I received a Speedmaster Professional 105.012-66, in a trade, which the seller accurately described as having a 321 movement in the range of a 145.012 (26.5xxxxxx). I recently received an archive extract, which confirms the movement to be from a 145.012 produced in Nov. of 1968. The pushers and case back on the watch are for a 105.012. Ultimately my question is, what do people think I should do with my watch? Try and source a 105.012 - 66 movement? Or source 145.012 pushers and caseback and call my watch a 145.012? Any comments on how hard it will be to source a 105.012 movement? Thanks!
Not enough photos. Case back, inside and out and movement. If the movement is as reasonable as the case is, I’d leave it as is, service it and wear it. Maybe the right movement and or case will come along, but by that time, I’m betting you’re not going to care as much. These things come up on eBay from time to time. I like the bracelet, but that bezel makes me wince.
If you're going to try to mess around with it, I think you need to go with the extract - it's a 145.012. The sweep hand is also correct for a 145.012. It won't be too hard to find the right pushers. The case-back will be a little harder, but still can be done. I can't really tell from those photos if the pushers are truly correct for a 105.012, but if they are, there's a reasonable chance that they are press-fit and not screw-in. In which case, the case will not accept the screw-in pushers for a 145.012. So you should check that before proceeding further, because then you would need a new mid-case as well. So you could be in for a full-on project. There is someone who wants to trade case-backs right now, but he wants a CB case-back and you didn't mention what type yours is. https://omegaforums.net/threads/145...threads/145-012-caseback-w-cb-caseback.81256/
I've actually had the watch for some time now. Keeps time very well. I don’t have access to a photo of the movement here, but it’s clean. I did just receive the archives though confirming that the movement is from a Speedmaster 145.012 (I was concerned it could be from a Seamaster). It is an HF case. I believe the pushers aren’t truly correct and original, but I can’t tell if they are press fit or not. I tried to take a better photo, which I attached, but I don’t think it’s clear. I think I’ll just hope to source a 105.012 movement. Maybe I get lucky and some is interested in a trade for a 145.012 movement.
I stand by my comment. Those are 105.012 pushers, also known as Your photo, enlarged They are wide necked and either original or early service replacements. I agree with you about going for a 105.012 movement. It looks like a nice case with original pushers. And, 105.012s are more valuable than 145.012s. Courtesy speedmaster101:
Tough call if you ask me. The 105.012 is more valuable than the 145.012 but the differentiating parts which you do not have would be: 1) 321 movement in correct 105.012 range and in line with year on caseback 2) Tear-drop chrono hand 3) Pushers (maybe) To make it a 145.012: 1) Pushers (should be easy to source as pushers from 145.012 onwards are the same?) 2) Caseback (should be OK but difficulty increases significantly if you need a 145.012-68 caseback) So, seems like more of an effort to make it a 105.012 but the final value of the watch would be more.
Question. Is the caseback marked HF or CB?. It may be the pics but it sure does look like there are remnants of facets on the lugs. As far as the bezel is concerned, they get worse, or, as in my watches case (pardon the pun) it was missing. My opinion. Source a correct sweep hand and enjoy. It is still a great piece.
You also need to take stock of your dial. It appears to be a wide T version which is only correct for very late 105.012's. If you're not careful here you may spend a lot of money and just end up with a complete franken watch. I'd get a set of service 145.012 pushers and ask a reliable watchmaker to check if the case holes are threaded or friction and see if the case will accept the screw in pushers. If they work, it's an easy choice to leave it as is apart from looking for a vintage 145 case back or even just sourcing a service or clear case back. If the case needs friction pushers then you likely already have a franken and I'm not sure I'd throw good money at it.
I don't know if you've already seen that: https://omegaforums.net/threads/ome...eback-and-middle-case-pushers-1650-usd.80817/
The watch has it's original fat pusher tubes and low pushers. that is a very attractive feature in a 105.012. Nothing ruins a 105.012 like a set of weedy service pushers...... (except maybe a 'moody' 321 inside) So if it looks as though you have a 105.012 with a replacemental 145.012 movement, maybe you should, do nothing for now??? Hang on a while, wait to see what happens to the valuations of those 2 references over the next year or so??? That gives you a year or two to enjoy wearing your lovely watch. Nobody's going to say "hey...That's a nice vintage Omega Speedmaster! Does it have a 'moody' 321 inside?"
This is an interesting thread as I just purchased a package of 4 speedies and one of them is exactly the same as your scenario. 105.012-66 with a 26m movement. Just to make 100% certain, I requested an extract for this combo and it was denied, so clearly the movement is out of range for the case. I am going to try and source a proper movement in the 24-25 million range. I have seen no less than ten 105.012-66 Speedies with 26m movements so I was hoping the extract would confirm it to be genuine and possible but, there doesnt seem to be any confirmed 26m movements in 105.012-66 cases. If anyone has a movement in the 24-25m range, please PM me. THX
I agree with @boogedyboo: trying to have a correct 105.012 is probably more attractive than a 145.012 but it sounds more complicated to source a correct 105.012 movement and way more expensive than just a correct caseback and pushers for a 145.012 to build a 145.012 105.012 pushers are more expensive and rarer than 145.012, so it will not be a hassle selling them (I guess you might have already received some offers) and about the caseback, you have at the moment 2 or 3 sellers on the bay or even here in this gorgeous forum to build a 105.012 you will need some patience to wait for the right movement and save some money for it because they do not appear so often for both (if you really want) source an original chrono hand or just get a new one (again easy to find on the bay for a way cheaper price than original I would probably follow @nonuffinkbloke advice: enjoy your watch If you want to sell the watch that's another discussion
Happens, many movements damaged and replaced and of course many are put together frankens. Watch looks fine and I would enjoy it as is while looking for the movement.
Thank you all for the input. @ndgal that actually is my watch, I didn’t trade it on this forum, but apparently, he’s a member here as well. I ultimately ordered the Archive Extract to make sure it’s not a Franken with a Seamaster movement, which thankfully it is not because that would have definitely bothered me. I will sit tight and wait for a movement in the 24-25 serial range. I don’t plan on selling this watch, but if things keep moving as they are I can only imagine what a 105.012 movement will cost in 2-3 years.
Tough call. I’d agree with going on the harder road and being patient for the right movement for the rest of the watch.
I'd enjoy it as is and if you come across the right movement at the right price then you've got it made... If you do find the right movement then you'll also have a later 321 movement with an extract... and that is a great thing too. Best wishes.
I can relate though my issue is reversed in a way. Purchased this as a 145.012 -67 (because of the caseback) though watch it seems is a 105.012 given the serial, dial, case (CB) and sweep hand. Extract has been ordered though I'm pretty confident I have a 105.012. Only the pushers are of concern, will need to source a set for this reference. If you did decide to retain yours as a 145.012, a swap of each others pushers could be of benefit for both parties.
