OMEGA | SPEEDMASTER REF 105.012-66 'PROFESISIONAL', A STAINLESS STEEL CHRONOGRAPH WRISTWATCH WITH BRACELET, MADE IN 1967

The reference 105.012 represents a major turning point for the Omega Speedmaster in terms of design and philosophy. It succeeded the ref. ST 105.002 and was produced from 1964 until 1968, alongside the ultimate iteration of the straight-lug cased references, the 105.003. 

Watch collectors appreciate that the reference 105.012 was the very first Speedmaster model to carry the Professional name on its dial, revealing to the world the Speedmaster of today. With a creative and technical mind-set, the 105.012 introduced a new Huguenin Frères (HF) case with integrated crown guards, featuring the famed case maker’s signature twisted lugs and short wide chronograph pushers. Over the course of its production, the reference was progressively launched in the 105.012-63, -64, -65 and 66 evolutions. The 105.012-66 introduced the most changes out of all the sub-references, such as a new single bevelled case back and a new case maker alongside HF, namely La Centrale Boîtes (CB). With serial numbers ranging from 24.533.xxx to 25.448.xx between 1967 and 1968, it is estimated that two thirds of the 105.012-66 cases were manufactured by La Centrale Boîtes, displaying a flatter design and smaller step to the surface of the lugs. 

The present Speedmaster reference 105.012-66 was delivered in 1967 and is fitted with a second generation caliber 321. Its casemaker was unmistakably La Centrale Boite, as illustrated by the bevelled surface of the lugs and the CB hallmark on the inner-case back. Its correct step dial displays the applied Omega logo, long minute markers crossing the minute scale and spaced T Swiss T script at 6 o’clock. The Speedmaster reference 105.012-66 was the first to be fitted with a single-bevelled caseback. Lastly, this patinated example is offered with its original bracelet reference 1506 with 16 end links, carrying the later clasp design.