Hello,
I'm new to this forum, but need some advice on authenticity. I purchased what I was told was an "all original" Speedy Pro cal 321, dated 145.012 1967. I have a few days to return the watch...which I'm now considering due to the issues below. Can I get your expert opinion? Should I send this one back?
The link below should still work, but I can post some pictures.

http://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=360583053856#ht_8866wt_966Purchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network

My concerns are:
- not original bracelet (should be 1039)
- potentially replaced bezel (it's not a dot-over-90)
- most concerning is either a replaced dial, or repainted lume on the dial markers, and as I've tried to inspect it closer, the "T SWISS MADE T" seems to be slightly chipped off at the bottom of the lettering (I took the photo below).

Otherwise, it's a very clean watch and keeps excellent time (chrono is bang on as well).

 

Although Steve's $2200 is unachievable at the moment, (or ever again?) the watch is not what you expected. Now the seller did choose his wording carefully but he did write "on ITS original bracelet" which is clearly not true as its not possible as that bracelet didn't appear until 1971. Otherwise he always says "original" which they are, though not necessarily originally on THAT watch. Use the bracket quote if you want a refund. You overpaid for what you got.

 

Oops!! Sorry Steve. And Ash!

I must be looking at a different eBay If you see one, feel free to let me know ... Buddy, pal, mate

 

Return the watch. The time to start doing research and asking for help
from forums is BEFORE you buy. As has been said, you seriously
overpaid. I'd put a value of abouty $2100. on it, because of the problems
you can see.(probably some you can't). There are no shortcuts in this hobby.
Except for asking forum help, but then you are trusting others to make a
judgement for you. The forums are best used to confirm your feelings or as
another set of eyes to affirm what you believe. You need to do the homework.
It's actually the biggest part of the fun of this hobby. A good original example
of the watch you are looking for can be had for ~ $2800.(Head only) if you are
patient. Add $400-$500 if it has an original 1039 bracelet in good shape.

 

I don't know if you're referring to the c.321 or c.861 but for a c.321, I find that it is challenging to find a good example for $2800. 2800 pounds maybe? More like it, but even then, I'm not so sure it would come with a 1039 bracelet.

I paid $3600 for a 145.012-67 that comes with a corresponding serial number (28 million) correct me if it seems too far off. It has never been polished and definitely shows wear on the case and also shows case opening marks. It does have one flaw in that the large sweeper was replaced.

 

Here's what I said:
Add $400-$500 if it has an original 1039 bracelet in good shape.
$2800+500= $3300. for a "good" example, not a great example.

Here's one with a 1171 bracelet worth maybe $250. that went for
$3150. That's $2900.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Omega-speed...JlNbuZs%2BlF9AjN6BdKc%3D&orig_cvip=true&rt=ncPurchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network

 

And the pictured bracelet is actually a 1171/1, so it's the "Modern" replacement for a 1171 (which as stated above wouldn't have been original anyway).


EDIT: removed suggestion that has already been posted

 

It appears the OP may not have paid the asking price as the item ended as "no longer available." I assume a deal was reached outside eBay. However, if he paid anything more that half the asking price, he should send the watch back. As Mike said, it's not a bad daily wearer, but doesn't seem to meet the OP's requirements for originality.

 

Well even if the OP bought it on the QT, it's still not OK and he has a right to be PO'D. I'd sent it back ASAP.

 

I'm on my way to return it now (they have already agreed to a return), I appreciate all the advice...and yes, I'll do more research FIRST next time. The seller made it clear I could return it, so I was less concerned. Thank you all very much for your sound advice.

As an aside, I was in an AD today in Toronto who is selling an unused "Omega Speedmaster 31130423001003 Apollo 15 Chronograph 40th Anniversary" edition (with the red-white-blue dial). They are offering it for $6000 less 40% ($3,600 + tax)...CDN is basically on par with $US. Seems like a great deal.

 

I've kinda found these special editions to be kind of gimmicky as their limited numbers are simply due to their decision to produce that many. That's just my opinion though so no offense to anybody here who feels otherwise.

Now the hard to find vintages that are completely original and hard to find due to service centers progressively replacing original worn parts for service replacements makes it become naturally limited which is what I like. Again, comes down to opinion.

This is what I have also found.
You see a deal here and a deal there but no matter what the deal doesn't make it a cheap acquisition. After a couple purchases you would end up with enough money to potentially get a grail watch.

It's totally up to you. Yes it's a good deal as I was offered one at full price lol, but since you recently returned a watch you seemed to really like and now talking about a limited non-vintage, I feel you should wait out any disappointment, watch, learn, prowl, and then pounce on one you really like.

Forgive me if I completely came out of left field!