To simplify \(12^{-5} \cdot 12^{7}\), we use the product rule of exponents, which states that \(a^m \cdot a^n = a^{m+n}\).
Here, \(m = -5\) and \(n = 7\):
\[ 12^{-5} \cdot 12^{7} = 12^{-5 + 7} = 12^{2} \]
Now, calculate \(12^2\):
\[ 12^2 = 144 \]
Thus, the numerical equivalent of \(12^{-5} \cdot 12^{7}\) is \(\boxed{144}\).