What Do you think of this Speedmaster 105.012?

Posts
124
Likes
111
Hi, I am looking for advice on this watch. The dial is a little rough but it all looks original to me. Am I correct? How much should i expect to pay for it?

 
Posts
1,552
Likes
3,643
Hello,

That's a 105.012-66 CB.

Case: the -66 CB distinctive facets are still present and are (very) sharp. Overall, the case is in fair condition. I think there is some corrosion around the gasket groove, this is not a good point.
Pushers: good point, the fat-neck pushers are present.
Crown: service crown.
Dial: wide T dial in bad condition. What are those spots on the surface? Looks like mold. Lume is also terrible. I think this watch had a water damage at some point.
Hands: correct hands, lume is gone on hour and minute hands. Heavy damages all around.
Bezel: some major damages all around the bezel, yet the insert itself is not so bad.
Movement: I'm no expert but this watch will need a complete service, somme corrosion is visible on some movement parts.

In conclusion, everything looks OK (original) except the crown. I guess it all depends on what you are ready to pay for it. This could be a nice base for a relume job.

I would personally not go higher than 4000-5000€ for this one.

Cheers
Edited:
 
Posts
1,646
Likes
3,363
Hi there, and welcome with your exciting project!

Here is a nice link where you can read about this referens:
https://speedmaster101.com/105-012/

The serial nr checks in correct, and as @Seaborg wrote, the watch has a lot of issues, so you must have a service within your budget.
The case and caseback have a lot of "battle scars", I do think it has its charm, but can you live with that??
And the dial is a bit special...?😲


Good luck with your hunt!
 
Posts
11,246
Likes
19,710
For me that’s an ugly watch and as @perenowell says, I’d rather buy a nicer, slightly newer 861 reference such as a -69 or -71, that a very poor -66.

Value is $5k max for me. Ideally less and tbh if offered to me for that price, I wouldn’t buy it.
 
Posts
6
Likes
1
Getting the watch would be determined by your personal preference. Your are correct when you said the dial is a little rough and it all look original.
 
Posts
1,552
Likes
3,643
I bought it for $4500 all in.

Not bad. What do you plan to do with it? Relume?
Please, keep us updated 😉 !
 
Posts
124
Likes
111
Not bad. What do you plan to do with it? Relume?
Please, keep us updated 😉 !
Thanks. I would love to get the dial cleaned up and relumed. Is there a good place for that.
 
Posts
124
Likes
111
I'm curious what you mean by cleaned up.
I don't know what can and what cannot be done with dials. It all depends on what the white specs are. Most likely i won't even mess with the dial and keep it as is. I decided that i like the patina and I wanted something un-messed with, that's why i bought it. I have a 145-022 69 (actually from 69 according to the serial number and it looks new so something with a "bit" of patina won't hurt 😀. Fr me the 105.012 was the grail because it is the actual moonwatch. They always go for crazy prices and i was not going to pay for an arm and a leg for one (even though this one is already pricey enough)
 
Posts
2,717
Likes
5,535
I think you paid a fair price. I don't think the dial will clean up. My guess is there was moisture in the watch at some point and it caused oxidation under the dial paint. Evidence; rusty stem, multi colored movement and the dial itself.
If it were mine, I would look into a relume a service and make it my daily. It has character.
s-l1600.jpg
 
Posts
124
Likes
111
I think you paid a fair price. I don't think the dial will clean up. My guess is there was moisture in the watch at some point and it caused oxidation under the dial paint. Evidence; rusty stem, multi colored movement and the dial itself.
If it were mine, I would look into a relume a service and make it my daily. It has character.
s-l1600.jpg
Thanks. I will most definitely get it serviced. You are probably correct about the dial.
 
Posts
2,466
Likes
2,841
As far as I gather, the "top" restorers actually are good painters, so if those white spots are micro-touched with a matte black paint, it'll likely make the watch look better

Best example is him: https://www.instagram.com/roberto.tarabella_watchmaker/?hl=en

First photos are macro and after photos are almost always in best light / angle and distance, never the same macro shot 😀

Still, I think he does an incredible job, very inspiring, and maybe worth contacting
 
Posts
124
Likes
111
As far as I gather, the "top" restorers actually are good painters, so if those white spots are micro-touched with a matte black paint, it'll likely make the watch look better

Best example is him: https://www.instagram.com/roberto.tarabella_watchmaker/?hl=en

First photos are macro and after photos are almost always in best light / angle and distance, never the same macro shot 😀

Still, I think he does an incredible job, very inspiring, and maybe worth contacting
Thanks, the link doesn't work for me
 
Posts
1,703
Likes
3,507
Thanks, the link doesn't work for me
Roberto.tarabella_watchmaker on IG
He does live feeds of restorations cool to watch him work
 
Posts
1,414
Likes
8,647
Roberto.tarabella_watchmaker on IG
He does live feeds of restorations cool to watch him work
Exact. I confirm. Made a very good job on a previous 145.012 I had... (Should say "regret")
 
Posts
360
Likes
591
Thanks. I would love to get the dial cleaned up and relumed. Is there a good place for that.
Send me a P.M.
Cheers