T.A.T. Flying Club

We are looking at one of those charming details that make the vintage world so special: this caseback, this engraving.

It was most likely linked to an aviation club of its time, but no trace can be found today, and this mystery makes the piece even more appealing, letting us imagine the story behind it.

The first appearance was at Phillips Auction, at the Hong Kong Watch Auction: SIX, Lot 809, on May 29, 2018. 

It was a reference 105012-66 CB, serial number 24'951'484, fitted with a 1039 bracelet with clasp stamped 2-67. 

The lot was accompanied by an Omega Extract from the Archives, confirming that this watch was produced on June 19, 1967.

It is currently available for sale at Wind Vintage

Another example I saw, is a reference 145.012-66 from Thillier-Time, with serial number 24,956,209.

Now offered for sale by Coin Watch Co.

I also found one on eBay from Pakistan, serial 24’951’470, reference 105.012-66 CB, bracelet 1039 stamped 2-67 

Notably, some examples appear to have lost the characteristic mid-case geometry associated with CB-manufactured cases. This may have been a result of the final production phase of this reference.

Among the various unconfirmed hypotheses, we currently have:

• TAT – Tourist Air Travel
• TAT – Talkeetna Air Taxi
• TAT – (Touraine Air Transport) European Airlines
• Another possibility might be a small Japanese local aero club

Further research is still ongoing.