Has anyone seen factory variations to the HF perlage -69 hippocampus case backs? I've been looking at ~20 examples recently (none that are just worn smooth) and find some variations: a) center flat - circular brushing on most, straight brushing on a couple b) sloped shoulder - smooth polish finish on most, brushed on a few c) logo etching - some very slight differences in the "boldness" of the font and hippo etching in my examples. I suspect circular brushing in center and polished shoulders are factory-correct and the others are not, but just a guess based on 145.0012 service case backs available. Also not sure how much variation to logo etching from factory might be expected originally. Perhaps a skilled person could convincingly restore or "freshen" brushings and polishes but has anyone encountered a restoration of the hippo logo etching that leaves etched features just a *bit* wider than original? Thanks in advance for any facts or expert opinions.
It would probably help aid discussion if you could post examples of the 3 variations you're describing
Yes, understood. Concerned about copyright, stated or not, but I'll credit a few images and hope that's OK. Any thoughts, pictures of minty "original golden standard(s)" HF case back, etc. appreciated. 1) Circular brushed flat, polished shoulder https://shop.hodinkee.com/products/...ence-145-022?variant=21434214596#&gid=1&pid=8 2) Straight brushed flat https://bulangandsons.com/products/omega-speedmaster-145-022-69 3) Etch width variations; maybe just the lighting but seems like some very subtle variation between similar letters, grooves, and other features. The visual ratio of groove to plateau in the horse/hippo mane stood out to me. 4) 145.0012 Service case back for reference https://omegaforums.net/threads/rem...service-case-back-new-old-stock-gasket.36812/
I think there are a large number of different variations My 145022-69ST case back has very faint circular on the outside and no swirls on the inside, my 145012-67 ST has straight lines on the outside and swirls on the inside.
In addition, are there variations in the hippo eye as well? Interesting conversations. Thanks for starting!
There certainly are a number of Speedy case back variations even within the -69 family. Covered nicely in Speedmaster101 and other places on OF. My first question was specifically to the correct external brush/polish finish type for the Pre-moon 145.022-69 case back from Huguenin Frères with swirls inside (perlage). There are actually two internal finishes for Pre-moon -69 case backs as discussed here: https://omegaforums.net/threads/case-back-research-69-speedmasters.39671/. A circular brush pattern seems to dominate both types, but again I noticed some exceptions even within the -69 group examined. Perhaps just a result of refinishing, but wondering if any factory exceptions to the circular-brush rule are known. Second question was on logo. Perhaps some variation in the hippo eye too ... the scope of the acid etch is the primary difference I noticed. Etch processes can vary but wondering if a 'broadening' of features could have to do with a restorative etch process (and if there is such a thing)?