Educate me on the Speedy

[1675-David]

Originally Posted by sarir97

Let's hear some opinions on what to do with the watch; should I
a) leave it as is
b) do a complete overhaul with cleaning of the case, disassembly and cleaning of the movement, new bezel, glass, dial, and hands (but of course keep the original parts)
c) just change out the bezel and glass, but keep the dial and hands (keep original parts)
d) a, b, or c with Thomas Preik display case back

I'm leaning towards c + d, but I'm not averse to a. My pocket book would certainly prefer it. :-)

Attachment 284834Attachment 284835

Great score!!! love the bracelet. Have it looked over by your watchmaker to make sure all is well. If it does'nt need a service then don't do it. That plexiglas can be easily polished out (search polywatch on this forum) and it will make a huge difference to how the watch presents. New tachy and hands are an option and that depends on how smart you want the watch to look. Personally I regret not replacing the hands on my speedie at the last service as I really noticed how grungy they had become after I polished the crystal!!

[sarir97]

I've been reading up on Speedies. Besides the subtle changes in the dial between the 105.012 and the 145.012, how are the cases different? Is one reference more desirable or collectable (all else being the same) than the other? I couldn't find anything on this, even on Chuck Maddox' website. Thanks for the help.

[Kringkily]

The only differences that can are really noticeable is the transition from the straight lugs to the current style which happened about 1965-66 and the step dial around 1971. The straight lug cases are worth quite a bit more than the 67 and on cases. Even earlier than 65 and you can start seeing the change in subdial markings, hands (broad arrow) and the second hand which went through a couple changes such as the thin needle tip, lollipop and then the current diamond shaped.

[sarir97]

I looked up straight lugs. I think this is particular to the 105.003 and any reference before it. The 105.012 seems to have the same lugs as the 145.012. The only case difference I could figure out is the case back. The 105 has a 2 -step bevel pattern (like previous references) whereas the case back of the 145 has a straight bevel (like more recent models). The 105.012 is also the first reference to receive the "Professional" designation, which was printed with a slightly different font than the 145. That and the narrower "T Swiss Made T" on the 105 is the only way to tell these references apart. If there's anything I missed, please chime in.

[sarir97]

Happy to report that I received the watch, and that it was the real deal. I had it looked over by an Omega trained certified horologist. I decided to clean and overhaul the movement (new mainspring, gaskets, etc). The case and bracelet will receive a "light polish". The glass had a crack and will be replaced, as will be the bezel. The hands were also grungy, so I'll be replacing those too. I have a Thomas Preik display case back on order. I'm hoping to have all this done before the next moon landing anniversary. I'll post pictures when it's done. :-)

[jmsrolls]

Originally Posted by sarir97

I looked up straight lugs. I think this is particular to the 105.003 and any reference before it. The 105.012 seems to have the same lugs as the 145.012. The only case difference I could figure out is the case back. The 105 has a 2 -step bevel pattern (like previous references) whereas the case back of the 145 has a straight bevel (like more recent models). The 105.012 is also the first reference to receive the "Professional" designation, which was printed with a slightly different font than the 145. That and the narrower "T Swiss Made T" on the 105 is the only way to tell these references apart. If there's anything I missed, please chime in.

Congratulations on your true moon watch!

But note that some 105.102s (mine for instance) have straight bezels.

Fr. John+

[sarir97]

Originally Posted by jmsrolls

Congratulations on your true moon watch!

But note that some 105.102s (mine for instance) have straight bezels.

Fr. John+

Fr. John, I'm confused. Did you mean 105.012? I'm not sure what you mean by straight bezel?

[sarir97]

Just wanted to follow up on this topic and post some pictures of my Speedy, an all original 105.012-65. Finally got it back from its spa treatment (don't worry, I've kept all the original parts). Here are some before and after pictures for your enjoyment:



Thanks much to everyone, including Fr. John for his friendly advise.

[speedy cosmograph]

sarir97, I'd be happy to take that old nasty bezel off your hands. PM me if you still have it and want to get rid of it. You made a good choice on the Speemdaster...buying a new one would have been the worst choice. It would have depreciated immediately, but now you have a great watch that will steadily go up in value. The early 70s models and the 69 model are also great choices for low price. You can buy them for less than 2k all day long.

[sarir97]

Originally Posted by speedy cosmograph

sarir97, I'd be happy to take that old nasty bezel off your hands. PM me if you still have it and want to get rid of it. You made a good choice on the Speemdaster...buying a new one would have been the worst choice. It would have depreciated immediately, but now you have a great watch that will steadily go up in value. The early 70s models and the 69 model are also great choices for low price. You can buy them for less than 2k all day long.

That bezel is nasty indeed, but is priceless (figuratively speaking). I'm amazed no one (after market supplier) makes bezel-inserts that match the original "dot over 90" style. There is a clear market for them.

Thanks for the offer though.

[speedy cosmograph]

I didn't really mean it was nasty. I've seen MUCH worse on nice watches. Keeping it is the right choice.

[Brad737]

FYI...ALL of the Speedmasters worn on the Moon were 861s.

[jlc123]

3570.50 from Kringkily, you won't be disappointed.

Edit: Your Speedy is BEAUTIFUL!

[Darlinboy]

Nice!

[jmsrolls]

Originally Posted by Brad737

FYI...ALL of the Speedmasters worn on the Moon were 861s.

NOT!

They were all cal. 321s.