OmegaSpeedmaster

Colloquially named after celebrated astronaut, Ed White, the first American to walk in space, because he wore his Speedmaster reference 105.003-65 whilst doing so, this is an iconic Speedmaster.

Dating to 1966 and sized at 40mm, the pre-professional Speedmasters such as this ‘Ed White’ are most easily differentiated by the straight lug cases used, and absence of crown guards, compared to the later, twisted bombe lugs. The case is in good vintage condition, with the correct crown attached. The caseback retains an Omega hippocampus and is engraved on the inside.

The watch retains its original dial, hands and even the crystal has the Omega symbol. The slightly ghosted tachymeter bezel like so many, has been changed at some point and the dial has been professionally re-lumed giving it a beautiful tonal quality. The tritium hour markers have developed a dark-yellow patina, matching the handset.

The watch bears the serial 22 million, dating it to approximately 1966.

The watch is powered by the famous calibre 321, a column-wheel chronograph movement that is heralded to be one of the greatest ever produced. All pre-professional Speedmasters utilised this high-end calibre, before Omega eventually switched to the more economical, non-column wheel Cal. 861.

This is a seriously pleasing piece with some significant history.

This rare, vintage pre-professional Omega Speedmaster 105.003-65 is in good vintage condition. The case well preserved, with some sign of previous polishing. The hippocampus on the caseback is still defined, with circular graining on the surrounding surface. The hands are tritium filled, matching the colour tones and luminosity of the dial markers. The handset overall shows a nice even patina. The watch is presented for sale on a high quality Italian, sports, leather strap.

All watches offered for sale are searched and cleared against The Watch Register database and a certificate is available to the winning bidder upon request.

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