
Wristwatches · Wristwatch
Omega Speedmaster Professional 105.012 CAL. 321 "Pre-Moon", 1965
- Maker / attribution
- Omega (maker)
- Date
- 1965
- Historical period
- Modern Mechanical Horology (1945 – 1969)
- Country of origin
- Switzerland
- Object type
- Wristwatch
- Stock no.
- OMSPM68-2
- Credit line
- Dealer listing, Craft & Tailored (OMSPM68-2)
- Catalogue title (original)
- 1965 OMEGA Speedmaster Professional 105.012 CAL. 321 "Pre-Moon" (English)
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Record summary
Catalogued by Craft & Tailored (dealer), Los Angeles (stock number OMSPM68-2), this is a wristwatch by Omega, made in Switzerland, dated 1965. The Atlas places it in the Modern Mechanical Horology period (1945 – 1969) of its Wristwatches collection. The record is illustrated with 6 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
Dealer description — Craft & Tailored
(Alan Bean With An Omega Speedmaster Professional On Lunar Surface Of The Moon) The Omega Speedmaster Professional is by far one of our most favorite chronographs. The Speedmaster has an incredible history starting with automotive racing moving into flight and eventually to NASA and the U.S. Space Program. There are many subtle differences within the vintage Omega Speedmaster range of references that make them all slightly unique and different. (NASA Astronaut Thomas Stafford With two Omega Speedmaster Professional Speedmaster's During "Suit Up") This Omega Speedmaster model Ref. 105.012 dates this specific example too 1965 using the earlier Caliber 321 movement. The original matte black stepped dial with applied Omega logo has achieved a wonderful patina and the bezel insert has the original dot over 90 (DON) bezel, and pre-moon seahorse case back. The step dial or "Pie Pan" Omega Speedmaster's possess a charm and feel that that the new modern equivalents don't seem to quite have. The Ref 105.012 with the workhorse Cal. 321 movement is clearly built to last. The Speedmaster looks great on the bracelet as well as a handcrafted leather strap. It is one of our favorite chronographs due to its timeless design and functionality. Its versatility to be paired with the most formal and the most casual of wardrobe also makes the Speedmaster a good choice for the first vintage timepiece and or a classic daily driver. SPECS Stock # OMSPM65321 Brand Omega Style Speedmaster Professional Model 105.012 Serial 24,0XX,XXX Size Men's Material SS Dial Matte Applied Logo Millimeters 42 Bracelet Hand Made Leather Strap CASE & BRACELET The case is in overall excellent condition showing original factory finishes and sharp lugs that we believe remains in an unpolished condition. The original bezel insert is "Dot over 90" (DON) and has achieved a wonderful deep brown fade which is eye-catching in the light and provided a unique contrast to the dial. The "Pre-Moon" Seahorse case back has very minimal wear and is clearly visible. This specific reference also retains its original flat foot Omega crown which adds to the wonderful and original elements of this specific example! The watch will be provided on a handmade leather strap of your choice (Brown Suede Shown) DIAL & HANDS Amazing black matte "step" dial with applied Omega logo. The dial itself is free from any scratches or blemishes although the tritium markers on the dial show some lume degradation when viewed under U.V. Light. The hands appear to be later tritium service replacements and show no lume degradation when viewed under U.V. Light. ACCESSORIES None. The service history is unknown but the piece is running at spec and keeping accurate time.
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 timelineMore wristwatches from this periodEarlier: Golden Age of Mechanical Watchmaking
Atlas type guide
Wristwatches
Bracelet watches were worn by women from the early nineteenth century — Breguet made one for Caroline Murat, Queen of Naples, in 1810–12 — but the wristwatch only became a man's instrument with military use and aviation in the early twentieth century. Between the World Wars it overtook the pocket watch; the 1920s and 1930s brought rectangular Art Deco cases, water-resistant cases and the first automatic winding systems.
After 1945 the wristwatch became a carrier of identity — dress watches, sports and dive watches, chronographs, calendars — produced by Swiss, American, Japanese, German, Soviet and Chinese industries. The quartz revolution after 1969 and the mechanical renaissance since the 1990s, including the rise of independent watchmakers, complete the story.
What to look for
- The reference number (between the lugs or inside the case back) and serial number, the starting point for dating.
- The calibre: its maker and number are often stamped under the dial or on the bridge.
- Originality of dial, hands and crown — refinished ('redial') dials are common.
- Case material marks: 18K/750, 14K/585, stainless steel, gold-filled, plated.
Dating clues
- Wire-lug cases: before c. 1925.
- Water-resistant screw-down cases: from 1926.
- Quartz movements: from 1969; sapphire crystals widespread after c. 1980.
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.
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