1967 Omega Speedmaster Ed White 105.003-65

The 1967 Omega Speedmaster Ref. 105.003-65, famously known as the “Ed White,” is one of the most historically significant chronographs ever produced, representing the Speedmaster’s transition from a professional racing instrument to an essential piece of NASA spaceflight equipment. The reference earned its legendary nickname on June 3, 1965, when astronaut Edward H. White II wore a Speedmaster 105.003 during the Gemini IV mission, becoming the first American to perform a spacewalk. The 105.003 was also the reference subjected to NASA’s demanding qualification tests, officially earning the Speedmaster its flight-qualified status for manned space missions on March 1, 1965. This 1967 example belongs to the final generation of straight-lug Speedmasters, featuring a beautifully proportioned approximately 39.7mm stainless steel case with symmetrical lugs and no crown guards, a design that predates the larger asymmetrical Moonwatch case. Its matte black stepped dial features an applied metal Omega logo, recessed chronograph registers, long tritium hour markers, and the original “Speedmaster” signature without the later “Professional” designation. Traditional baton hands, a domed Hesalite crystal, and a Seahorse-engraved caseback complete the classic pre-Moon appearance. Period-correct examples are also associated with the highly desirable “Dot Over 90” tachymeter bezel, one of the defining details sought after by vintage Speedmaster collectors.

Inside is Omega’s legendary manually wound Calibre 321, a 17-jewel column-wheel chronograph movement developed from the Lemania 2310 architecture under the direction of watchmaker Albert Piguet. Operating at 18,000 vibrations per hour and providing approximately 44 hours of power reserve, the Calibre 321 is celebrated for its beautifully engineered chronograph mechanism, featuring a traditional column wheel and horizontal clutch. The movement powers central chronograph seconds, a 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock, a 12-hour counter at 6, and running seconds at 9. Originally introduced in the Speedmaster in 1957, the Calibre 321 would go on to become one of the most important movements in the history of space exploration, powering the watches used during NASA’s Gemini and Apollo programs, including the first lunar landing in 1969. The 105.003 occupies a particularly special place in this story because it represents the exact reference family that helped establish Omega’s relationship with NASA before the Speedmaster became universally known as the Moonwatch. Although the later 105.012 and 145.012 would become famous for their involvement in the Apollo 11 mission, the straight-lug 105.003 was the watch that proved the Speedmaster’s capabilities during the earliest years of American space exploration. Produced alongside the newer asymmetrical Speedmaster Professional for a relatively brief period, the 105.003-65 represents the final evolution of the original straight-lug design. With its elegant pre-Professional dial, historically important Calibre 321, classic 1960s case architecture, and direct connection to Ed White’s pioneering spacewalk, this 1967 Speedmaster stands among the most desirable and historically meaningful references in the entire Omega collection.

Reference: 105.003-65

Movement number: 24,533,XXX

Date: 1967

Dial/hands: Tritium

Bezel: DON

Bracelet: Delugs Strap

Case Size: 39mm - Stainless Steel

Lug Width: 19mm

Movement: 321 - Manual - Running (+3s/d 320 amp)

Functions: Hours, Minutes, Seconds, Chronograph

Accessories: N/A

Crystal: Hesalite

Bracelet size: 7.75”

Case has light normal wear with a couple light marks. Bezel has little to no wear. Dial and hands have minimal wear with stunning beige patina. Strap is new. Watch runs (+3s/d 320 amp).

Founded in 1848 by Louis Brandt in Switzerland, Omega has grown into one of the most respected and innovative names in watchmaking. The brand’s early focus on precision earned it accolades at international observatories and competitions, setting the stage for decades of horological achievement. Omega became the official timekeeper for the Olympic Games in 1932, and in 1969, the Speedmaster Professional—nicknamed the "Moonwatch"—made history as the first watch worn on the lunar surface during NASA’s Apollo 11 mission. Omega’s innovations continued with the introduction of the Co-Axial escapement in the late 1990s, a groundbreaking movement that dramatically reduced friction and improved long-term accuracy.

Omega’s lineup showcases a wide range of iconic models that reflect the brand’s legacy and versatility. The Seamaster, introduced in 1948, is a favorite among divers and famously worn by James Bond since 1995’s GoldenEye, blending technical capability with cinematic cool. The Speedmaster remains one of the most storied chronographs in existence, while the Constellation is known for its refined design and chronometric precision. The De Ville collection offers a more elegant, dress-focused aesthetic, often featuring high-end complications and meticulous finishing. Omega continues to lead with innovations like Master Chronometer certification, METAS testing, and antimagnetic technology—ensuring that its watches are not just beautiful, but built for the demands of modern life.