Speedmaster Crystal Replacement

[Eyenigma]

Looking for my first Speedmaster, and my thinking is getting a 1978 145.022-78. (It's my birth year).

However I have found one that looks to be in decent shape (for the age) but it has had the crystal replaced by Omega to a new Hesalite Crystal. To my limited knowledge, this seems to take away from the vintage nature of the piece, but then again... I am told it is very common for watches of this era to have the crystal replacement. Can anyone tell me whether this is the norm for vintage Speedmasters and/or what that does to the perceived value. I don't intend to resell, but I just want to make sure I'm not sabotaging the "vintage" aspect of my first Speedmaster

[flyinghell34]

You are doing any damage to the "vintage" aspect of your watch. If you were talking about a piece before 1969 I think the changes would affect the value some to a hard core collector but not on a 1978 Speedy

It is very common, and quite acceptable, to have a vintage watch with a replaced crystal, pushers, and crown especially if you plan to wear it. These three pieces contribute most to the case integrity, protection of the dial, movement, and moisture resistance. I believe the crystal is the most acceptable replacement part meaning that some would prefer to have the original crown and pushers before the original crystal.

As long as you install an Omega crystal you are just fine.

[Eyenigma]

Thank you. Exactly the type of insight and answer I'd hope to have read.

[flyinghell34]

Glad I could help and I think others will say the same. Also, I see my first sentence is missing "not" doing any damage.