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Summer Edit: Watches and Luxury Accessories
|
- Sale 2017
Live
| Chicago
Jul 25 | 10:00 AM CDT
Live
| Chicago
Sale 2017
| Chicago
| Chicago
Estimate$6,000 – $9,000
The OMEGA Speedmaster was introduced in 1957 as a chronograph created for drivers in automotive racing with the tachymeter bezel allowing for drivers to easily calculate speed over a fixed course or track. However, it would reach iconic status by eventually reaching spaceflight qualification by NASA, beating several of the highest grade chronographs from the 1960s era in a competition overseen by James Ragan at NASA.
The reference 105.012 was the first Speedmaster with crown and pusher guards, garnering the “Professional” name on the dial for the asymmetrical case upgrade. Among the reference 105.012 (which started with a -63 and went through -66), arguably the most desirable is the 105.012-66 with the "CB" case. The cases of these watches were made by le Centrale Boites and feature the CB initials inside a tombstone-style outline on the inside of the case back. The CB cases are distinctive from all other Speedmaster Professional watches ever made as they feature bevels on the top of the lugs that are sometimes referred to as "Twisted Flat Lugs" or "TFL". Collectors rightly love the look of an unpolished CB case, as it is chunky and interesting architecturally.
This example is fresh to market and in outstanding condition. The dial has a rich, almost tropical brown color to it when in the sun. The dial appears to be original to the watch and is correctly stepped with an applied OMEGA logo and the original tritium luminous material on the hour markers. The register hands also appear to be original and the central seconds hand has the correct fishtail counterbalance. The crown seems to be a replacement, which is common with vintage Speedmasters, but the pushers appear to be the original flat and stubby pushers, which are often replaced on these and extremely difficult to find.
The tachymeter bezel is the rare, desirable, and expensive "Dot Over 90" or "DON" bezel that has traded for as much as approximately $5,000 by itself. It features the distinctive dot over the top right of the 90 on the tachymeter bezel. The inside movement cover also appears to be original and is in good condition. The movement features the rare "UNADJUSTED" engraving by the movement number (24956532) and OXG import code engraving indicating it was originally imported to the United States.
The chronograph is running well and the chronograph is keeping good time. It is powered by the highly admired calibre 321, which was recently re-released to the excitement of many Speedy lovers. The caliber 321, made by Lemania for OMEGA, was used during all the Apollo missions and reached the surface of the moon.
The dimensions are 42mm in diameter with a lug width of 20mm. It is on an attractive brown rally leather strap that complements the beautiful dial. Overall, this is a dream watch for a collector of Speedmasters and chronographs. For those wanting to bring one of mankind's great accomplishments - visiting the moon - to their wrist, this is a great opportunity.
To request further details about this lot, please email [email protected]
Tanner Branson
Associate Vice President, Head of Department, Luxury Handbags & Couture
Bracelet size: Approx. 8 1/2 inches
Overall Condition: The inside movement cover appears to be original and is in good condition. The dial appears to be original to the watch and is correctly stepped with an applied OMEGA logo and the original tritium luminous material on the hour markers. The register hands also appear to be original and the central seconds hand has the correct fishtail counterbalance.The crown seems to be a replacement, but the pushers appear to be the original flat and stubby pushers.
Please note that Freeman’s Hindman does not warranty the watch at the time of the auction or after its purchase. Potential buyers should be advised that though the watch may be running at the time of cataloging, it may stop running before the auction and servicing is recommended for all timepieces. The authenticity of individual parts is not guaranteed since repairs and restoration may have occurred. Hindman assumes all watches are unisex and does not specify the gender of a piece. For size reference, please see the case measurements of the piece listed under dimensions.
All lots are sold “AS IS”. Please contact the jewelry and watches department at jewelrycr@hindmanauctions.com for any additional information or questions you may have regarding this lot. The absence of any reference to the condition of a lot does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections or the effects of aging. Please note that measurements and opinions on gems are given as a courtesy and are approximated. It is recommended you talk to a specialist or view items in person before placing a bid.
The physical condition of lots in our auctions can vary due to age, normal wear and tear, previous damage, and restoration/repair. All lots are sold "AS IS," in the condition they are in at the time of the auction, and we and the seller make no representation or warranty and assume no liability of any kind as to a lot's condition. Any reference to condition in a catalogue description or a condition report shall not amount to a full accounting of condition. Condition reports prepared by Freeman's staff are provided as a convenience and may be requested from the Department prior to bidding.
The absence of a posted condition report on the Freeman's website or in our catalogues should not be interpreted as commentary on an item's condition. Prospective buyers are responsible for inspecting a lot or sending their agent or conservator to inspect the lot on their behalf, and for ensuring that they have requested, received and understood any condition report provided by Freeman's.
Please email [email protected] for any additional information or questions you may have regarding this lot.
