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  1. fzhu052 Aug 21, 2016

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    I will need a case for 145.022-69 but I don't want a new one. Just wondering whether all the 145.022 cases (not caseback of course) are the same. If so, I can have much better choices. Thanks, Frank
     
  2. 72c Aug 21, 2016

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    Yup, 3590.50 too (bezels vary of course)
     
  3. toddle321 Aug 21, 2016

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    I'm sure others will chime in, but I think there are slight differences in the 145.022 mid-cases. I recall running into issues trying to fit 808 end links to a 145.022-69 and learning that the early lug shape is a little different.
     
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  4. fzhu052 Aug 21, 2016

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    Oh I will need to put 145.022 bezel back on.
     
    Edited Aug 21, 2016
  5. 72c Aug 21, 2016

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    Sure, I should qualify. There are minor variations depending on which case manufacturer was used, but general design has remained the same. Movement, bezels, crystals etc interchangeable.
     
  6. fzhu052 Aug 21, 2016

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    That is great to know. What about 145.0022 case, also the same as .022?
     
  7. Archer Omega Qualified Watchmaker Aug 21, 2016

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    This is not true - there are some cases made by specific makers where case backs and bezels are not interchangeable.

    If you have one of these and it needs a new bezel or case back, Omega offers a new case at a reduced price.

    They may look similar, but that doesn't mean parts are completely interchangeable...

    Cheers, Al
     
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  8. Darlinboy Pratts! Will I B******S!!! Aug 21, 2016

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    The additional "0" indicates it is a service case.
     
  9. Archer Omega Qualified Watchmaker Aug 23, 2016

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    Not really. Omega updated their case numbering system to add in another digit. So if you buy the latest version of the Speedmaster (Ref. 31130423001005), it will have the extra "0" in the number, so a 055ST1450022.

    Since it's a new watch it won't have a service case...that's just the new case number.

    For vintage watches, yes the additional digit can signal that the case (or case back) has been replaced with a service part, but this extra digit does not necessarily indicate a service case.

    Cheers, al
     
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  10. 72c Aug 23, 2016

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    That's interesting that in some cases bezels and casebacks are not interchangeable Archer.
    In the case when a replacement is needed, do Omega have more than one caseback or bezel listed for 145.022s for example then, depending on the original case manufacturer?
     
  11. Archer Omega Qualified Watchmaker Aug 23, 2016

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    No - the reason for the new case is that they don't make bezels and case backs that fit every case.
     
  12. 72c Aug 23, 2016

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    You learn something everyday.
    Do you know if there was a point where case manufacturer became more standardized, so for example making it only cases from a certain period that are affected by a lack of interchangeability with service replacement bits? Or does it vary in a more unpredictable way?
     
  13. Archer Omega Qualified Watchmaker Aug 23, 2016

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    I think it has more to do with the supply of the extra bits, rather than the supply of cases. I don't know of any particular time period that this is contained to. The last notice that Omega published on this issue was from 2011...
     
  14. 72c Aug 23, 2016

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    Reason I ask is I have a few service bezels and backup vintage ones etc in reserve and had assumed they would be direct replacements if needed, so I'm now wondering if they'll actually fit! Only one way to find out I suppose.

    Another offshoot of this is when folk list DON bezels in many cases presumably taken from early 69STs as being suitable for 105.012s etc, that's not always going to be the case.

    It would be interesting to see more research done on the minutiae of variations for 861 speedy cases through the years for nerds like me.
     
    Edited Aug 23, 2016
  15. Archer Omega Qualified Watchmaker Aug 23, 2016

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    Note that this information is for the 145022 (1450022) cases only...

    That research would be interesting certainly - please publish it here when you are done. ;)
     
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  16. nvrp813 Oct 21, 2016

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    I highly recommend anyone interested in the finer details of the Speedmaster pick up the book Moonwatch Only. While a little pricey, I have never seen a better example of a book on one subject matter.
     
  17. oddboy Zero to Grail+2998 In Six Months Oct 21, 2016

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    I tried a vintage caseback in a modern midcase, and while it would screw on, it was not a good fit. It did not tighten up all the way and it felt like metal grinding while trying to tighten up.
     
    Edited Aug 1, 2018
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