Another Speedy Question.

Bullseye1

Another Speedy thread. Apologies

I'm currently in negotions on a 2005 Speedy but just noticed that the crowd I'm dealing with have just put a 45 year old Speedy up. Would this be a better watch to pick up? Model number ST 145.022. I think it has the calibre 861.

Wibbs

The older one is likely to hold and actually gain in value, if it's 45 years old. Better again if it doesn't have the "man on the moon" caseback. The newer will be well newer. New seals etc.

Bullseye1

As far as I know both watches will be sent to Omega for service and in the 2005 refurbishment. But if I go for the 1967 model is there anything I should say I don't want changed? I doubt that the leather is original and it doesn't have the original bracelet but that doesn't really bother me as I'd have it on a leather strap anyway.

Bullseye1

Here is an image of the watch as it currently stands.

Wibbs

Ohhh Jeebus :eek: Hopefully Speedy experts will chime in, but that looks older than 67. For a start it doesn't have "professional" on the dial(under speedmaster). That started in 65. If so I doubt it's got an 861 calibre, but the earlier(and nicer IMHO) calibre. The one that actually went to the moon. It's also got the symmetrical case, no protection around the winder/pushers.

OK later model but if you compare and contrast...


Personally? I'd be going for the vintage in a heartbeat over new. Significantly rarer and much more an investment/lifetime watch. If it's been rejigged by Omega it's gonna be as good as new. Wouldn't worry about the strap/bracelet myself.

Bullseye1

Thanks Wibbs. Sent them an email I think I'll go for it.

Wibbs

Oh don't take my word for it B. :eek::) Just when I saw the lack of professional on the dial I thought WTF. I could well be wrong, but even after a quick google it confirmed that the professional was added in late 65/66, so a 67 shouldn't have that dial. Maybe have a gander at this site http://www.speedmaster-mission.net/ get clued in to an anal level. Either way, even if it's a 67 I'd be going for it over a new one. Far rarer if nothing else. Then again I'm a vintage nut so...

EDIT if you look at the history tab on that site you'll see what I mean. Yours looks like the 62-66 model(inc the yellow dial markings)

Bullseye1

The site says approx 45 years. They may have that wrong. I think I'll ring him tomorrow. I'm quite excited now LOL.

Wibbs

Don't let on and hope he doesn't read boards... My fingers are crossed for you. It really does look like one of the pre moon ones. Christ I'm chewing my own nails here. Fcuk you Bullseye1

Bullseye1

LOL. I think I won't even bother haggling

Wibbs

The only odd thing I can see B is that the Omega symbol looks white in the pic. I think the pre moon watches have a darker brass coloured symbol. Though the case, "approx" age and the lack of professional kinda seals it for me. Hopefully better informed folks will be along. I had looked at getting one myself a year ago, so was looking into the diffs. In the end I got confused and went for a 60's Heuer issued pilots watch. Turns out they're just as bloody confusing. In the end I got a goodie, though through more luck than judgement.

Wibbs

Just digging deeper, if it is a ST 145.022 then it's the later movement, with the painted omega symbol, but it still should have professional on the dial. Odd. Even so I'd still go old style if it's around the same price. And I'd still haggle.

Bullseye1

There is a "transition" model which it might be??

Bullseye1

One of the lads on TZ thinks its a 105.003

Bullseye1

Found some info "Ed White"
http://www.hodinkee.com/blog/2011/6/27/just-because-an-omega-speedmaster-reference-105003-ed-white.html

Zagato

$h!t, that does look like a good one.

The only thing I'd say is that the Ed White you linked to does not have such a white Omega symbol, as Wibbs had mentioned earlier

Bullseye1

Yeah it does look alot more faded patina.

Wibbs

Bullseye1 wrote: »

One of the lads on TZ thinks its a 105.003

If it is... *faints*

Bullseye1

It definitely looks closer to the 003.
http://forums.watchuseek.com/f20/105-003-speedy-321-has-arrived-59465.html

Bullseye1

Out of luck. Sold over night.

Wibbs

bugger. Sorry to hear that. Another will turn up though. There were the guts of 200,000 plus units sold of pre moon speedys so...

Bullseye1

Yeah. Actually the buyer contacted me to tell me that he was made aware of it before me asking the question (which I subsequently deleted pronto). It appears it was also listed on eBay by the shop. He had been looking for one for quite a while.

Eoin

I can't believe how fresh that design still looks, 50 years on. I would say "timeless", but well, you know.