It’s been a long time that I posted last, which has to do with the fact that we are very busy, and that there wan’t really anything extraordinary that landed on our benches. But today is the day, and extraordinary it is indeed! This is something I haven’t seen before. And Ed White Speedmaster with a blue dial!
The watch found its way into our workshop through a jeweller, who had sent the watch to Omega for repair. They returned it telling him that they couldn’t do it, as they had no parts… After a bit of googling, he found us, and asked if we could take on the job, and we happily obliged.
The case back is in very good condition indeed!
The movement looks quite good as well. Somebody has replaced the pushers, but didn’t shorten the new pushers, so the chronograph doesn’t work.
Some dial details. The dial has a light blue shimmer, and is not the usual black. It has the raised Omega logo, and no “Professional” anywhere on the dial. So far, so good.
Some more dial details. The second hand isn’t original, but that’s a minor detail.
The dial on its own. A bit of the paint has come of around 1 o’clock, but that’s no big deal.
The supporting screw for the setting lever (2808) is missing, but that’s available, so nothing to worry about.
The spring for the minute recorder jumper looks a bit home-made, and I will replace that as well.
The movement parts cleaned and ready for re-assembly.
The gear train is back in, and ready for the bridge.
Almost back together – the minute recorder jumper and its spring are the last bits missing here.
The new minute recorder jumper spring in place.
The waterproof testing is successful.
With a new service bezel, the Speedy is back together and looking good. I suggested an original bezel and second hand, but that would have been very expensive indeed, so it’s left for another day. The watch is a family piece, and will remain in the family, so these details aren’t that important to the customer.
Now over to our readers – let’s see if anyone can come up with a further example of a blue dial Ed White!
These blue-grey “soleil” dialled Speedmasters are very rare. What a great find!
Beautiful account and detail. I also have a Speedy with non original seconds hand (and no service history). Do you know why this would occur? I heard sec hands can be susceptible to damage as they can be fitted very tightly.
Yes, they come off their tube if they were fitted to tightly.
A beautiful watch, whatever parts might not be original. Something I would love to own and happy to see working again. It is not always about complete originality (though that is nice) but the history of the piece and it is good to see it being kept in the family.
Hi Christian, the owner was absolutely over the moon (excuse the unintended pun) with the end results when he collected his Ed White. The look on his face when he opened the box was worth every penny spent.
He will eventually be passing it on to his son after he has worn it a few times himself.
Thanks again for doing such a fabulous job.
Thanks for letting me know that the customer was happy with the watch, and it’s great to hear that it will be kept in the family.
Great job!
I wonder, when you pile up the parts into the container of the cleaning machine, aren’t you afraid that they will scratch each other that way ?
No, that is not a problem.
yes actually this is a problem, first doesn’t look good all the parts in the plastic bucket on top of each other, and second of course they will scratch each other that way.
Also would be great to know why you providing misleading information like “Omega couldn’t do it as they have no parts…” before write such a thing please make sure that you know what you are talking about. I can reassure you that Omega.uk do have parts for this caliber.
Omega’s lack of support is interesting- there are parts available on the open market but apparently none in their stock. They must find the idea of buying parts back from a material house unpalatable.
It’s a great watch and I’m happy to read the owner will be keeping it in the family.
Amazing, I saw you were working on this watch but didn’t realise that it had a blue dial! What a find! It’s unfortunate that the bezel and second hand haven’t been replaced by suitable vintage parts. They’re expensive but I don’t see the parts becoming cheaper in future…….
The owners intend to keep the watch in the family, anyway, so I guess I can understand the decision. It will just be worn from time to time.
Collectors are often much more interested in those “details” than someone who just loves to wear a nice watch every now and then or someone who inherited a nice piece. I agree with you and I’d want it as original as possible but ultimately it’s the owner’s decision.