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Omega Speedmaster restoration project

3.5K views 6 replies 5 participants last post by  rich34  
#1 ·
I just received this watch and it is in pretty bad shape. It does however keep perfect time. I've been doing some research and have seen several pics where the older speedmasters have been restored and they look amazing. This is a 105.012 66 and most of the restorations I've seen are the 145.012 version. The only place I've had any luck finding parts is ofrei, but they only have the crystal. There is an Omega botique not to far, but I have a feeling they will bend me over. Does anyone have any recommendations for where I might be able to find a bezel, dial, hands, and new bracelet?

Thanks!

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#2 ·
I personally think the only new item you need is a crystal (and the requisite gaskets for caseback, crown stem, pushers etc). Take it to reputable watchmaker and ask him to pop the movement out, service it, replace the crystal and gaskets and while the movement is out, run the bracelet and case through the ultrasonic cleaner. The bracelet looks like a 1039. If it's still OK you can wear it but maybe put it away - do NOT throw it out!! The replacement bracelet is the 1171 with 633 endpieces. You really don't need to change hands or dial, they give the watch its character. Hope that helps.
 
#4 ·
Actually the hands look great in the pics, and you have the correct old-style chrono second hand there. I'd say keep em! The face also looks pretty good. If you don't like the look of the old tritium paint your watchmaker should be able to wash that off, leaving the clean, white markers. There are lots of bezels available on ebay, from cheap replica ones to expensive genuine ones. They are the newer style though (compare the position of the dot next to the '90'). Not sure you'll care about that though :)
Have fun with your restoration!
 
#5 ·
You MIGHT be able to find a spare dot over 90 bezel somewhere but I don't like your chances! See how it looks with a cleanup. Just to re-inforce my original post, you run a very real risk of devaluing your watch if you start replacing the parts that make it what it is. If you want a newer looking watch, sell this one and buy a modern speedie, don't try to make this one modern! Here is a pic of my transitional where you can see the bezel better as well as the aged lume. |>

 
#6 ·
although the central disks of those hands have the paint worn off, i'd guess those have already been replaced. as mentioned it is the correct style second hand, but they look too white, especially compared to the lume of the dial, and the photo-degraded bezel.
the crown is not original, the Ω is a smaller loop, so it has been serviced before.

as mentioned by others, i'd keep it as it is, an not change the dial or bezel. though if you do, be sure to keep them so you can always go back.

search for pics of Fr john's 105.012, he has refurbished his, but locked away all the original goodies for his grandchild to decide what to do with it.
 
#7 ·
Thanks for the replies. I'm going to swap in a new crystal and get it cleaned and serviced. I really like the display caseback- I going to pick one up from Thomas Preik. After browsing through pics I really think a leather band is in order.