Early Speedmaster Professional Case Backs

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I would like to propose to your attention a rundown of the different case backs
fitted to early Speedmaster Professional series:


The first Speedmaster Professionals case backs with the large Hippocampus are distinguished by the fact
that they were equipped with a step, like the previous Speedmaster "Non Professional" references:

This type of case back was used on the ref. 105.012s from 1963 to 1965

From the ref. 105.012-66 on this step was removed.

This type was mounted since on the ref. 105.012 HF-66 and CB-66 and later on the ref. 145.012-67, 145.012-68,
145.022-68 transitional and 145.022-69 Pre Moon

Immediately after the moon landing, the following case backs were used:

This is the case back of a ref. 145022-69 called "Straight Writing".


This is a picture of a rare "ApolloXI" variant of the "Straight Writing"case back always being used
on the ref. 145.022-69 and apparently sold only on the Japanese market.

Subsequently Omega installed case back with the characteristic central medallion:

This is a rare "Non Nasa" case back used for a short period on the ref. 145.022-71


To finish with the most common model mounted, with some small variations though, for a relatively long period from the ref. 145.022-71 onwards.

I would have a favorite ...
Which is yours?

Cheers
 
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Coincidentally, I just watch this video from @Spacefruit the other day exhibiting early casebacks.



Thank you for sharing your collection.
 
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I would like to propose to your attention a rundown of the different case backs
fitted to early Speedmaster Professional series:

From the ref. 105.012-66 on this step was removed.

This type was mounted since on the ref. 105.012 HF-66 and CB-66 and later on the ref. 145.012-67, 145.012-68,
145.022-68 transitional and 145.022-69 Pre Moon

I would have a favorite ...
Which is yours?

Cheers

The slots look bigger/longer than usual, no? Reminds me of a service backcase.
Thanks for the nice summary!
 
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Which one would have a service case back in your opinion?

Thank you
 
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Which one would have a service case back in your opinion?

Thank you

I was referring to your third photo (also quoted with link to your photo in my reply). I am far from an expert, but I was curious as to why the six slots have the same size as on modern casebacks and service casebacks.
 
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Here we go with a comparison of another 105.012-66 CB that I own.
The slots are identical and both are original to the watches IMHO.



Have a nice day.
 
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Thanks for sharing! 👍
And congrats on a lovely collection!
 
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I checked my watches closely and I have noted that the CB Case back in fact have some longer slots
in comparison to my ref. 145.012-67, 68 and also 145.022-68 transitional, but for these watches the case
and case backs were produced by HF.
Attached you will find a picture of my CB case back taken above the picture of the Single Bevel
shown in the MWO book.

This is a picture of the inside of the CB case back.
Note: Gino Balbi told me that, as far as he knows, there have never been CB service case backs.


In conclusion you are right¨
There is a difference in the slot length in between the CB and HF case backs, but you have to consider that the case off
a CB is totally different to a case made by HF.

Cheers
 
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137
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271
I checked my watches closely and I have noted that the CB Case back in fact have some longer slots
in comparison to my ref. 145.012-67, 68 and also 145.022-68 transitional, but for these watches the case
and case backs were produced by HF.
Attached you will find a picture of my CB case back taken above the picture of the Single Bevel
shown in the MWO book.

This is a picture of the inside of the CB case back.
Note: Gino Balbi told me that, as far as he knows, there have never been CB service case backs.


In conclusion you are right¨
There is a difference in the slot length in between the CB and HF case backs, but you have to consider that the case off
a CB is totally different to a case made by HF.

Cheers

Thanks - mystery solved! Interesting to see that not only the cases differed between HF and CB (which I was aware of), but also the case backs…
Cheers!
Edited: