Speedmaster reduced - odd dial

omega1994
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Hi all,

I was going to purchase this unusual MOP dial reduced, but the edges of the dial are throwing me off. Why does the perimeter of the dial appear uneven in places - is this an effect of the crystal distoring things, or perhaps dial damage? Watch is listed in japan as being in 'very good condition'.

Parts in question circled! Unedited pics attached for reference also.

As always, massive thanks for anyone who might have insight into this slightly odd / niche observational request.

Screenshot 2025-05-30 at 12.13.26.webp Screenshot 2025-05-30 at 12.17.12.webp Screenshot 2025-05-30 at 12.17.21.webp
 
Fallout Boy
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did you see another one (MOP) with this position of "swiss made"?
 
Donn Chambers
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omega1994 omega1994
i am now wondering if this is a tension ring issue?
That’s what I was thinking. I suspect someone used a non-OEM tension ring at sometime in the past.
 
dsio
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omega1994 omega1994
i am now wondering if this is a tension ring issue?
Definitely looks like a munted or aftermarket tension ring, but it kind of looks like there's an Omega symbol in the middle so maybe more an OEM one that is deformed or something.
 
wagudc
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dsio dsio
Definitely looks like a munted or aftermarket tension ring, but it kind of looks like there's an Omega symbol in the middle so maybe more an OEM one that is deformed or something.
There are aftermarket crystals that have the Omega logo, so you can't count on that.
 
Vercingetorix
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I’m wondering if it just isn’t the camera/processing playing tricks. The outer part of the crystal has the same uneven blackness.
 
KaiseRRuby
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omega1994 omega1994
Seller has provided the following pics for clarity.- do we agree tension ring?

messaging (1).webp messaging (2).webp messaging (3).webp messaging.webp
I really can't tell, but its the most logical explanation. I would bug me a LOT tbh. Once you see it..
 
omega1994
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It’s a very rare watch, so might be worth taking a punt on it, and spending the funds to have it opened and new ring put in.
 
Lbreak
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I wonder if Omega would take this in for s service and replace the tension ring with a correct one. Speedy reduced isn’t that far into vintage yet
 
omega1994
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at 1000 a pop for an omega service, thats an expensive tension ring though!
 
Donn Chambers
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omega1994 omega1994
at 1000 a pop for an omega service, thats an expensive tension ring though!
Watch likely has never been serviced anyway, so it’s probably worth it.
 
padders
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And being a Reduced you haven't really got any other real option than an official service. If you really want it, buy it, get it serviced and it will look brand new as they routinely fit a new crystal at service time on these. Just be careful that the dial isn't cracked since it wont be cheap to replace and in my experience MOP dials are more prone to this than most.
 
bsowers34
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padders padders
And being a Reduced you haven't really got any other real option than an official service. If you really want it, buy it, get it serviced and it will look brand new as they routinely fit a new crystal at service time on these. Just be careful that the dial isn't cracked since it wont be cheap to replace and in my experience MOP dials are more prone to this than most.
They ask if you want a crystal, it's not automatically replaced. Just that cost me 500ish last year. Full service was 900 or so in 2023.
 
padders
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bsowers34 bsowers34
They ask if you want a crystal, it's not automatically replaced. Just that cost me 500ish last year. Full service was 900 or so in 2023.

This model has a Hesalite crystal. They are routinely replaced at service time. I suspect you are referring to a sapphire crystal model. Correct? If you paid 500ish for a plastic crystal which is normally included you need your head examining.
 
bsowers34
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padders padders
This model has a Hesalite crystal. They are routinely replaced at service time. I suspect you are referring to a sapphire crystal model. Correct? If you paid 500ish for a plastic crystal which is normally included you need your head examining.
Ok, didn't know that. Mine is sapphire.
 
V
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omega1994 omega1994
Hi all,

I was going to purchase this unusual MOP dial reduced, but the edges of the dial are throwing me off. Why does the perimeter of the dial appear uneven in places - is this an effect of the crystal distoring things, or perhaps dial damage? Watch is listed in japan as being in 'very good condition'.

Parts in question circled! Unedited pics attached for reference also.

As always, massive thanks for anyone who might have insight into this slightly odd / niche observational request.

Screenshot 2025-05-30 at 12.13.26.webp Screenshot 2025-05-30 at 12.17.12.webp Screenshot 2025-05-30 at 12.17.21.webp


Hey omega1994 !

Thank you for your post, it gave me inspiration to look for this model. And I finally have one 😀

IMG20251112094623.webp IMG20251112094634.webp IMG20251112094642.webp
 
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