1965 Omega Speedmaster 'Blueberry' Ed White 105.003-64

Blue bezels are accepted mostly in 105.003-64 and 105.012-64, though it’s possible to appear in other references. Generally, serial ranges run from 2208XXXX and 20527XXX, mostly in -64 references. Interestingly, if these go blue they tend to really go blue. You only ever see vibrant blue or black, with very little in-between. But because they’re metallic, in various lights they can look black. It’s actually entirely unknown if this is an anodization defect or patina induced by wear. The all-or-nothing blues we tend to see in the market would indicate the former, but it’s hard to say. From a few databases on forums, excellent work by Bazamu, and market research from Phillips, it’s thought that around 25 examples of these are known to the market split 50/50 between Ed White and 105.012, with one known 2998 as well. For what is just a bezel, they usually trade hands around double the value of a comparable ‘normal’ Ed White. Maybe that pure arabica I grind every morning isn’t so expensive after all.

A very rare reference, produced for about six months. 

Initially it is actually an unchanged 2998-62 (with alpha hands), but with a new Omega reference number in line with the new number system. Then, part way through the production run, the hand specifications changed from alpha to baton. I am unclear when this happened or if there is a pattern to which hands were fitted when. I also do not think the serial can dictate which hand set is/was/should be fitted.

In 1965, Lieutenant Commander Edward Higgins White shoved open the hatch of his spacecraft, Gemini IV, and floated into history.

On his wrist was an Omega Speedmaster Reference 105.003. Produced from 1964 to 1969, the Reference 105.003 is an important milestone in the history of the model. This is due not just for its participation in Ed White’s legendary spaceflight—the first undertaken by an American—but by the fact that it is the last of the straight-lugged Speedies. 

Shortly after the Ed White was released, Omega launched a redesigned reference of the Speedmaster, with curved lugs instead of the straight lugs that had dominated the model since its debut in 1957. The silhouette of the Speedmaster was forever changed, making examples like the one Ed White wore important historical artifacts of man’s conquest of space—and the tools that took him there.

Information:

Reference: 105.003-64

Movement number: 22,081,XXX

Date: 1965

Dial: Tritium - indices have become a perfect beige patina

Hands: Tritium - have become a nice beige patina matching dial

Bezel: 'Blueberry' DON

Bracelet: Delugs Taupe Epsom Slim Strap

Case Size: 39mm - Stainless Steel

Lug Width: 19mm

Movement: 321 - Manual - Running (-8s/d 320 amp) - Serviced 04-01-25 - One year warranty

Functions: Hours, Minutes, Seconds, Chronograph

Accessories: N/A

Crystal: Hesalite

Bracelet size: 7.5”

Condition:

Case has light normal wear with a couple light marks. Bezel has moderate wear with only part of the insert displaying the rare metallic shine and a little dent into the bezel at 4. Dial has great dark beige patina with one scratch between 7 and 8. Hands have a great dark beige patina with some black appearing. Strap is new. Watch runs (-8s/d 320 amp).