1963 Omega Speedmaster 105.002-62 Alpha Hands KM Telemeter Bezel

The 1963 Omega Speedmaster Ref. 105.002-62 is one of the rarest and most historically significant references from the earliest years of the Speedmaster collection, representing a brief transitional period between the legendary CK2998 and the later 105.003 “Ed White.” Introduced in 1962 as Omega transitioned to a new reference-numbering system, the 105.002 retained much of the design language of its predecessor, including the approximately 39mm stainless steel case, straight lugs, symmetrical profile, and elegant Alpha-style hour and minute hands. Unlike the later Speedmaster Professional, this early reference features no protective crown guards, giving it a noticeably slimmer and more refined appearance. The matte black stepped dial features an applied metal Omega logo, recessed chronograph registers, and the original “Speedmaster” signature without the later “Professional” designation. A domed Hesalite crystal and engraved Seahorse caseback further emphasize its early production heritage. The 105.002 was produced for an exceptionally short period, making surviving examples considerably less common than many of the Speedmaster references that followed. Its Alpha hands are especially desirable, representing one of the final appearances of this elegant design before Omega transitioned toward the broader baton-style hands that would eventually define the Moonwatch.

What makes this particular 105.002-62 especially interesting is its Omega service-replacement kilometer telemeter bezel, an uncommon alternative to the traditional tachymeter scale typically associated with the Speedmaster. While the original Speedmaster was introduced in 1957 as a motorsport chronograph with an externally mounted tachymeter bezel, Omega subsequently offered alternative timing scales for specialized applications, including pulsometers, decimal scales, and telemeters. The kilometer telemeter was designed to calculate the distance between an observer and an event that produces both a visible flash and an audible sound. By starting the chronograph when a flash of lightning or artillery fire is observed and stopping it when the corresponding sound is heard, the wearer can read the approximate distance in kilometers directly from the bezel. This functionality reflects the broader history of mechanical chronographs as essential instruments for scientific, military, and technical applications. Although the telemeter bezel fitted to this example is a later Omega service component rather than its original factory bezel, it introduces an unusual and historically relevant complication to an already scarce reference. Paired with the early Alpha hands, stepped dial, and straight-lug case, the telemeter scale gives this Speedmaster a distinctive appearance that stands apart from conventional vintage examples.

Inside is Omega's legendary manually wound Calibre 321, a 17-jewel column-wheel chronograph movement operating at 18,000 vibrations per hour and providing approximately 44 hours of power reserve. Developed from a Lemania movement designed by Albert Piguet, the Calibre 321 became one of the most celebrated chronograph mechanisms in Swiss watchmaking history, renowned for its refined construction and exceptionally important role in early space exploration. The Speedmaster's connection to space began in October 1962, when astronaut Wally Schirra wore his personal CK2998 aboard the Mercury-Atlas 8 Sigma 7 mission, making it the first Omega worn in space. The 105.002 emerged during this very period, immediately before NASA's formal testing and qualification of the Speedmaster for manned spaceflight in 1965. Its successor, the 105.003, would become the reference worn by astronaut Ed White during the first American spacewalk, while the later asymmetrical 105.012 would go on to accompany the Apollo astronauts to the Moon. The 105.002 therefore occupies a fascinating position in Speedmaster history, connecting the original racing chronographs of the late 1950s with the watches that would become icons of human space exploration. With its exceptionally short production period, elegant Alpha hands, legendary Calibre 321 movement, and distinctive Omega service kilometer telemeter bezel, this 1963 example represents a remarkable piece of early Speedmaster history and an uncommon opportunity for collectors of vintage Omega chronographs.

Reference: 105.002-62

Movement number: 19,583,XXX

Date: 1963

Production Estimate: 2,200-2,600

Dial/Hands: Tritium

Bezel: KM Telemeter Bezel (Service Insert)

Bracelet: Delugs Leather Strap

Case Size: 39mm - Stainless Steel

Lug Width: 19mm

Movement: 321 - Manual - Running (+8 s/d 287 amp)

Functions: Hours, Minutes, Seconds, Chronograph

Accessories: N/A

Crystal: Hesalite

Bracelet size: 7.75”

Case has hardly any wear. Strap is new. Dial is in excellent condition with no wear beige patina. Bezel has little to no wear. Hands are in great vintage shape with hand lume intact matching dial. No service history but watch is running (+8 s/d 287 amp).