Monday, June 3, 2019

Some repair jobs are simply more fun than others



...which is the case with the 1969 Omega Bullhead Speedmaster we just completed.  The Bullhead is very similar to the Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch.  However, there are some major differences.  While the Bullhead mechanism is based on the calibre 861 it comes with the addition of a calendar.  The second major difference is the dial layout, with the stem at 12 position and no hour recorder so the stop watch records seconds and minutes up to 30.  Omega called the calibre 930.

And here is why collectors love the Bullhead.  It was manufactured for two years only in 1969 and 1970 which makes it one of the rarest Speedmasters.  And even average examples now fetch over $15,000.   According to the Omega website, the original 1969 Speedmaster Bullhead is "amongst the rarest, most collectable and most recognised chronographs ever produced".

The main challenge with this restoration was to make our work invisible - meaning not leaving any marks on the dial or hands and preserving all original parts.   Apart from a standard overhaul, the Bullhead had an issue with the cannon pinion and required a jewel replacement in the minute counter.  Total repair cost:  $1,100.








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