Sometimes you see something that is so obviously wrong that it just grabs your attention, like this 105.012-66CB case described as a 145.012-67. So I thought I would try to deconstruct it, and I came to the conclusion that it may simply be a legit 105.012-66CB with a 145.012-67 case-back. Is it that simple?

https://www.ebay.com/itm/OMEGA-SPEEDMASTER-145-012-67-CAL-321-BRACELET-1039/282945880829?ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649Purchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network

 

Serial looks about right for 1966 (but also a 1967) so I guess the simplest explanation may be the correct one. Finding a correct CB back might not be easy.

The other less likely scenario is that it is a 67 which was refinished by someone who put lug facets on it!

 

Strangely, I happen to have that case-back.

 

Then fill your boots!

 

This would be a neat trick!

 

I’ve been drinking but.. cb swap seems like a legit theory.

 

I want to vet it a bit more before considering an offer. What about the case-back on the watch? Is it a fake?

 

Yeah, me too. I want to make sure I'm not hallucinating.

 

I dont think that a possible as the dial has close t swiss t markings, and a 145.012 should have a wide t swiss t. It's probably a CB with a 67 caseback.

 

It looks like the reset pusher is correct for a 105, and the start/stop pusher looks new but correct for a 145.

 

Yes you are right, it has both pusher sizes.

 

I thought I saw the same thing but I wasn't sure (I blamed the lack of coffee. Fixed that now)

 

I know there is a chain of thought that suggests CB Speedmasters can have close t dials but not so sure this is he case. Even they can, it is certainly the exception rather than the rule. Coupled with the wrong case back, this pushes this further towards franken territory for me.

Incidentally, it’s a genuine CB case. You can tell by the thicker facets at the tip of the underside of the lugs.

 

I agree that not all 66s have close t swiss t (I know mine doesn't) but I was suggesting that it couldn't be a 67 since none of them left the factory with a dial like this

 

Great information. I had been under the impression that all of the 105.012 models were found with both types of dial. I had noticed the mismatched pushers, but if the rest of it (aside from the case-back) was legit CB that probably would not have stopped me at the right price.

Were the close-T dials only found in earlier 105.012 years?

 

I think we're arguing the same point. It can't be a 67, and although the dial may be correct for a 66CB, it's not common. Taken with the wrong case back I'd be wary of this watch and would need to look at it in the flesh to address my concerns.

 

OK, I think the watch is too sketchy to take a risk on. But I could use that 145.012-67SP case-back for a project and he could use my 105.012-66CB case-back, since it will get his watch one step closer. Maybe we could trade. Do you think his case-back is legit? It looks old and I think I see service marks, but the stamped numbers look a bit sloppy.

 

Narrow -spaced T on a -66 CB is not on its own a deal breaker... but coupled with mismatched pushers and caseback it starts to paint a more damning picture. For me the biggest concern is the start-stop pusher, it's entirely the wrong type so will you be able to fit a correct fat-neck 105.012 pusher or are you stuck with service items?

 

I contacted the seller about a possible case-back trade and he is asking me to explain why I think his watch is from 1966 since the serial number is consistent with 1967 (his words). I tried to describe the CB case facets and gave him a link to speedmaster101, but he probably thinks I'm trying to scam him.

 

Thanks @abrod520, I do need to think about the pushers. I've never tried to find a short pusher for a 105.012. Are they impossible to find? Or do you think that the tube or case was damaged by doing the replacement with the service pusher?