That will buff right out...

Archer
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So I always love a challenge...I received an mail from a client who was going to send me another watch for service, but he had a small accident with one of his Speedmasters. It's 145022-74.

In an airport parking garage, somehow both spring bars on his NATO strap failed, and the watch went missing. When he noticed it, he frantically searched the parking garage, and eventually found it, but it looks like it had been run over by a car. This is the photo he sent me:



Certainly this didn't happen from just being dropped. He asked if he could send me this watch instead, and I said yes of course.

So I started on it today - had a funeral to go to so didn't get a ton done on it, but it's been disassembled, cleaned, and I have the base movement ticking away on my bench now. It will need a couple of movement parts, but nothing too serious really, at least that's what I see so far.

So I'll update this post as we move through the service so you can see what it looks like when done.

Cheers, Al
 
Hijak
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Enough to make a grown man cry!😲 But its in good hands and sounds good so far...🍿
 
JimInOz
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I've seen some of your other ressurections Al, I hope this one turns out as well!

🍿 ☕
 
Shem
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Popcorn time, I've been waiting for this one! Can't wait to see what happens!
 
Unwound
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Be sure to post photo's when you're finished, it will be fantastic to see your work after.

Truly sorry to hear how you spent some of your day, hope it was a celebration of life!
 
X350 XJR
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At least it wasn't on his arm when it was run over.
 
Modest_Proposal
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Looks like the crystal took the brunt of the blow. How's the dial? It looks miraculously alright.
 
citizenrich
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Archer Archer
So I always love a challenge...I received an mail from a client who was going to send me another watch for service, but he had a small accident with one of his Speedmasters. It's 145022-74.

In an airport parking garage, somehow both spring bars on his NATO strap failed, and the watch went missing. When he noticed it, he frantically searched the parking garage, and eventually found it, but it looks like it had been run over by a car. This is the photo he sent me:



Certainly this didn't happen from just being dropped. He asked if he could send me this watch instead, and I said yes of course.

So I started on it today - had a funeral to go to so didn't get a ton done on it, but it's been disassembled, cleaned, and I have the base movement ticking away on my bench now. It will need a couple of movement parts, but nothing too serious really, at least that's what I see so far.

So I'll update this post as we move through the service so you can see what it looks like when done.

Cheers, Al
 
ashleysteadman
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This makes me sad on a level my girlfriend will never understand...

I'm sure you will work your magic though Al!
 
U
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ashleysteadman ashleysteadman
This makes me sad on a level my girlfriend will never understand...


Tell her to think about how she feels when she breaks a heel on a nice pair of shoes. 😜
 
alam
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Looking forward to see after service/repairs pictures!
 
Archer
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Thanks guys - the funeral was for one of my uncles - lived a full life until the age of 94. I only have one uncle left now - all the rest of that generation on both sides (aunts, uncles, parents) are now gone.

Anyway, the dial is actually in very good condition - much better than I had expected. I am currently consulting with my client to find out what he wants done on the cosmetic side of things.

So here is a shot showing some of the marks on the dial - in this lighting you can see shiny sections but when it's under a crystal, you won't see much of this:



Here you can see the central chronograph hand was pushed down on to the minute hand, and yes the chronograph runner's post is bent:



Here you can see how bent:



Here is it disassembled:



Fourth wheel post (where the constant seconds hand mounts) was also bent so will replace it:



Here is the "base" movement ticking:



Will see how it's performing today...and then have a closer look at all the chronograph parts.

Cheers, Al
 
alam
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Damn! they don't make chronographs like they used to! 😀 One of these days I'll see my Speedy disassembled in those red trays!! 😀
 
pascs
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Dial does look a bit rough in that picture. Would you replace it with a second hand one from the same age if required?

If you have to replace it with a new one, then how about the metal logo dial from the 3594.50? Obviously it wouldnt be keeping itself 100% original but would look very good 😁
 
John R Smith
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I love all these photos you post, Al, I find it very educational. It also increases my respect for the watchmaking profession about a zillion times . . . I think I shall just stick to changing straps, it's about the limit of my abilities 😉
 
pascs
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And the CD of pictures you get from one of Al's services is an amazing story of your watch going through the service 👍
 
DLT222
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Oh look.... That's one of those omega models that always break right? 😉

Keep up the great work Archer!

Oh and I would have been mortified if that was my speedie!
 
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