THE ESSENTIALS

MAKE: OMEGA
MODEL: 105.012-66
YEAR: 1967
BOX/PAPERS: NO/NO
CASE DIAMETER: 42MM
CASE MATERIAL: STAINLESS STEEL
BRACELET MATERIAL: LEATHER
MOVEMENT: MANUAL WIND

In the world of vintage Speedmaster collecting, the references 105.012 and 145.012 occupy a fascinating place. They were the last Speedmasters to house the revered Caliber 321, yet are often overshadowed by the better-known “Ed White” reference 105.003, and resemble at a glance the far more common 145.022.

The 105.003 was the last model in the lineage to feature a 39 mm straight-lug case and non-“Professional” dial. Its successor, the 105.012, was the first to bear the “Professional” signature and the now-classic 42 mm case with lyre lugs—design hallmarks that remain largely unchanged to this day.

The example offered here looks better today than most things made in 1967. The original “DON” bezel has aged extensively, fading to a warm greyish-brown that contrasts beautifully with the black dial. All tritium lume on the markers and the correct hands remains intact, with a creamy patina that only enhances its character. The case is exceptionally strong, having likely been lightly polished just once or twice in its lifetime. The wide short pushers and narrow feet crown are also correct. The movement has been recently serviced and is running perfectly at +4 seconds per day, with 278 amplitude and a 0.2 ms beat error.

A good old Speedie—one you’ll never tire of looking at.