Omega Speedmaster 105.012

The Omega Speedmaster 105.012, produced broadly from 1963/1964 to 1968, is a historically pivotal reference. It introduced the iconic 42mm asymmetrical case with crown and pusher guards and the “PROFESSIONAL” designation on the dial to the Speedmaster line. Most notably, a Speedmaster 105.012 was the first watch worn on the Moon, by astronaut Buzz Aldrin during the Apollo 11 mission in July 1969. This event cemented its legendary status. Powered by the revered Caliber 321, the 105.012 is considered a “pre-Moon” reference in terms of its original markings, as it predates the commemorative “First Watch Worn on the Moon” case back engravings that appeared on later models. Its relatively short production run and the historical significance of its lunar journey make it highly sought after by collectors.  

Specifications

Key Details of the Watch Reference

Case Analysis

The Omega Speedmaster 105.012 introduced the 42mm asymmetrical case, a significant departure from earlier symmetrical designs. This stainless steel case featured integrated crown and pusher guards on the right side, enhancing protection and leading to the “PROFESSIONAL” designation on the dial. The distinctive “lyre” or “twisted” lugs became a hallmark of the Speedmaster Professional design.  

Case backs were screw-in stainless steel, engraved with the Hippocampus logo and “SPEEDMASTER”. Early sub-references (105.012-63 to -65) typically featured a “double step” bevel on the case back’s outer edge, while later -65 and the -66 sub-reference transitioned to a “single step” bevel.  

For the 105.012-66, cases were sourced from two manufacturers:

• Huguenin Frères (HF): The more common type, marked “HF” inside the case back, with the standard lyre lug profile.  
• La Centrale Boîtes (CB): Rarer, marked “CB” (often in a tombstone cartouche) inside the case back. CB cases are distinguished by an additional polished facet edge on the upper surface of the lyre lugs, creating a more angular look. These facets are susceptible to being lost through polishing. Numerals stamped inside CB case backs may also appear thinner.  

Original pushers are the “short and fat” or “mushroom” style (approx. 5mm wide, 2.7mm-3mm tall) with “fat necks”. The crown is a non-screw down, Omega-signed type (approx. 7mm, 24 teeth, narrow flat feet for -64).  

Dial Variations

Original dials for the 105.012 are black and feature a “stepped” construction, where the main dial surface is recessed from the outer minute/seconds track. An applied metal Omega logo (Ω) is present at 12 o’clock. The text “OMEGA Speedmaster PROFESSIONAL” is standard.  

Luminous material for hour markers was tritium. Markings at 6 o’clock evolved:

• 105.012-63 (early): May show “SWISS MADE” only.  
• 105.012-63 (“Asymmetric T”): Rare; ‘T’s for tritium were added to existing “SWISS MADE” dials, sometimes appearing offset.  
• 105.012-64 onwards: “T SWISS MADE T” becomes standard. Variations in the spacing of the ‘T’s (close or wide) are correct for different batches.  

Dials paired with CB cases for the 105.012-66 are sometimes observed with slightly wider lume plots. “Tropical” dials (aged to brown) can be found, particularly on the 105.012-65.  

Hands and Crystal

• Hands: Hour and minute hands are white painted batons with tritium infill. Sub-dial hands are white painted stick hands. The central chronograph seconds hand is white painted, typically in a “spear” style or a “drop-end” (teardrop) style, the latter often associated with later 105.012-66 CB examples. Original tritium lume on hands should show patina consistent with the dial.  
• Crystal: Domed Hesalite (acrylic) was used for its shatter resistance. Original Omega Hesalite crystals often have a tiny, centrally embossed Omega logo (Ω).  

Bezel

The external tachymeter bezel has a black aluminum insert. A key feature for period correctness is the “Dot Over Ninety” (DON) configuration, where the dot for the “90” mark is directly above the zero. This is a prized detail for pre-1970 Speedmasters.  

Notable Variants

• Sub-references: 105.012-63, 105.012-64, 105.012-65, 105.012-66, each with slight evolutionary changes in case back steps or dial markings. The -63 and -64 are the rarest.  
• Case Manufacturers for 105.012-66: Huguenin Frères (HF) and the rarer La Centrale Boîtes (CB), with the CB cases having distinctive faceted lugs.  
• Dial Markings: “SWISS MADE” (early -63), “Asymmetric T” (-63), and “T SWISS MADE T” (close or wide T’s for -64 onwards).  

Additional Details

The Omega Speedmaster, launched in 1957 (Ref. CK2915) for sports and racing, was the first chronograph with a tachymeter on the bezel. Early references evolved, with the 105.003 (symmetrical case, baton hands) being worn by Ed White during the first American spacewalk in 1965 and submitted by Omega for NASA’s rigorous testing.  

In 1964, NASA sought a durable chronograph for astronauts. Omega (105.003), Rolex (6238), and Longines-Wittnauer (235T) submitted watches. After exhaustive tests including extreme temperatures, pressure, humidity, shocks, and vibrations, only the Speedmaster 105.003 passed, being declared “Flight Qualified for all Manned Space Missions” on March 1, 1965.  

The reference 105.012, with its new 42mm asymmetrical case featuring crown and pusher guards, began production around 1963/1964. This “PROFESSIONAL” designated model was subsequently supplied to NASA for the Apollo program. Apollo 11 astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin were issued 105.012s, while Michael Collins wore a 145.012. The 105.012 thus became the first watch worn on the Moon by Buzz Aldrin.  

The Omega Speedmaster 105.012 is powered by the legendary Caliber 321, a manual-wind chronograph movement developed by Lemania (as CH27 C12/Lemania 2310) and first used by Omega in 1942. It features a column-wheel mechanism, prized for its crisp operation and robust construction. The Caliber 321 has 17 jewels, operates at 18,000 vph (2.5 Hz), and has a power reserve of approximately 44 hours. Its reliability under NASA’s extreme testing cemented its iconic status. It was used in Speedmasters until replaced by the Caliber 861 around 1968/1969.  

The value of an Omega Speedmaster 105.012 is heavily influenced by originality, condition, and rarity of specific variations.

• Originality and Condition: Unpolished cases, original dials with consistent patina, correct hands, DON bezels, and “fat neck” pushers are paramount.  
• Rarity: CB-cased 105.012-66s, early sub-references (-63, -64), and unique dial types (e.g., “Asymmetric T,” “tropical”) command premiums.  
• Market Prices: Good, original examples typically range from $10,000 to $20,000 USD, with exceptional or very rare variants (like a grey dial “No-T” 105.012) potentially reaching much higher figures, such as $80,000 USD.  
• Serviceability: Caliber 321 is serviceable by skilled watchmakers, but original vintage parts are scarce and expensive. Omega’s 2019 re-introduction of the Caliber 321 is for new models and does not alleviate vintage parts scarcity.  

Vintage Omega advertisements from the 1960s and 1970s promoted the Speedmaster, sometimes highlighting its NASA connection. Specific ads like a 1968 Speedmaster ad (“does more for you than tell the time”) and a 1970 ad (“NASA select second best?”) exist, though direct features of the 105.012 in these specific ads require viewing the ad content. Omega’s vintage database lists ST 105.0012 (a similar reference from 1963 with Cal. 321) but not the 105.012 directly under that exact number in the provided snippets.  

The Omega Speedmaster 105.012 is a landmark reference, bridging the Speedmaster’s early sports chronograph identity with its legendary “Moonwatch” status. Its role in the Apollo 11 mission, combined with the revered Caliber 321 and the introduction of the iconic asymmetrical “Professional” case, makes it highly desirable. Collectors value originality above all, seeking correct sub-reference features, DON bezels, “fat neck” pushers, and unpolished cases, especially the rare CB variants. The 105.012’s “accidental icon” status—earning its fame through historic achievement before explicit “Moonwatch” marketing—solidifies its enduring appeal as a tangible piece of space exploration history and a cornerstone of vintage watch collecting.