As im sure your aware a few weeks ago I purchased a 1969 Speedmaster. It came with a broken leather strap so I started looking for a nice 1171 to put on it.

Fast forward to a few days ago I found one in reasonable condition and a good price as we agreed a price by text I happen to ask what watch did it come off.

I got a reply oh its off my grandads watch hes given it to me to sell and put the money towards a business I'm starting I asked for a pictures and was greeted with this beauty.

Negotiated a price and drove a 7hr round trip to collect and pay for it

Story is the grandads wife bought it him around 1963 as a birthday present it was worn daily and was serviced early in the 70's few years after the service the stem broke so ended up and a drawer.

Grandad gave the grandson to get a few bob for it to help set up his business.

He took the watch to a local AD who said they would send to Omega for repair Luckly they returned all the parts they replaced inc the hands and crown pushers etc.

Just a few pictures done on the phone

105.003 - 63

P.S. Thanks to noiseboyuk for putting up with me annoying him asking alot of questions about Ed whites

 

What a beauty! Interesting that the „old“ bezel isn‘t a DOT90 either, it was already replaced before it seems. Please post another pic once the original crown and hands have been restored!

 

Huge congratulations, these are by far my favorite purchases
When you know a piece's history, where it came from and you can live up to that legacy
Just enjoy the watch now

 

I thought that but i can only assume it was changed in the 70's when it was serviced

 

Congratulation with the purchase.

Was the case swapped to a new at Omega? Looks very pristine.

 

no as it does have some dings when you look closely i think they done some sort of polishing tho

 

Great stuff! I remember your post a few months ago, you were having a tough time, with work I think. It’s great to hear that now things are going your way again......big time!

Great catch

All the best

Nathan

 

Thanks Nathan

 

Hmm that serial at 24m is not right for a -63, that is late -65 territory. It looks like either the movement or caseback was swapped at some point. Sorry to bring bad news to the party but MWO definitely has that serial later than a -63.

 

Nice catch, these are the best finds!

Mid case looks original and correct to me, but it has been completely refinished. The finish is Omegas modern interpretation of the straight lug case, not the 60's version.

 

Hi padders yes I do know I was told it was swapped out during the service as he went swimming with it on that’s why there is water damage on the dial sad that he doesn’t have the paperwork from the shop he took it to but for less than 5k I can’t grumble

 

I don't think the current bezel (possibly just the insert) is genuine Omega... unless it's a variant we've never seen before.

Dot next to 90 / dot next to 70 + accent over the E bezels never had serifs on the 7s

+ the too-long hash marks at 95, 105, 115, 125, and 135. Maybe from a similar model like a UG?

 

the current bezel insert is a Omega service part

 

Just couldnt look at that service insert anymore

 

That was my first thought as soon as I saw the pic. Just doesn't look right.

 

i did look around and your right but its strange it came omega packaging

 

still qute a project
you need a DON bezel , a correct bracelet and the dial has stains and it seems to have no lume left. the case was also polished in omega service.

best is leave as is and take it as daily beater.

 

tiny bit of lume left not much tho
im happy with it i cant stop looking at it

 

That looks way better, bezel matches the dial condition. I say forgo the DON search and keep it like that