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Heinz83
·Dear fellow OF members,
I’d like to present my latest Speedmaster acquisition. It’s a 105.012-65 from approximately January 1967.
The watch was bought from the first owner via an auction house. An owner that clearly used his watch a lot.
From a rational perspective, this watch isn’t perfect with its battered bezel insert and lume loss from the minute hand. There is also a very slight lume loss from 11 and 12 o’clock.
However, putting the hard facts aside, I really fell in love with this piece mainly for three reasons:
The fact that this watch -in my personal view- has a ton of charm and can easily be worn on a daily basis as it didn’t cost nearly as much as a mint 105.012-65 would have, makes me very happy with this purchase so far.
To get this piece in the state that I want, I’m considering a few actions where I would appreciate the opinion of the speedy-experts on the forum:
So there we have it. My “new” 105.012-65. A watch that I believe will get a lot of wrist time going forward.
Cheers!
I’d like to present my latest Speedmaster acquisition. It’s a 105.012-65 from approximately January 1967.
The watch was bought from the first owner via an auction house. An owner that clearly used his watch a lot.
From a rational perspective, this watch isn’t perfect with its battered bezel insert and lume loss from the minute hand. There is also a very slight lume loss from 11 and 12 o’clock.
However, putting the hard facts aside, I really fell in love with this piece mainly for three reasons:
- The amazing colour of the lume. I love it!
- The watch seems to be in an untouched and honest condition. The case back has sharp lines and the lugs still have what I believe is the factory brushing. Even the original crown seems to be present. The condition of the bezel insert looks far worse on pictures than in reality. I was considering replacing it but having seen it IRL, I’d say it comes across as nicely faded rather than ruined and I think I’ll keep it in its original condition for now. This somehow adds even more to the attraction to me. The lume reacts as it should on both plots and hands. I can however see lume loss flying around under the hesalite so I guess the watch would need a clean up.
- I think 105.012-65 is just a very cool reference. Simple as that!
The fact that this watch -in my personal view- has a ton of charm and can easily be worn on a daily basis as it didn’t cost nearly as much as a mint 105.012-65 would have, makes me very happy with this purchase so far.
To get this piece in the state that I want, I’m considering a few actions where I would appreciate the opinion of the speedy-experts on the forum:
- I will hunt for a bracelet (current 1039 i took from another watch). As it’s a late 65, I’m guessing a 1039 would work. What do the experts say? It’s certainly going to be easier (and cheaper) than going for a 1506. Should a 1506 come out for sale at a fair price, I will probably buy it though.
- The minute hand with the lume loss. I don’t think a relume make sense but should I stabilise it? I don’t want it to get any worse…
- Bezel. I guess I will keep this one as the watch most likely came from the factory with it. And I think it looks quite cool.
- The hesalite crystal is very scratched up. I will try with polywatch or similar to get it in better condition. If I come across a correct hesalite for the reference, I’ll probably replace it.
So there we have it. My “new” 105.012-65. A watch that I believe will get a lot of wrist time going forward.
Cheers!
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