Omega Speedmaster Pre Moon Chronograph 321 circa 1966 105.012-66 Mens Watch — view 1 of 4 — View 1 of 4 · Image: Hess Fine Auctions / LiveAuctioneers · original image source (opens another website in a new tab)

View 1 of 4 · Image: Hess Fine Auctions / LiveAuctioneers · original image source (opens another website in a new tab)

Wristwatches · Wristwatch

Omega Speedmaster Pre Moon Chronograph 321 circa 1966 105.012-66 Mens Watch

DocumentedDocumented from an auction catalogue; attribution as stated by the auction house.

Maker / attribution: Omega (maker)
Date: c. 1966
Historical period: Modern Mechanical Horology (1945 – 1969)
Country of origin: Switzerland
Object type: Wristwatch
Auction house: LiveAuctioneers auction archive
Lot: Item 130095413
Credit line: Auction lot record: lot 8110, Summer Rolex, Jewelry & Pocket Watch, Hess Fine Auctions (2022), via LiveAuctioneers
Catalogue title (original): Omega Speedmaster Pre Moon Chronograph 321 Circa 1966 105.012-66 Mens Watch (English)

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Record summary

Catalogued by LiveAuctioneers auction archive (lot Item 130095413), this is a wristwatch by Omega, made in Switzerland, dated c. 1966. The Atlas places it in the Modern Mechanical Horology period (1945 – 1969) of its Wristwatches collection. The record is illustrated with 4 photographs.

Assembled from the source record's structured fields. Dates and attributions are given as the source states them; where a field is missing the Atlas leaves it blank rather than estimating.

Catalogue description

Lot description — Hess Fine Auctions

Title: Omega Speedmaster Pre Moon Chronograph 321 Circa 1966 105.012-66 Mens Watch Description: Omega Speedmaster Pre Moon Chronograph 321 Circa 1966 105.012-66 Mens Watch. Period correct Omega bracelet Case Width or Diameter: 41mm Case Thickness: 13mm Case Lug End to End: 47mm Case Lug Width: 20mm Length or Circumference: 8 inches long Condition: Dial displays minor wear, scratches on crystal, case and bracelet display a little wear Movement Condition: Movement is running, for optimum timekeeping accuracy we suggest an overhaul at buyers expense Material: Stainless steel case and bracelet Circa: 1966 Serial Number: 24957322 Estimated weight of piece: 93.7grams Box & Papers: None Estimated size of package: 12x10x3, 1 lb More Shipping Info: Zip Code 33701 CALCULATE SHIPPING COSTS HERE Important Info: Commonly Asked Questions Described By: Michelle NGEDD 40265

Historical context

Modern Mechanical Horology (1945 – 1969)

Tool watches for divers, pilots and astronauts; electric watches anticipate the electronic age.

The classic era of the mechanical wristwatch: dive watches, chronographs for motor racing and space flight, GMT watches for jet travel, slim dress watches, automatic calendars, and the rise of Japanese manufacturers alongside Swiss, American, German and Soviet industries.

Read the period in the timeline More wristwatches from this period Earlier: Golden Age of Mechanical Watchmaking

Atlas type guide

Chronographs and split-seconds watches

A chronograph is a watch with an additional seconds hand that can be started, stopped and returned to zero independently of the timekeeping. Louis Moinet built an early example in 1816 and Nicolas Rieussec a recording 'chronographe' in 1821; Adolphe Nicole's heart-shaped reset cam (patented 1862) made the modern return-to-zero possible. Split-seconds (rattrapante) chronographs add a second hand that can be stopped for intermediate times; flyback chronographs restart instantly.

Chronographs were essential tools for doctors (pulsometer scales), artillery (telemeter), engineers and sport. In wristwatches, Valjoux, Venus, Lemania and later the automatic chronographs of 1969 (Zenith El Primero, the Chronomatic Calibre 11 group and Seiko 6139) are milestones.

What to look for

Push-pieces on the case band or a single button in the crown (monopusher).
Subsidiary registers for minutes and hours; tachymeter, telemeter or pulsometer scales.
Column wheel versus cam control visible in the movement.
Calibre markings of specialist makers (Valjoux, Lemania, Venus, Landeron).

Dating clues

Pocket chronographs with heart cam reset: after 1862.
Wrist chronographs: from c. 1910; two-button designs from the 1930s.
Automatic chronographs: from 1969.

General guidance written by the Atlas editors about this kind of object. It is not a statement about this particular piece; for that, rely on the source record above and on physical examination.

Mechanisms mentioned

Chronograph — Complication

Record completeness

Maker or attributionRecorded
DateRecorded
Place or countryRecorded
MaterialsNot in source
DimensionsNot in source
Narrative descriptionRecorded
Inscriptions / marksNot in source
ProvenanceNot in source
Several photographsRecorded

Editorial status: Documented — facts as published by the source; not independently verified by Atlas editors.

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Sources & image rights

Record source: LiveAuctioneers auction archive (opens another website in a new tab).

Image rights: © Hess Fine Auctions / LiveAuctioneers — permission required (opens another website in a new tab).

Images are hosted by the Atlas for study and credited to their owner. Rights holders may request correction, credit changes or removal, or grant permission, via the editorial office.

Cite this record

"Omega Speedmaster Pre Moon Chronograph 321 circa 1966 105.012-66 Mens Watch." LiveAuctioneers auction archive, Item 130095413. Catalogue record in The Horology Atlas, WatchMuseum.org, https://atlas.watchmuseum.org/museum/omega-speedmaster-pre-moon-chronograph-321-circa-1966-105-012-66-mens-5a0722.