An example of one of the most iconic and sought after wrist watches. The Omega Speedmaster is renowned for accompanying astronauts on their voyages into space during the 1960's space race, and has become one of the most iconic, and recognisable sports watches in the world. This particular example is a 'pre-moon' version, meaning that it was made before the watch embarked on space travel. The model was launched as part of the Omega "Professional" collection, to sit beside the Railmaster and the Seamaster in 1957. This model presented here, ST105.012 is almost as important as the first model launched as it is the model that landed on the moon.

This was the sixth version of the Speedmaster since its introduction ten years prior, and was succeeded by the 145.022. There were two versions launched: 145.012-67 and 145.012-68, which fall between the serial range 2406xxxx – 27xxxxx. This example presented here has movement serial number 260xxxxx, and is the -67. They are however the same watch.

The 145.012 is of major historical importance as it is one of the few Speedmaster references worn by astronauts on the Moon, notably by Edgar Mitchell and Alan Shepard, on Apollo 14. Their Omega Speedmasters were donated to the National Air and Space Museum Collection in 1977. Omega sent this reference to NASA for use during Extravehicular Activities (EVA) by astronauts during the Apollo missions. It also accompanied the astronauts during Apollo-Soyuz, and flew 25 revolutions around the Moon with Michael Collins aboard the Apollo 11 command module. It is therefore fair to count this reference as one of the most important watches in the history of the wristwatch in the twentieth century.

These early Speedmasters are powered by the Caliber 321 movement. This Lemania-based hand-wound movement is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful chronograph movements ever made, especially given its compact size. The Omega Caliber 321 movement is a collaboration between Omega and Lemania, and is based on Lemania's 2310 movement.Omega acquired Lemania in 1932 and the Lemania 2310 was introduced in 1942.The Lemania 2310 shares around fifty percent of its components with the Caliber 321. This movement was phased out with the reference 145.022 in 1969, the Speedmaster now had a new movement inside its case: also Lemania-based, Caliber 861. This remained in the Speedmaster until, amazingly, 1987! Such is its reliability and dependability. However, for most Moon watch collectors, the only true moon watches are powered by the 321.

The watch features its original, period correct, "dot over 90" original, classic, tachymeter bezel. These bezels were introduced onto Speedmaster watches from around 1960/1 and were fitted throughout the 1960's. Often replaced or lost over the years, they are less common and quite collectible in their own right today. It was covered with paint when we purchased the watch, as the owner used to paint while wearing the watch! Sadly, the paint has damaged some of the original paint on the aluminum bezel insert, but it does deliver a quite unique look to it, and again it is the original part to the original watch.

This is the original bracelet fitted to the watch. It is the classic flat link bracelet with expandable end links. It is stamped "1039", along with the date stamped "4 67", and stamped "516" end links present. It is in superb condition, and not polished, with a very strong Omega logo on the outside of the deployant buckle.

Probably the best feature to this iconic watch is the stepped dial that, on this watch, is in superb condition overall still showing all original long lume plots on all of the hour markers that breach the step. This dial is known as the "spaced T" dial. It has the applied metal Omega logo, "Professional" inscription, a spaced "T SWISS T" at the foot of the dial. There is a very slight lume loss to the tip of the three o’clock marker, which is only noticeable under a loop, and is mentioned for transparency. The "non-moon landing" case back is, of course correct, and features the double bezel and was one of the last Speedmasters to feature this case back. The original hands are also present including the tear drop center seconds stop watch hand, all of which react the same under ultra violent light.

Overall this is a superb watch is in excellent condition. The case has wear and marks to it, as you would come to expect from a tool watch that is now nearly sixty years old. It is lightly polished over the years, but still sharp and thick in its bevels that also define this watch. This represents a rare chance to buy a 'pre-moon' Speedmaster reference that was part of the most memorable moment in human history, complete with original papers, booklet and box it was originally sold with. It is a red Seamaster box, but this watch was purchased from the original owner, and it was the box the watch was sold with in 1968!