The last year or so I was focussing on 69 Speedmasters. There are two questions I would like to clear with your expertise. I know there are a lot of Speedmaster hoarder here on the forum. It would be great to see with your help if there is a pattern or if the observations are just random hits. Topic 1 – case back inside There are 2 different patterns on the inside of 69-Speedmasters: Model A perlage (left) Model B flat (right) Model A perlage: Model B Observations / assumptions 1.1 Pre-moon Speedmasters with seahorse on back and movement numbers 28/29/ Mio seem to have both case backs – with perlage and without (A and B) 1.2 Pre-moon Speedmasters with seahorse on back and movement numbers 30’ Mio seem to have case backs with perlage (A) 1.3 Straight Writings seem to have all perlage (A) 1.4 Straight Writing Apollo 11 seem tho have mostly perlage (A) though I found one flat (B) http://www.carsandwatches.com/omega-speedmaster-ultra-rare-caseback-apollo-xi/ Topic / question 2 - seahorse in 32' mio possible? Straight writing case backs can be seen on Speedmasters with mov. 31-32’857xxx (and some 28.426.xxx). Question: 2 Are there any Speedmasters with seahorses instead of straight writing on the back in the area of mov. No. 31’ – 32'857)? like this one https://www.chrono24.ch/omega/speedmaster-step-dial-tritium-dial-1969--id4221478.htm thanks for your help. Best, Thomas
Here's my bad scan of Mickey's Straight Writing case-back with serial #31.6--.--- as confirmed by the Omega Extract. Date of production August 24, 1971. No idea why my case-back scan didn't copy. For sure it's a Model A.
The easiest part to change on a watch is a caseback, isn't it? Such watch might sell better with a good condition seahorse than a poor condition straight writing.. Btw, mine are all with perlage: 1.1 28'425k 1.1 29'609k 1.2 30'597k 1.3 32'844k
There are pre-moon 145.022-69 mixed in up until 3162xxxx serial numbers. I have a 3131xxxx pre-moon with perlage and a 3161xxxx pre-moon with perlage.
I have a 28.425 with perlage as well; I'll have to double-check my 220 this weekend. Can't remember off the top of my head
I have a question. Does model A (perlage) always have small external notches? And model B larger notches? Thanks.
I have 2 pre-moon -69s, 1 with each of the aforementioned case backs (both w/DONs). The earlier 29,600,xxx has type B flat, the later 30,584,xxx has a type A perlage. @plexyforever I can't speak to all, but of my 2, the type A perlage has smaller notches than the type B flat.
@plexyforever Well spotted! I didn't realise this - but I can confirm too! my two type A pre Moons have smaller notches than my two type B pre moons. I thank everybody for their reply. From your feedback I conclude that most of the type B (flat) case backs can be seen in the 29' range. But we also see type A in this range. What about question 2 Are there any Speedmasters with seahorses instead of straight writing on the back in the area of mov. No. 31’ – 32'857?
Interesting. Usually variations on case backs occur when sourced from different case makers, but in this instance the case maker Huguenin Frères of Le Locle has made them both.