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Omega Speedmaster Professional (Ref. 105.012) Cal. 321 "Pre-Moon", 1966 — view 1 of 6
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Wristwatches · Wristwatch

Omega Speedmaster Professional (Ref. 105.012) Cal. 321 "Pre-Moon", 1966

DocumentedDocumented from a dealer's listing; attribution and date as stated by the dealer.
Maker / attribution
Omega (maker)
Date
1966
Country of origin
Switzerland
Object type
Wristwatch
Stock no.
OMSPM66-4
Credit line
Dealer listing, Craft & Tailored (OMSPM66-4)
Catalogue title (original)
1966 Omega Speedmaster Professional (Ref. 105.012) Cal. 321 "Pre-Moon" (English)

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Record summary

Catalogued by Craft & Tailored (dealer), Los Angeles (stock number OMSPM66-4), this is a wristwatch by Omega, made in Switzerland, dated 1966. 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

The Omega Speedmaster Professional is undoubtedly a beloved chronograph. Its rich history began with its involvement in automotive racing before transitioning to aviation and eventually becoming a crucial part of NASA's U.S. Space Program. The vintage Omega Speedmaster collection boasts a range of references, each with its own subtle differences that add to the overall individuality of each timepiece. (Buzz Aldrin Wearing His NASA-Issued Omega Speedmaster Professional, Apollo 11) The reference 105.012 Speedmaster Professional is best known as the first watch worn on the moon, as Buzz Aldrin wore this exact reference during the iconic Apollo 11 mission. Subsequently, the ref. 105.012 is often referred to as the "Buzz Aldrin" within the community. Apart from the reference's mission accolades, the reference 105.012 is also known as the very first "Speedmaster Professional" and the first Speedmaster to feature the now standard asymmetric case with "twisted" lugs. The Speedmaster, whether paired with a bracelet or a handcrafted leather strap, is a visually stunning timepiece. It is one of our favorite chronographs due to its elegant design and practical functionality. Its ability to seamlessly blend with both formal and casual attire makes it an ideal choice for those seeking their first vintage timepiece or a classic daily wearer. SPECS Stock # OMSPM66-4 Brand Omega Style Speedmaster Professional Model 105.012-65 Serial 24XXXXXX Size Men's Material Stainless Steel Dial Matte Black Millimeters 42 Strap Omega 1116 Bracelet W/ 575 End Pieces CASE & BRACELET The asymmetrical, twisted lug case retains strong factory dimensions and honest wear present, while only sleeve polish is present on the case, as the original factory finishing remains visible throughout. The original "dot over 90" bezel has achieved a lovely dark grey coloration and features honest signs of use that coordinate with the vintage aesthetic of the watch. The case retains its original stocky pump pushers; the crown is an early replacement. The "pre-moon" case back is in wonderful condition, showing light wear from use, while retaining its original "Speedmaster" and Hippocampus engravings in clear condition. The original and rare Omega 1116 bracelet with 575 end pieces retains 21 links that show moderate stretch and will fit up to a 7.5-inch wrist. DIAL & HANDS The original applied-logo dial remains in wonderful vintage condition, with no notable damage present, though there are two very subtle oil spots present on the outer edges of the 3 and 9 o'clock sub-dial rings. The tritium lume plots have achieved a vivid golden patina and exhibit no notable degradation when inspected under UV light. The original tritium hands exhibit some minor wear to the white paint at the hand stack. The tritium lume in the hour and seconds hands coordinates nicely with the dial, though it has aged a few shades lighter; the lume in the minute hand also coordinates nicely, but has aged to a much darker beige patina. Under UV light inspection, none of the hands exhibit degradation. ACCESSORIES None. The watch is running and functioning correctly, though previous service history is unknown. A movement service can be purchased upon request.

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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