Inherited Speed Master from '68-'69

JB
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Hi all, I recently looked closely at this watch I received from my deceased uncle, realizing I needed to learn more about it. I know he bought it in either '68 or '69 while in the Med with the US Navy, likely during a port visit to Naples, or somewhere similar. It has been extensively used and I just came back from the Omega Store here. They said they would send a vintage watch to Switzerland. They would not open it to help me identify the serial number. Any recommendations on whether to let Omega take it for maintenance or find someone to open it so I can ID it by the serial number? If Omega goes through it, would that cause concern (possibly replacing original parts?).
It winds and works quite well, have worn it a couple of times but really want to get the full information on it. Thanks for any input.

image0.webp image1.webp
 
YY77
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Whatever you do don't send it to Omega.

Looks like an ultraman with a bracelet that's not original.
 
JB
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Thank you for the additional link, I did not have that one in my search. Good examples there to compare.
 
Dan S
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It's hard to see the tip of the sweep hand, how far it goes towards the edge of the dial.
 
Mark020
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Serial number is paramount with Ultramans
 
JB
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Mark020 Mark020
Serial number is paramount with Ultramans
So what is the best recommendation on opening the case to get the serial number? Omega wouldn't do it, not sure if I would trust anyone else. I have no idea what shape the gasket would be in (is there one?).
 
Dan S
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JB JB
So what is the best recommendation on opening the case to get the serial number? Omega wouldn't do it, not sure if I would trust anyone else. I have no idea what shape the gasket would be in (is there one?).
An independent watch repair shop? A decent jeweler? A friend who is a watch enthusiast? It's not rocket surgery.
 
bazelot
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those cases are really easy to open with the proper tool, and i lay the emphasis on proper tool. Do not let anyone try to open it without the proper tool, something like this:

1754162404996.webp
 
masteroftime
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bazelot bazelot
those cases are really easy to open with the proper tool, and i lay the emphasis on proper tool. Do not let anyone try to open it without the proper tool, something like this:

1754162404996.webp
My two cents: I really don’t recommend these tools. All the Speedmasters with gouged caseback were likely caused by tools like this. You never know how the gasket ages and if it has turned to sludge and seeped into the threads, a tool like this we’ll just create more frustration and damage.

These days, the Chinese press type openers (copies of the Bergeon 5700) are relatively inexpensive and well worth the money. $100 is a low price to pay for peace of mind

Edit: post originally said 5500—should have been the 5700. 5500 is a crystal press
Edited:
 
Knebo
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masteroftime masteroftime
My two cents: I really don’t recommend these tools. All the Speedmasters with gouged caseback were likely caused by tools like this. You never know how the gasket ages and if it has turned to sludge and seeped into the threads, a tool like this we’ll just create more frustration and damage.

These days, the Chinese press type openers (copies of the Bergeon 5500) are relatively inexpensive and well worth the money. $100 is a low price to pay for peace of mind

Completely agree. These "Jaxa" tools are risky, especially when you're inexperienced. If the caseback is tight, you can easily slip and hurt yourself, or worse: scratch the caseback. It's not only that the little "bits" can slip from the notches, but it's also difficult to actually hold the watch properly with the other hand. And in cheap case holders, you often end up preventing rotation by exerting excessive force on the crown or chrono pushers. And you may damage those.

If it doesn't open with the rubber ball (a must-have basic tool), I also recommend investing in a 5500 clone from Aliexpress. The Vevor branded one is really good (has better QC). The case is also held properly without any risk of damaging crown/pushers.
 
Knebo
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...and especially take no risks if it may be an "ultraman"! You may be scratching away the value of several normal Speedmasters with one slip of the hand.
 
pkaye6
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I second Pahawi's opener, works great and virtually no chance of damaging the case back.

​

 
ecarpino
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masteroftime masteroftime
My two cents: I really don’t recommend these tools. All the Speedmasters with gouged caseback were likely caused by tools like this. You never know how the gasket ages and if it has turned to sludge and seeped into the threads, a tool like this we’ll just create more frustration and damage.

These days, the Chinese press type openers (copies of the Bergeon 5700) are relatively inexpensive and well worth the money. $100 is a low price to pay for peace of mind

Edit: post originally said 5500—should have been the 5700. 5500 is a crystal press
Before doing watchmaking I thought this was the tool to have. Then going into the school and buying more and more vintage, I realised this tool works probably 10% of the time and you have an insanely high risk of scratching the caseback, whatever screw-down watch you try to open.

So for the thread opener, definitely get it opened by someone that owns a 5700.
 
Spacefruit
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A great watch - looks like an original Ultraman, with the long chrono seconds hand, but as has been pointed out, we need the serial.

The bracelet is incorrect, and lacks endlinks, but I would put this on leather.

A good independent watchmaker will service it, and give you the serial. While the hysteria and hype for the Ultraman have subsided, there are still buyers for an honest example. At the moment you can't get an extract confirming the orange hand, but that may change.

If you want my intuition, then this is more likely to be one than not, based on info so far. If we get an out-of-bounds serial, then all bets are off.

Everything looks to point in the direction of a genuine UM.

Suggest you ask for local recommendations.
 
masteroftime
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ecarpino ecarpino
Before doing watchmaking I thought this was the tool to have. Then going into the school and buying more and more vintage, I realised this tool works probably 10% of the time and you have an insanely high risk of scratching the caseback, whatever screw-down watch you try to open.

So for the thread opener, definitely get it opened by someone that owns a 5700.
Fair enough. I wouldn’t take shortcuts with OPs watch.

That being said, I think the chinese made press is still miles better than the jaxa type tool.

It’s possible I got lucky with a good one because there seems to be some variation in quality. I’ve opened about 100+ watches with mine and maybe scratched 2 or 3, but only because I wasn’t careful and in a rush.

I have a 5700 with suction dies that I bought used. The quality is certainly much better. The biggest difference I see is the difference in fit and tolerances. The adjustable head wobbles more on the clone, but if you pay close attention and tighten the press down, it is usually okay.

The price difference is also huge ≈$100 for the clone vs. ≈$1,500 for the 5700 with the same attachments.
 
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