THE ESSENTIALS

MAKE: OMEGA
MODEL: 105.003
YEAR: 1968
BOX/PAPERS: NO/YES (ARCHIVE)
CASE DIAMETER: 39mm
CASE MATERIAL: STAINLESS STEEL
BRACELET MATERIAL: STAINLESS STEEL
MOVEMENT: MANUAL WIND

The Omega Speedmaster 105.003 is the last in line of the non-"Professional", straight-lugged Speedmasters. After this model, the Speedmaster series welcomed the 105.012, upping the size to 42mm, introducing twisted lugs, and adding the 'Professional' tag on its dial.

The 105.003 had a production span from 1963 to 1965 and comes with the legendary calibre 321 movement. An interesting quirk is that Omega seemingly continued using these movements until 1969, likely as a move to clear out the remaining stock. These little nuggets of trivia add an extra dose of charm to the watch.

But what really sets this reference apart? It's the first watch to have ventured on a spacewalk. Astronaut Ed White sported the 105.003 during his historic spacewalk on June 3rd, 1965, as part of the Gemini IV mission. He actually wore two of these – one showing Houston time and the other displaying the mission time.

Impressively, even after nearly 60 years, the Omega Speedmaster remains the only watch certified for 'EVA' or Extravehicular Activity. Now, that's something!

The watch house the famous 321 Cal movement which Omega have re-released with a few modern updates to their latest limited edition piece. The 321 was the first movement ever used in a Speedmaster and was the movement that ultimately went to the moon.

This example is one of best we have seen, its recently had a full service and is keeping exceptional time. The dial and hands are all original including the DON bezel, the acrylic glass is also original as it has the smaller style Omega logo in the centre.  This watch is paired with a forstner flat link bracelet, matching the case perfectly. The extract tells us the watch was produced in February 68 and was sold to Italy.