Greetings, All- Dumb question alert...I was born in 1968, and am interested in purchasing a Cal 321 from my birth year. Problem is that I am not sure how to definitively identify a 105.012 as being from 1968. Further, some sources would suggest that 105.012 were not produced in that year. A few sources have stated that 105.012 with serial numbers 26xxx... were made in 1968, but others state that 105.012s only run through 25xxx. Finally, any thoughts on the perfect Speedmaster from my birth year? Thanks for reading, and I look forward to your replies and thoughts.
Dear Betis1 I think 145022-68 transitional is one of the best options !!!! I was born during Apollo 8 mission so, for me, this is the watch for our year .... Good hunting !!!!
Yes, but they are very few (145012-68) . https://omegaforums.net/threads/my-new-omega-speedmaster.32245/ http://speedmaster101.com/145-012/
No 105.012 casebacks were marked -68. Only 145.012 and 145.022. However, some 105.012's may have been sold in 68. Furthermore, some 105.003-65's were produced in 68 but you'd need one with an extract to know for sure. Id hunt down a 145.012 (cal 321) or a transitional 145.022 (861).
Yes sir. 145.012 have 321. Last model. You should check out the website that was recommended above. Surely helped me out on this speedmaster journey.
Thank you so much! I am not rich, but am willing to pay for one in original condition. Any ideas on what I should roughly pay for an unpolished, original 145.012-68?
The last produced were 145.012-68 containing the cal. 321 for a very,very short time before the "Transitional"
This is your first stop for everything. Price, details etc. I would certainly give strong consideration to the 68 transitional though before you decide.
How does the quality of the transitional 68 compare? Why would you suggest the 68 transitional? Dumb questions, I know...
Because is very rare !!! and unique !!! Is the fantastic mixture between 321/861 model. I would not miss the chance to have it !!!!
I don't know this for sure, but I suspect the 145.012-68 is rarer than the transitional. I'd consider the transitional because it has the looks of the cal 321, but with the 861 movement which has better parts availability. Plus, if you narrow it down to one model, you've limited yourself and you may have to compromise on condition. If you're open to both you give yourself a better chance. You really should read 101 from start to finish and then read it again. It'll give you a much better understanding of 60's Speedmasters.
Very cool. So, is that the 145.022-68 you mentioned? I have read that the quality of the movement is inferior to that of the 321. Is that the case? Dave.
Great website!! So, sounds like I am going to pay anywhere from $4,800-8,000, or so for a 1968 Speedmaster in good shape. Does that sound right? Dave.
I don't think the 861 is inferior. It was altered slightly for ease of production and maintenance but several watchmakers on this forum have said its no less accurate. Collectors are just illogical and prefer the 321 as its the original, has a column wheel and we're daft.
LOL! I think I got bit by the collecting bug-uh oh..... Old Rolex, Wakmann, King Seikos, Constellations, and now Speedmasters. Yikes! Dave.
1968!! Best year ever. Only one reference to go with for 1968 and that's the 145-022-68 Transitional.