Omega

Bill Sohne
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Observations of the First Generation "MoonWatch" .

Hello everyone.....

i have been looking at Speedmasters on the net lately and noticed that more " 1st Generation" Moonwatches  have been poping up on the internet.

The 1st generation Moonwatches have a early caseback that look like this and or marked Apollo XI 1969




The enamel has flacked out of part of the type in the caseback.  This example is from my collection.

Here is a picture of in the inside of the caseback so you can see how it is signed.




I have noticed on some Omega part sites that these early caseback replacements are available  for purchase.

A sellers pic of the replacement caseback.




and inside caseback...



I started to do a detailed typographic comparison ( there are differences )  then I realized a very simple way to determine authenticity of an original caseback.

If you look closely at the caseback "Key" openings. aka the "slots" for the casewrench to grab.   The slots on the modern reproduction caseback are shaped rectangular and the slots position on the caseback are very closed to the outside edge of the caseback.   On the original they are more Sq shaped and are mid-way up the slanted side of the caseback.  Please see the annotated images for your reference.

Modern replacement caseback.




An original  1st generation caseback.




These are my personal observations looking out onto the net.    I have come across a "few" original first generation Speedys with proper caseback that I held in my hands.   The later reproduction casebacks that are for sale ( I used the sellers photos for comparison).    At this time I have not held one of the replacement casebacks in my hands.  So If someone out there has a watch with one of these casebacks a larger hi res photos would be helpful.  Also if anyone has a 1st gerneration Speedy with a caseback that has the retangular shaped slots to the edge of the caseback and can confirm it is an original caseback please either post here or contact me .  I would love to see it and correct my article.


Good Hunting

Bill Sohne