1966 Omega Speedmaster Professional Ref. 105.012-66 'CB Case' Why This Watch Matters A rare variant of a "Pre-Moon" Speedmaster in crisp condition makes for an outstanding combination. The Full Story Omega released the Speedmaster ref 105.012 in 1964. It represented a new generation for the chronograph, now known as the Speedmaster Professional. This was the first Speedmaster with the "Professional" moniker on the dial. Omega upgraded this model with a larger 42mm case with twisted lugs and crown guards. The interior of the watch remained the same as previous Speedmasters, with the legendary manually wound caliber 321. This exact reference was worn by early astronauts, including Apollo 11's Neil Armstrong when he became the first human to step foot on the Moon on July 20, 1969. Omega used two different casemakers for the 105.012. Most manual-winding Speedmaster’s feature cases made by Huguenin Frères, but there was another casemaker named La Cetrale Boîtes of Bien who made some cases for just this reference. The defining characteristics of these “CB” cases are the flat section on the top of the lugs, some refer to these as twisted flat lugs. This is a subtle difference, but when you see a case that has this clearly visible it’s quite remarkable. The example we have here features a “CB” case and the flat section on the top of the lugs is clearly visible. This detail can easily be lost to a polishing wheel. This Speedmaster checks all the boxes for someone looking for a rare example. It features all the classic features, such as the "dot-over-90" bezel, the stepped dial with applied logo, and the storied caliber 321 inside. Further, this watch is in great condition with an overall attractive patina. We paired this Speedmaster with our Bedford watch strap in a beige tone to play off of the lume patina and give off that classic vintage Speedy look fans of HODINKEE know and love. The Fine Print Maker: Omega Model: Speedmaster Reference: 105.012-66 Year: Circa 1966 Case No: N/A Movement No: 25443437 Material: Stainless steel Dimensions: 42mm diameter; 14mm thickness Crystal: Plexiglass Lume: Yes, tritium Caliber: Omega, manually-wound, caliber 321 Bracelet/Strap: HODINKEE The Bedford Suede Watch Strap In Beige Lug Width: 20mm Box/Papers: No What We Love And What You Should Know Things We Love: - CB case with flat top lugs - Creamy lume patina - Applied Omega logo on dial Things To Know: - Scratches on case This Speedmaster is in overall great, attractive condition. The case is strong with scratches and nicks; the caseback engravings are clearly visible. The flat "CB" facet on the twisted lugs is very clear and visible. The dial and hands are in great condition with a light patina. There is a bit more patina around the hour markers, mostly noticeable through a loupe. The lume on the hands and dial have developed patina. The lume on the dial shows signs of degradation particularly the plot at twelve. The lume in the minute hand has some lume loss near the center. The hands themselves have some paint loss, particularly near the center. The bezel is in good condition, with some scratches and a couple indentations around the edge. The crystal has some light scratches. The watch has a later replacement Omega crown. The dial, case, movement, crystal, and crown are all signed by Omega. This watch was photographed on a 175mm/6.9inch wrist.
