I think it is abundantly clear by now that -66s tend to show extraordinarily well preserved lume, as a rule. Both CB and HF.

 

Most of you can imagine the mild heart attack I had when my watchmaker recommended that my -66 CB be refinished.

But I took a deep breath and thought about it for a while. This is a watchmaker I really trust. They've serviced a handful of my Speedmasters over the last few years, and they are very understanding and accommodating when it comes to vintage. Furthermore, they are well known for their case refinishing work. And while the lug tops were sharp, I had to admit that the case sides were a little tired.

So after confirming that they were aware of the unique geometry of the CB case, and getting their assurances that my watch would retain its trademark facets, I said go for it. Suffice it to say, I'm thrilled with the results.

Just wanted to share, and say hats off to Zimmerman Watch Repair in York, PA.

Cheers,
-GW

 

Impressive work your CB looks like a NOS one...

 

Lovely result, and nice to have a watchmaker that you can trust!

You don't have any before pictures??

 

Thank you. Unfortunately no photos that really do it justice.
One here: https://omegaforums.net/threads/wruw-today.567/page-10548#post-2212643
And one here: https://omegaforums.net/threads/wruw-today.567/page-8988#post-1893923

Cheers,
-GW

 

The quality of the watches in this thread is extraordinary!

 

The watch looks beautiful after the work!

What camera did you use to take these photos? Beautiful shots! I'm always envious of people that can take such nice photos.

 

Thought you might like this excellent blog on cases from @ndgal.

https://www.chronoholic.com/post/the-omega-speedmaster-professional-a-case-study

 

Gorgeous!

 

Stunning watches… my journey into the CB and HF Speedmasters began when years ago I purchased a 105.012-66 Speedmaster and neither I or the dealer were aware that this particular reference had two case manufacturers. Of course, I discovered in this forum the error of my ways. I had unknowingly purchased a Speedmaster with a HF midcase but a CB caseback. I later found out that this was not that uncommon and casebacks were switched for a variety of reasons. I decided to buy the CB version of this reference and at the same time began my years long search to find a HF caseback for my HF Speedmaster. Recently I found a HF caseback in France and just a few weeks ago I sold my CB caseback to a Speedmaster owner in Japan who had the opposite problem, yes… a CB midcase with a HF caseback… if only we had met each other sooner, a simple swap.
And now the photos…

 

Thanks! My old iphone wasn't cutting it, so I upgraded to a little Sony RX100 II that seems to do the job.

Cheers,
-GW

 

Yepp, his website is amazing!

The watches he has for sale there are really Top Notch!
And a big bonus is that the ones that get sold are still on the site, so these are perfect to have as references.

And not to mention the amazing case studies he has done (that you posted),
I had a little thought about enlarging these and framing them…
But maybe I have to ask permission from @ndgal .. ..?

 

Beautiful watches!
And your adventures with the casebacks - that's just lovely!

 

105.012 reference Speedys are so undervalued (IMHO)!

 

Here is a watch that I was looking at a few years ago, with the same mixed up caseback scenario!
It took some time to sort it out...

https://omegaforums.net/threads/omega-speedmaster-105-012-66-cb-or-hf-case.153054/

 

Caseback bastle? I'm in!

 

Is it normal that I get this excited about the backside of a watch?? Those concentric rings get me every time!

 

CB??

 

Underbar klocka!

Sooo Lovely!