Omega Speedmaster Professional Ref. 105.012-66

The Speedmaster Reference 105.012 marks a particularly important stage in the Speedmaster history:

 

When production of the ST 105.002 model came to an end in 1964, its family line split into two branches:

• ST 105.003, heirs of the ST 105.002

• ST 105.012 (the Professional branch) with a new shape of case designed to protect the pushers and crown from

   snagging.

 

This model is thus the first of a line of Speedmaster Professionals, the descendants of which are still being manufactured in 2017.

 

What also makes this reference interesting is its close historical relation with the landing on the moon and the conquest of space; NASA’s resistance tests to select a chronograph for its astronauts were carried out on the ST 105.003 (NASA reference 6049 according to the designation used in the USA), which was to be part of the official gear of the Gemini astronauts. The ST 105.012, on the other hand (NASA reference 6126) was chosen for the Apollo missions without the need for new tests.

 

4 sub-references have been produced between 1964 and 1968: 105.012-63, 105.012-64, 105.012-65 and 105.012-66. Production of all the versions is estimated at between 24,000 and 24,500 units. The least common sub-reference is 105.012-63, of which probably fewer than 2,000 were made. During its first year of production, this reference was fitted with Professional dials without the T countermarks flanking SWISS MADE, and then with the countermarks (close or spaced Ts). There are also dials with the Ts asymmetrically printed on subsequently. The ST 105.012 was a styling success with its short and wide pushers set well into the caseband. The case back of the ST 105.012 has a double bevel until case reference 105.012-65, and thereafter a single bevel.

This example here is in full original condition with flawless black dial. The tritium hour markers are aged to a beautiful yellow-ish tone. The small mushrooms pushers give it a touch too. It has an original DON bezel in very good condition and a stainless steel case with very sharp bevels and polished and brushed finishes contrasting perfectly. The engraved logo case back is also in good condition with some minor tool marks. Underneath you can find a correct 2500xxxx caliber 321 working in full order.

 

It is suited on it original 20mm Omega stainless steel flat links bracelet ref. 1039 with 516 endlinks and dated 2/67.

 

Indeed, a historic watch to own.