The reference 105.003 marks a pivotal moment in Omega’s history, as it was the Speedmaster reference rigorously tested by NASA that would become the timepiece chosen to accompany astronauts to the moon. From that moment forward, the destiny of Omega was fundamentally and profoundly changed, and has since been very closely aligned with space exploration. Nicknamed the "Ed White" for astronaut Ed White who wore a reference 105.003-65 during his historic spacewalk during the Gemini 4 mission in June 1965, becoming the first American to do so. He stayed in space longer than his allotted time, and famously upon his return remarked “I’m coming back in…and it’s the saddest moment of my life.”

The present example is offered for the first time at auction, and features a very rare, vibrant blue tachymeter bezel. Research indicates approximately 22 similar examples are known, within the date ranges between 1964 and 1965, and clustered around the serial numbers 22’08X’XXX and 20’527’XXX. These rare bezels are found mainly on the references 105.003-64 like the present watch, the 105.012-64, as well as one publicly known reference CK2998. It is interesting to note the current owner purchased this rare Omega via the American classified advertisement website, Craigslist.com, where he originally thought the dial was tropical through the post’s images. After purchase, he realized the dial was not tropical once receiving photos from the owner. When he finally held the watch in his hands, he was thrilled to discover the vibrant blue of the bezel, and began a journey to uncover the story of the blue bezel.

The “Ed White” is a historically important reference, and this example is in excellent overall condition with correct Omega bracelet and end links, and even more importantly the very rare blue bezel. This Speedmaster will captivate collectors both for it historical role in American space exploration and its rarity.