Hi John, Hi Guys,
Firstly it's a great catch & I don't think the condition is too bad.
I can only confirm Chuck's comments & add a few minor points.
1, Crystal, I 100% agree with Chuck. Get a new crystal it will dramatically improve the watches appearance. I know there are 2 different crsytals out there for the Speedmaster. There is one with a Chrome/silver inner ring, this is for earlier models. You should get the "normal" version with the black inner ring for your model.
2, I'm not a strap man. I've seen many pics of speedies on straps, they look good. All I'd add is that IMHO Brown also looks good . You didn't mention it, but if you are looking for a quality Almost period bracelet, I'd put it on a 1171/653 bracelet. You can get these cheap enough from Chucks "contact". It's not technically the correct bracelet. They didn't start appearing on speedies until the early 70's but it's a good & cost effective way of getting the watch onto a bracelet. & as I said, It is almost correct
3, Minute hand. Tough one. ( for me ) A new hand set will just look wrong. Whey won't match the wonderfully patina'd dial. Having the minute hand touched up will probably look even worse. ( unless you can find a watchmaker who can fix it up & then "age" it - I read something about cigarette smoke being used to quickly age hands ) .. So I'm not sure what I'd do.
4, Bezel. I spent a LONG time looking for a "period" bezel for my 105.003 It currently has a pulsations bezel on it, which I dislike. The bezel I finally found is in pretty much the same condition as yours. I am SO glad that I finally found one. As with speedmaster dials, there are different bezels that have been used through the years. Yours is listed in the "Omega Masters" book as a 1961-1969 version.
If I were you I'd do one of the following.
A new crystal, dial , handset & bezel. ( IMHO changing the hands & Bezel WITHOUT changing the dial will just not look right )
OR
A new crystal & leave everything else.
As Chuck says though, if you change anything please keep the originals somewhere safe & keep them with the watch. If you ever decide to sell the watch it will be worth considerabley more with its original dial, hands & bezel fitted regardless of their condition.
The first option will give you a watch that looks almost new, that 99.9% of people won't know that it is not new & original.
The second option will keep your watch as a period ( 42 year old ! ) watch, with lots of history.
It's your choice, but by keeping all the original parts you always have the choice of "undoing" the "improvements" at a later date.
To be Honest it it were my watch, I'd look into "doing something" with the minute hand & apart from a new crystal, I'd leave everything else. I think an old speedy should look used. ( that doesn't mean abused, just used )
Let us know what you decide, how you get on & show us some before & after pictures.
Steve
