the most help. Do some research learn what is unique and or acceptable on these models, and get a base knowledge that can lead you to ask the correct questions, not just "How is this one... How is that one..." Find a pioece do your own evaluation, and bring up anything you think might be an issue and what looks good. People are much much more willing to help you and add knowledge or correct you in a wrong assumption.

Also if you like the look of the early watch there is this option.
https://www.omegawatches.com/en-us/watch-omega-speedmaster-57-chronograph-38-6-mm-31110393001001

 

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WYO_Watch

·Feb 19, 2020

T03

I have both the 2998 and 105.003

But no profile picture of them!?!?!

 

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killer67

·Feb 20, 2020

L Luca79

Well, I like them both, it’s just a matter of finding a great looking one, with the right patina, and of course mostly original with no changed parts here and there.

It’s true that I might be better off asking for help from someone who is very experienced with so many little details involved.

Definitely prefer a well sorted Ed White to an average 2998, but please do your research as these are expensive pieces and much attention should be placed ensuring proper movement, parts cohesiveness and condition.

2998s have multiple variations and the price between one another and can be as much as a $20K difference between a 2998-1 and a 2998-62 in the same condition

A reasonable Ed White can be 13-16K and double that if it is in excellent condition

This is highly nuanced information. You must understand what you are looking at, who
and where you are buying from. Take your time, read, absorb digest the information; ask questions and be curious

You can also purchase a “well vetted” watch from a “trusted dealer” but that might cost more and depending on who that is, it may not guarantee your above requirements as much as you would think

I made multiple mistakes by hastily buying the first watch that looked seemingly correct