Omega Speedmaster Professional ref. 105.012-66, Calibre .321

Dealer description — Oliver & Clarke

The Omega Speedmaster is one of the most historically important, if not the most important wrist watch ever produced, full stop. Its story can be summed up with one simple acronym: NASA. Surely, this is not a watch that needs an introduction with our audience.... And as with so many other icons and popular vintage models, the Speedmaster has seen countless iterations and variants over its nearly 70-years of continuous production. The Reference that we have here, a 105.012-66, is generally regarded as the Speedmaster that became known as The Moonwatch , as it was the reference worn by Buzz Aldrin on that day. Adding to its collectibility, the 105.012 along with the Ref. 145.012 were also the last Spedmasters to utilize the legendary Calibre .321 movement before being replaced by the Cal. 861 around 1968. The example that we have here dates to circa 1967 and has the less common of the two cases offered within the reference, produced by Huguenin Frères (HF). It remains in strong, honest condition finishing, having been previously polished on what appears to be the profiles only, and retains clear factory finishing otherwise with normal wear. The 'pump' pushers, crown, caseback, and 'dot over ninety (DON) bezel insert are also all correct for the reference and remain in matching condition. The dial within, also a correct 'stepped' unit with the applied logo, is wonderfully-preserved with attractive patinated indices and a correct, matching handset. It comes fitted to a period-correct 'flat-link' bracelet with a signed blade clasp, once again, in matching condition. And as if this piece didn't speak for itself, accompanying it is its inner and outer boxes, booklets, papers, and extract from Omega confirming production on 7/5/1967. Vintage Omega, with Speedmasters in particular, are something of a bargain on the market today, relative to their position just five or so years ago... and despite the relative availability of many of these references, it is not often that examples in this kind of condition surface. We've got nothing but faith and love in what is very likely the most important wrist watch of all time.