Omega - The Geneva Watch Auction: EIGHT Geneva Saturday, November 10, 2018 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Omega
    Year: 1967
    Reference No: ST 105.012-66
    Movement No: 24'955'264
    Model Name: Speedmaster
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 321, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel buckle
    Dimensions: 40mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed, outside caseback further engraved "CHARLES E. CARLSON" and "U.S.N. B633436"
    Accessories: Accompanied by Omega Extract of the Archives confirming production of the present watch on August 28, 1967 and delivery to the United States.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Apart from being an extremely well-preserved reference 105.012-66 displaying all the correct attributes, the present watch is a completely intriguing and historically interesting specimen. Turning the watch reveals a caseback that is engraved "CHARLES E. CARLSON" and "U.S.N. B633436". Closer inspection and research reveals a newspaper clipping stating that Charles E. Carlson indeed served aboard the USS Gunston Hall in the Pacific Ocean off Vietnam and the Philippines. His address was ETR3 Charles Carlson, B-633436 - the exact number engraved on the watch. We can thus deduce that this watch was worn by Carlson during his time serving the Navy. While not an official "issued" military wristwatch, the provenance behind this timepiece is fascinating.

    Another noteworthy detail is the correct "Dot over 90" bezel, which is preserved in excellent condition, as well as the correct twisted flat lugs displaying a flat top and small step, which can only be found on 105.012-66 "CB" cases. Most existing examples today do not retain this feature as polishing would have dulled the angles. Even the crystal is the correct early generation variant.

  • Artist Biography

    Omega

    Swiss • 1848

    Omega's rich history begins with its founder, Louis Brandt, who established the firm in 1848 in La Chaux de Fonds. In 1903, the company changed its name to Omega, becoming the only watch brand in history to have been named after one its own movements. A full-fledged manufacturer of highly accurate, affordable and reliable watches, its sterling reputation enabled them to be chosen as the first watch company to time the Olympic Games beginning in 1932. Its continued focus on precision and reliability ultimately led their Speedmaster chronograph wristwatch to be chosen by NASA in 1965 — the first watch worn on the moon.

    Key models sought-after by collectors include their first, oversized water-resistant chronograph — the reference 2077, early Speedmaster models such as the CK 2915 and 2998, military-issued versions of the Seamaster and oversized chronometer models such as those fitted with their prestigious caliber 30T2Rg.

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17

Ref. ST 105.012-66
A well-preserved and historically interesting chronograph wristwatch with rare "flat lugs", formerly belonging to Charles E. Carlson of the U.S. Navy

1967
40mm Diameter
Case, dial and movement signed, outside caseback further engraved "CHARLES E. CARLSON" and "U.S.N. B633436"

Estimate
CHF7,000 - 12,000 
€6,200-10,600
$7,200-12,300

Sold for CHF16,250

Contact Specialist
Alexandre Ghotbi
Head of Sale
+41 22 317 81 89
aghotbi@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: EIGHT

Geneva Auction 10-11 November 2018