Vintage speedy prices compared to 5 years ago.

I can provide an example for two Speedmasters. They were purchased a little over seven years ago.

The first is a Speedmaster Professional 145.022 69 ST without Moon case back, with DON bezel in fantastic condition with no wear or missing anodizing, with period-correct 'T SWISS MADE T' dial with intact and evenly discolored indices, and missing lume on the hands. The white painted tick at 14" is missing and I wish I could get that properly repaired or better disguised. The "damage" is not that bad and only looks bad under a loupe. It came with a 1039/516 bracelet that is dated 3/70 that's in great shape and completely intact; it's still quite tight and even fits my large wrist. All in all, I thought it was in remarkable condition, watch and bracelet. I bought in early 2013 for $1575. I'm thinking of purchasing a reproduction 20mm 1035 bracelet for it.

The second is Speedmaster Professional 3594.50.00 purchased in late 2013 and decidedly not vintage. It did not come with the bracelet but included a cheap brown alligator strap and fake Omega deployant clasp. The chronograph reset function did not work due to a broken reset hammer stem bolt. I purchased it for $1079 but I was able to recoup $250 from the seller on account of the undisclosed issue and fake clasp. I bought a used 1479/812 bracelet and a new-production 1171/633 (32) bracelet for it.

I had both serviced within a year and they run very well. Alternating wearing them each day for two months, they did not lose or gain a second to my eye in comparison to the USNO clock. Not scientific or precise, but still awesome.

What these are worth now, I leave it up to the individual but the listing prices I see are . . . surprising. It seems I bought mine at a decent enough time. I wish I was as fortunate in obtaining my dream Rolex, the ref. 16800 from the late 1970s. When I started looking at those, I think they were around $1000. Now, well, they cost more than $1000.

-Josiah

Your welcome to pay me to take it off your hands!!!!. my PM is open! Whilst I totally understand the difficulties coming to terms with parting from such an iconic piece, at the end of the day it takes two to be happy with the final price and be content with a transaction. That means the buyer also has to be getting something in any deal. If that means prices need to soften a bit...(yes they did go a bit crazy), then so be it... Feel free to contact me, when you really want to sell it. cheers!

The thing about assets that are rising in price (particularly due to an ultra low interest rate environment, where the time value of cash is now negative ....it loses value holding it) is everyone is a genius after the event. The real question a seller needs to ask is what is the likely future growth of such an "asset" (which at the end of the day is a non essential purchase), when a more normal set of economic circumstances prevail.

Difficult to compare. Over the years people came aware of different variations. For many years the only important difference was straight lug = old model and "twisted lug" = modern model. (Yes - I am old !) Then more collectors studied the variations, and some models became very interesting, first of all the very early models, but also later ones. An Ed White is simply not just an Ed White. There are variations, and of course modifications and serviceparts that affect value and interest - in addition to the watch general condition of the watch.
My impression is that collectors do not want the ordinary watches - even to fair prices. But are willing to pay extra for high quality.

My 2 cents

You should read through this thread

https://omegaforums.net/threads/how-much-did-you-pay-for-your-first-speedmaster.116915/

Thankyou for your offer. I shall keep it in mind. For now, I'm enjoying winding it and just wearing it.

One of the things lockdown has taught me is how good wearing an old Omega Speedmaster can make you feel. Even though you can't see the 321 movement , you can hear it ticking away inside, and you can feel the definite click of those short, fat necked pushers.

(Here is a mid 70's shot I've posted before, (for newer members)

At the time, in the 1970's, my Dad was a driver and rigger for a film location company. He didn’t earn much money and we lived in a modest social housing apartment. Even so, my Dad is enjoying his holiday, and proudly wearing his Omega Speedmaster Professional 105.012-65.

It's only a few years since the moon landing and he knows he has a watch that could be worn, on the outside of a space suit, on the moon.

I know it's not 5 years ago, more like 45 years ago. It was about 3 or 4 years old when my Dad bought it. (Probably at a London Greyhound racing track sometime around 1970) but I doubt he would have paid more than £100 for his 105.012-65. Has it's value increased much in the last 5 years? I have no idea!

^ that is such an awesome post. "Bought it at a London Greyhound track" Hilarious. From an esteemed Omega AD no doubt! haha at their official Trackside booth? ....with a bit of "Arthur Ashe"... from the days winnings? Of course your dad's watch would have the original papers to prove it was purchased from a genuine Omega dealer...(rather than having simply been passed on unwittingly - via the misfortune of a previous owner suddenly finding they are unable to locate their watch) 😀 Be that as it may, It would be an honor Sir to look after such an esteemed piece, in the interests of the preservation of the watch for the vintage watch loving Omega community - and wash a bit more cash thru the vintage watch market. When you are ready you know how to find me. 😉