Square or Drop End Chrono Hand?

Posted on October 9, 2015 |

There has been some confusion as to when the square end chrono, replaces the drop end. Many say it came in on the 145.022 but there are so many 145.012’s with it I believe it is a correct fitment. We also see calibre 861 Transitionals carry both types.

Here is the square end, that was first seen on 145.012’s:


	Square end Chrono	Drop End Chrono

1-four 003 — Some 105.003’s including (top centre) an Omega “restoration” that carries the square end chrono. I believe none of this reference ever had the square end as OEM.

1-image — So the 105.003 on the left is incorrect, even though the hands look old enough to be original. The watch on the right is a 145.012 that has service hands, of the correct shape. Although I would accept a square end on this reference.

Recently I was contacted by an owner who showed me his two near NOS 145.012’s watches, and who’s history he knows. Looking at them they are in exceptional condition. The serials are very close, but the later number carries the square end. He tells me both are unserviced, and unaltered.All further photos in this post are his.

Note the chrono hands. Here is the earlier watch: