Omega

Seeking advice on this Vintage Speedy 145022-69 ST please
May 05 2008,20:07 PM

Greetings guys.

I need some help for what might possibly be my first Omega. I always wanted to own a Speedmaster since long, drawn by its history and great design, regard it as one of the best looking watch ever produced.

Recently an opportunity comes to get a vintage 145022-69ST from a friend. The cal.816 movement's serial number is 31,31X,XXX. Its not in the best of conditions, with some rusting on the case and the discolored hands (is it possible because of the tropical condition we live in? South East Asia), but the raised dial heavily attracted me.

I literally know almost nothing about Omegas and the vintages, so what I did are mostly web-based research. With respect with the seller, I'm quite aware there are many put-together Omegas out there.

Based on my web findings and close inspection, my conclusion is that the hands might have been changed (paints chipping near the middle pinion part? Or is it natural?), and the bracelet is not correct for the model. Biggest question is regarding the authenticity of the dial, since I haven't found that type of cal.321 era dial without the applied Omega logo, but printed instead - might it possibly be a "transitional" dial? Looking it through a loupe, the logo seems crisp and consistent with other parts of the dial - looks genuine to me. Anything else is quite vague to me. I would very much value your opinions please.

Here are some pictures I took with the kind permission of the seller:


















One more thing: is it possible to have the watch taken to Omega and restore it with its original parts? i.e.: tritium hands, replace midcase, etc -- or just to leave it as it is?

Thanks in advance for your help.

Best regards,
Arif

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I would leave it as it is.
May 06 2008,02:24 AM

The bezel ring on yours is a little beaten up, but if it is still the original, I would leave it. I think the watch looks quite good otherwise.

I have almost the exact same watch - a 'pre-moon' Speedmaster 145.022-69, cal 861. Serial number in the 29,XXX,XXX range. Same pre-moon caseback, same painted logo dial, and the same black fill in the main hands.

I was thinking of having the hands on mine repainted with luminous paint, but now I'm wondering if this black paint filling is factory. What do the experts think ?

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Thanks. Yes, that fading bezel insert is
May 06 2008,18:05 PM

kind of bothering me, but it does goes well with the overall look of the rest of the watch.

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Nice example of a Classic watch...
May 06 2008,04:36 AM

HI arif

That is a nice example that shows it was used and not abused. The chipping of the paint could be just from a typical service ( paint scratched off when the hands were removed, it happends sometimes). The "black" fill of the hands is the luminous over the years that turned black from heat and humidity.

In my personal opinion the watch is fine as is. Once you start to "upgrade" with new parts ... it not the same watch anymore. It is hard to put into words, but if you compare a brand new speedy to this one I would personally prefere yours.

Good Hunting

Bill Sohne

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I agree!
May 06 2008,14:20 PM

I'm with Bill - I think it looks just great as it is and that it would be a shame to change anything.

I have a '66 cal 321 and what attracted me is that (I think) it's pretty original and shows it's age and patina. In my opinion the Speedy is one watch which actually looks better for having some years on it!

Grab it, enjoy it, love it - but don't change it.

Best.

Vernon.

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Thanks for your input, Vernon
May 06 2008,18:10 PM

 I can only imagine the future obsession with vintage speedy to come, with beautiful cal.321s ahead. Hope I can stay out of trouble

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Thanks for your view, Bill
May 06 2008,18:08 PM

I've contacted the local Omega SC here and while they confirm that to restore they have to send it to Bienne, there's no guarantee that they still have the correct period original parts for it. 

Your view has confirmed some others similar toned, to keep the watch as it is... preserve the character and originality.

Thanks again for your reply, I think I'll be pulling the trigger soon

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My Speedmaster
May 06 2008,05:00 AM

The one I have is from the same year as yours, approx 1970 and is in the 29,6xx,xxx serial range and it looks pretty much exactly as yours does except the bracelet. If your hands have some paint chipped it could have been from being removed for a cleaning some time in the past.

It looks like the first photo shows the crystal having the Omega logo in the center,  that should indicate it is an original manufacture part by Omega

I also wouldn't think about replacing anything except the oil.

I'm only judging by mine which I'm the 2nd owner of and know it's "0" maintenance history before I had it.

Perhaps someone will verify that the ring and dust cover are made of (non stainless) steel or iron and function as protection against magnetizing the movement. This is why they might show a little more oxidation.

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Interesting point regarding the iron and dust cover material
May 06 2008,18:13 PM

Curious about that as well.

Thanks for your view.

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One more thing is: Is the 11 71 bracelet
May 06 2008,18:18 PM

correct for this watch? My findings showed the original bracelet is folded, with sharper edges - not rounded, definitely looks more vintage than this particular 11 71.

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