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  1. Frogy Jul 14, 2017

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    Hey folks
    I'm a complete watch novice and newbie to this forum but the very proud owner of my late fathers Speedmaster.
    IMG_1130.JPG
    Let me say first of all, my watch is not for sale, it is far too dear to me.
    I'm posting simply to share and also with the hope that this forum might be able to help me identify which speedy it is, how much (roughly) i should insure it for and also whether it's a good idea to wear it everyday.

    Wearing it daily is certainly my intention it's too nice to sit in a box and not on my wrist where I can enjoy it.
    My father wore it every day for 36 years, it's been in a draw for the last 11 but it still works like new including the Chrono, all the dials work and they reset perfectly. So i'm guessing these watches are pretty hardy.

    From reading the Speedmaster 101 website (kudos to the author btw) I think I have identified that it's a 105 003.

    My questions to the collective knowledge of this forum are:

    Do you agree it's a 105 003? (no i'm not brave enough to take the back off and check for a number)
    I'm a tiny but doubtful about this because i know it was purchased for my Fathers 21st birthday which was Feb 1970, is that too late for a 105 003?
    IMG_1141.JPG


    Is the bezel correct?
    I think i've identified the bezel as a DN90 but from what I've read a 105003 should have a DO90?
    The Bezel is showing it's age with chips (most noticeably at top under the TACH of tachymetre) this does not concern me but whether it is original or not does. I've tried to show pictures of the dot next to the 90, the 7 and all the way around.
    IMG_1134.JPG

    IMG_1145.JPG IMG_1135.JPG IMG_1138.JPG IMG_1131.JPG IMG_1132.JPG IMG_1133.JPG

    Is the strap correct?
    I've pictured the strap but have no idea it is it original or correct, any advice here much appreciated.
    IMG_1147.JPG IMG_1148.JPG IMG_1149.JPG
    IMG_1139.JPG


    More generally I don't know what parts (if any) might have been replaced over the years. My father certainly had it serviced but not very regularly as i remember him telling me it was "stupidly expensive", whether any parts were replaced at service i don't know.

    IMG_1137.JPG IMG_1142.JPG IMG_1146.JPG

    any advice gratefully received

    Many thanks
    Russell
     
    IMG_1144.JPG
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  2. arcadelt Jul 14, 2017

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    Definitely looks like a 105.003 but suffix on the inside of the caseback will be needed to know the sub-model and the serial number to determine the year of manufacture. As you suspect, bezel is a later replacement DN90. Dial and hands look correct, but it is possible that the hands may have been replaced during a service if the bezel has. I'm not yet versed on the various bracelets, but there are many here who are. In the short term though, you will need to visit a vintage specialist watchmaker for a service and to get photos of the movement and inside of the case back so you can learn more detail. Lots of vintage owners wear their watches everyday so provided you look after it there is no reason you couldn't too.
     
  3. kov Trüffelschwein. Jul 14, 2017

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    It's quite obvious that sweeping hand is a luminova and not tritium, indeed. The crown has most probably been replaced as well : should be flat feet Ω.

    That dial is beautiful ! Congrats. :thumbsup: A very desirable watch, I'd be happy to own an Ed White like this - finding a correct Sweeping and Crown might be a matter of about 1,5k but then you have a superb watch ;)
     
  4. oddboy Zero to Grail+2998 In Six Months Jul 14, 2017

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    Bracelet and ends are correct for a 105.003. @arcadelt covered the rest. Very nice watch you have there. Also, thank you for researching in advance. You appear to have learned a lot!

    Now, Russell, don't wind the watch anymore until it's serviced. These are hardy watches, but 11 years without service is too long. We all want you to enjoy the watch for years to come so let's find you a watch maker.

    Where in the world are you roughly?
     
    Edited Jul 14, 2017
  5. Frogy Jul 14, 2017

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    Thank you all so much for your quick replies.
    I shall stop winding it immediately! (thankfully I only started yesterday)

    I'm in the UK near Colchester in Essex.
     
  6. oddboy Zero to Grail+2998 In Six Months Jul 14, 2017

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  7. harrymai86 Jul 14, 2017

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    The 1035 bracelet stamped 3/68? Is it original to your father watch?

    May I ask the movement serie as the bracelet should match a late 105.003
     
  8. Dash1 Jul 14, 2017

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    Even luckier - both these highly recommended service specialists are in your county, not just country!
    Very nice honest example you have there. I think the chrono hand is in fact original but relumed. You can have it relumed to match the dial colour at service. Enjoy!
     
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  9. Frogy Jul 14, 2017

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    thank you so much, I'l make contact and see what they can do.

    Would you suggest trying to find a correct bezel and crown so they can be changed when it is serviced?
    would i be able to find original spares?
     
  10. Frogy Jul 14, 2017

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    Sorry i don't know the movement series, i will ask for photos when it is serviced

    Edit
    Yes, the bracelet is stamped 1035 and 3/68. As far as I know its original but could have been changed over the years.
     
    Edited Jul 14, 2017
  11. watchknut New watch + Instagram + wife = dumbass Jul 14, 2017

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    @Frogy beautiful watch and thanks for sharing.

    It is so refreshing to have someone come on here having done some research ahead of time.
     
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  12. td69 Jul 14, 2017

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    Congrats on inheriting such a lovely watch from your father and welcome to OF. I guess yours is -65 based upon the symmetry narrow T SWISS T dial, 1035 bracelet and 506 end links, but we shall see once you have the case back open.
     
  13. Fost Jul 14, 2017

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    If I were you I will not change the Chrono hand... Which for me is not luminova replacement as stated above.
     
    Edited Jul 14, 2017
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  14. kov Trüffelschwein. Jul 14, 2017

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    An UV light will quickly and easily tell the truth ;)
     
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  15. MaiLollo Jul 14, 2017

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    I wouldn't bother changing anything on the watch, especially not the bezel. If you're not YET a very passionate collector that worries about the very minute details, I wouldn't advise dropping 3 grand on a small piece of metal that is one (or two) dots away from the one you have on the watch at the moment...
    Have it serviced though!
     
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  16. Frogy Jul 14, 2017

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    Thank you all for you kind help and advice
    Here are some closer pics of the hands and face (best i can do with my i-phone)
    IMG_1151.JPG IMG_1152.JPG IMG_1153.JPG IMG_1154.JPG

    IMG_1155.JPG
     
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  17. KJH666 Jul 14, 2017

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    Either of the two listed above will service the watch and sort out the hands for you. My 105.003-64 is currently with Simon Freese having that exact work done. Having found a set of modern correct hands for the watch, Simon will remove the modern day luminova, paint the hands with an aged white colour that is more in keeping with dial and then fill the hands with his own magic compound that is colour matched to the markers on the dial.

    Just talk to them in advance and tell them what you want done.

    My guess looking at those markers is a 105.003-65.
     
  18. Ashmoret Jul 14, 2017

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    Great watch. Wear it well.
     
  19. gemini4 Hoarder Of Speed et alia Jul 14, 2017

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    I believe the 105.003-65 was sold, at least, until 1969.
     
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  20. arcadelt Jul 14, 2017

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