Warning: Speedy Dweebs Do Not Click On This

I like to poke fun at speedmaster buffs but it's all in good fun. Fact is we own a few of them but don't indulge ourselves into the intricacies of them. Here is one of ours that always results in someone grabbing my wrist for a closer look-see at watch shows or on 47st in Manhattan as well as the Chelsea weekend antique flea markets. It's the bezel insert that stirs them up and then the band.


I bought this watch many years ago in Cebu City for 7,000 pesos, approximately $140 dollars. Head only. Didn't run and missing the crown and a pusher. I handed it over to our trusted watch tech Rey, who easily serviced it up and got it purring away fine. When I showed it to him I remarked on the unusual bezel insert and he immediately identified it as off of a Seiko. Perfect fit. He found the original but older model speedmaster bracelet for us at one of the watch stalls on Colon st downtown for next to nothing and matched up a Tissot crown he had that fit the case tube and a pusher from who knows what kind of watch and she was ready to wear. Over the years I came across plenty of suitable parts to replace those that don't belong on this but was never inclined to bother. We have others that are all original to fit that bill.
Collectors spot the thing on my wrist and ask what model it is as they never seen that bezel style before. Some figure it out but most I have to tell it's a Seiko. Aside from in the Philippines, so far John Buckley in NY is the only guy that knew right away it was Seiko. I have had a few guys in Manhattan get pissed off when I won't sell them the bracelet even though they will include a decent 1171. I tell them it's not about the money and I enjoy the watch as it represents the rewards of boots on the ground hunting and scrounging in the south pacific rather than surfing the net. No net surfing is going to produce a running and wearable Speedmaster for less than $200 😁

Just wonder how many years ago did you buy it 😀

Good story. Collecting should be fun 👍

I love my parts speedy cost me slightly more than yours did but not much more

I think it was around 2008 or 2009.

Great story...
I recall the Philippines as being the recycled Seiko capital of the world. They sell tons of refurbished vintage Seiko divers on eBay.

Oh you bet and plenty of other swiss brands there too. The key is finding them from their owners or small shops before the dealers snap them up and monkey with them.

Depends what you are looking for... cheap refurbished beater under $75.00... sure.
I bought all my vintage divers from private collectors in the United States, mostly individuals from the old Seiko forum years ago. All depends on how particular you are and how pristine you want the watch. I had to learn about bezels, the hands, dials, straps, etc as there are many aftermarket reproductions.

Great watch and story

Yep that's him. Very helpful guy when it comes to rounding up hard to find parts.

We can chit chat in person on who to deal with in Cebu City.