Normally, from a collector's standpoint, not very much.
This particular Speedmaster 145.022-71, which arrived today, is not your normal 1971 Speedie.
On the watch surface, everything appears as it should be. Printed logo, large pushers, correct hands and a stepped Professional dial as 1971 was the last year of the stepped Speedie dial. The case is sharp. It is in rather nice, original condition IMHO.
View attachment 226734
Inner HF caseback looks correct and normal as well. Movement (not shown, 3219xxxx) is correct and is a normal early cal 861 type.
View attachment 226736
On the reverse side of this caseback is where all the excitement is found.
The short lived, transitional, NO INSCRIPTION, TYPE C1 (MWO) Caseback.
Only the Seahorse central medallion and logo is present. The "Flight Qualified....." Inscription that exists to this day was not ready for production and this caseback bridged the gap between the Straight Writing caseback of the 145.022-69 and the well known inscribed Speedmaster medallion caseback.
View attachment 226735
Lastly, what does this 145.022-71 have in common with my First SpeedieMoon 345.0809 of 1985?
View attachment 226737
14 years later, in 1985, the No Inscription caseback would return to the back of the 345.0809.
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