Omega Speedmaster 105.002

The Omega Speedmaster reference 105.002 is a rare and significant transitional model produced for a very short period, primarily between 1962 and 1964. Some sources suggest the plain “105.002” designation might have been used for as little as six months in 1962 before evolving to “105.002-62”. It marked Omega’s shift to a new six-digit reference system and is essentially a re-referenced version of the final CK2998-62, sharing virtually identical specifications. This “pre-Professional” Speedmaster features the classic straight-lug case, is powered by the legendary manual-winding Caliber 321 column-wheel chronograph movement, and predates the addition of “Professional” to the dial. Its brief production, estimated at only 2,200 to 2,600 units for the 105.002-62, makes it one of the rarer Speedmaster references, highly sought after by collectors for its unique place in the Speedmaster’s evolution towards becoming the “Moonwatch”.  

Specifications

Key Details & Variations

Variations

The Omega Speedmaster 105.002, as a transitional reference, exhibits some key variations:

• Reference Suffixes:
  • 105.002: The initial designation under the new system, potentially used for a very short period in 1962.  
  • 105.002-62: This suffix indicates the case manufacture year (1962) and is a common marking for this reference.  
  • 105.002-62 SC: Some case backs include “SC” after the reference. The most accepted meaning for “SC” in Omega nomenclature of this era is “Seconde Centrale” (Central Second), though its application to a chronograph with a sub-dial for running seconds is an acknowledged inconsistency. It is not considered a case maker’s mark.  
• Dial Color:
  • Matte Black: The standard and most common dial color.  
  • Grey (“Soleil”): An extremely rare and highly prized variation.  
• Hands (Hour/Minute):
  • Alpha Hands: Faceted, leaf-shaped hands, a carry-over from the CK2998 series, are typically seen on earlier 105.002 examples.  
  • Baton Hands: Straight, flat hands, foreshadowing the style of the subsequent 105.003, may appear on later or transitional 105.002s. However, the exact transition point is not definitively documented, and some experts believe either handset could be possible across the serial range.  
• Lume Markings: Most original 105.002 dials are marked “SWISS MADE” only at the bottom, consistent with the use of Radium or very early Tritium before “T” markings became standard. Dials with “T SWISS MADE T” would be unusual and might indicate a later service dial or a very late transitional piece.  

Correct Dial

• Finish & Color: Matte black is standard; a grey “soleil” dial is a rare variant.  
• Design: Stepped dial, with the central portion slightly raised.  
• Logo & Text: Applied metal Omega logo (Ω) below 12 o’clock. Printed “OMEGA” and “Speedmaster” below the logo. No “Professional” text.  
• Bottom Marking: Typically “SWISS MADE” only, without “T” designations.  
• Rehaut: Early examples feature a silver inner rehaut ring between the dial edge and crystal; the 105.002 is noted as the last reference with this feature.  
• Lume: Originally Radium or very early Tritium, which should show consistent aging (patina) across dial markers and hands.  

Correct Hands

• Hour/Minute: Either Alpha (leaf-shaped, luminous) or Baton (straight, luminous) hands. Alpha hands are more commonly associated with the 105.002, being a carry-over from the CK2998.  
• Chronograph Seconds Hand: Typically a white-painted “spear” or “drop” style, sometimes with a luminous tip.  
• Sub-dial Hands: Small, painted white stick hands.  
• Lume: The luminous material on the hands should exhibit patina consistent with the dial lume.

Correct Case

• Material: Stainless steel.  
• Diameter: 38.5mm to 39mm for the mid-case; the bezel diameter can measure up to 39.7mm.  
• Lugs: Straight lugs with a 19mm width. No crown guards. Original cases should have sharp bevels on the lugs.  
• Case Back: Screw-in type with a double-stepped or double-beveled edge. Engraved with the Omega Hippocampus logo and “SPEEDMASTER”. The inside is stamped with the reference number (e.g., 105.002-62 or 105.002-62 SC).  
• Pushers: Small pump-style pushers, approximately 4mm in diameter and 3mm in length. This is a key distinguishing feature from the slightly larger pushers on the subsequent 105.003 reference.  
• Crown: Omega-signed winding crown.  

Correct Bezel

• Type: Fixed external tachymeter bezel.
• Material: Stainless steel bezel holding a black-painted aluminum insert with the tachymeter scale printed in white.  
• Scale: The correct and highly valued bezel insert is the “Dot Over Ninety” (DON) version of the Tachymeter 500 scale. Later service replacements often feature “Dot Next to Ninety” (DNN) or other font variations.  

Correct Crystal

• Material: Domed Hesalite (acrylic).  
• Marking: Original Omega Hesalite crystals often have a tiny, embossed Omega logo (Ω) in the center, visible under magnification.  

Additional Relevant Details

The Omega Speedmaster 105.002 is exclusively powered by the legendary Omega Caliber 321.

• Origin: Based on the Lemania 2310 ebauche, refined by Omega.  
• Type: Manual-winding chronograph with a column-wheel control mechanism.  
• Jewels: 17 jewels.  
• Frequency: 18,000 A/h (2.5 Hz).  
• Power Reserve: Approximately 44 hours (original vintage specification). (Modern reproductions have a 55-hour power reserve ).  
• Features: Breguet overcoil balance spring. Distinctive copper-colored plating on bridges and plates. Features a characteristic horseshoe-shaped chronograph bridge.  
• Historical Significance: Powered the Speedmasters qualified by NASA for all manned space missions and those worn on the Moon (though in later Speedmaster references like 105.012 and 145.012). Omega revived production of the Caliber 321 in 2019 due to its iconic status.  

Historical Significance and NASA Connection

• “Pre-Professional”: The 105.002 dial does not bear the “Professional” marking, which was added after NASA flight qualification to references like the 105.012.  
• Early Space Use (Indirect): While the 105.003 was the reference officially tested and qualified by NASA, the earlier CK2998 (virtually identical to the 105.002) was worn by astronaut Wally Schirra in 1962 during the Mercury-Atlas 8 mission, becoming the “First Omega in Space” (FOIS). This established the Speedmaster’s space credentials.  
• Ancestor to Moonwatch: The 105.002 is a direct ancestor of the Speedmaster Professional models (105.012 and 145.012) worn on the Apollo 11 mission, as they all shared the Caliber 321 movement. It represents one of the last iterations of the straight-lug design before NASA-influenced modifications like crown guards were introduced.  

Collector Information and Market Value

• High Collectibility: The 105.002 is highly sought after due to its extreme rarity (short production run of ~2,200-2,600 units for the 105.002-62), its transitional nature, the revered Caliber 321, and its “pre-Professional” status.  
• Value Factors: Originality of all components (especially dial, DON bezel, hands, correct small pushers, and Cal. 321 movement) and overall condition are paramount. Rare grey dial variants command significant premiums.  
• Market Value: Prices vary widely. General estimates for good examples range from $6,000 to $12,000 USD, with exceptional, all-original pieces potentially fetching $15,000 to $25,000 USD or more. Some auction results for exceptional pieces have been significantly higher. eBay listings show a wide range, from around $6,990 to $39,000 for examples of varying condition and originality.  

Authentication

• Verify all key components against known original specifications (see Table 2 in the previous report section for a detailed checklist).
• Pay close attention to the dial (“SWISS MADE” only, no “Professional”), hands (Alpha or correct Baton), bezel (DON), and pusher size (4mm x 3mm).
• The movement must be a correctly signed and finished Caliber 321 with a serial number aligning with 1962-1964 production (typically 19.583.xxx – 20.525.xxx for 105.002-62).  
• Be vigilant for “Frankenwatches” or watches with incorrect service replacement parts (e.g., DNN bezel, later hands, Cal. 861 movement).  
• An Omega Extract from the Archives is highly recommended for verifying production details.