Why This Watch Matters The straight lugs matter, but here it's the original blue bezel that won us over. The Full Story The reference 105.003 holds a special place in Speedmaster history; it was the very reference that underwent the rigorous NASA testing in late 1964, and eventually became approved on March 1st, 1965. It was also the watch of choice for many astronauts on the Gemini missions, hence its “Ed White” nickname for the first astronaut who walked in space. Stylistically, the reference 105.003 is also notable as the last of the Speedmaster “Pre-Professional” models, and therefore the last with straight lugs. Here, you get the rarest version in the 105.003-64; the 105.003-65 is much more common, as it was produced until the disappearance of the reference in 1969. And did we mention the original and rare blue bezel? This example is just what you want in a standout Speedy. The Fine Print Maker: Omega Model: Speedmaster Reference: 105.003 Year: Circa 1964Movement No: 20527801 Material: Stainless steel Dimensions: 38mm diameter; 13.5mm thickness Crystal: Plexiglass Lume: Tritium Caliber: Manual winding chronograph caliber 321 Bracelet/Strap: Original bracelet 7912 with endlinks reference 6 Lug Width: 19mm Box/Papers: No What we Love and What You Should Know The case shows some scratches, but it is in honest condition (a central theme for this Speedmaster). Indeed, it shows everything you would expect from a reference 105.003-64: the proper engravings on the caseback, but also the correctly shaped clutch bridge on the 321 chronograph movement. The dial is absolutely correct for the timeframe, with the applied logo, lack of Professional mention, and the recently introduced tritium "T" marks. The handset shows a bit of aging, especially on the lume. The stainless-steel bracelet 7912 is the correct one for the time period; furthermore, its 1-65 date code on the clasp makes it very likely that it was originally fitted on this Speedmaster. The blue bezel is not only gorgeous looking, it sports the correct Dot-Over-Ninety and Dot-Diagonal-Seventy that you should expect from a 1960s Speedmaster. Like many color changes on vintage watches, such as the different tropicalizations or patinations, the origin of the blue bezel cannot be said with complete certainty. That being said, there is compelling evidence compiled by the collecting community and vintage specialists to suggest that the blue originated from prolonged exposure to UV light of a batch with defective bezel paint. Interestingly, most of the watches found with those original blue bezel were manufactured in 1964, lending even more credibility to the scenario of a defective bezel paint around that time. In short, this is not only a rare Speedy, but its unmolested condition makes it quite a solid catch.
