Omega - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: NINE Hong Kong Monday, November 25, 2019 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Omega
    Year: Circa 1966
    Reference No: 105.003-65
    Movement No: 22’825’591
    Model Name: Speedmaster, “Ed White”
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 321, 17 jewels
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel buckle
    Dimensions: 39mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
    Accessories: Further accompanied by red Omega suede pouch

  • Catalogue Essay

    Omega wristwatches have long been associated with NASA and the American manned moon flights of the late 1960s and 1970s. In 1964, their reference 105.003 “pre-professional” chronograph was released in three sub references the -63, -64 and -65 and it was the last model featuring straight lugs. That year Omega submitted two references 105.003-63 to NASA for rigorously testing and upon satisfactorily meeting all their requirements, NASA chooses the Speedmaster for its Gemini program, which preceded the Apollo program and sought to develop space travel techniques for the Apollo moon landing. In time, the model became known as the “Ed White” for the astronaut Edward Higgins White II, who on June 3, 1965 became the first astronaut to walk in space.

    The reference 105.003 was produced between 1966 and 1969, the present -65 sub-model, from 1966 and sold to Mexico, is in very good overall condition with shallow wear consistent with use, however the case retains its strong proportions and the lug bevels are present. The dial has aged to a “tropical” chocolate brown tone over the last 50 years enhancing the vintage vibe of the watch. The Speedmaster became a professional tool watch that saw men to the moon and back, and it is still being produced today.

  • Artist Biography

    Omega

    Swiss • 1848

    Omega's rich history begins with its founder, Louis Brandt, who established the firm in 1848 in La Chaux de Fonds. In 1903, the company changed its name to Omega, becoming the only watch brand in history to have been named after one its own movements. A full-fledged manufacturer of highly accurate, affordable and reliable watches, its sterling reputation enabled them to be chosen as the first watch company to time the Olympic Games beginning in 1932. Its continued focus on precision and reliability ultimately led their Speedmaster chronograph wristwatch to be chosen by NASA in 1965 — the first watch worn on the moon.

    Key models sought-after by collectors include their first, oversized water-resistant chronograph — the reference 2077, early Speedmaster models such as the CK 2915 and 2998, military-issued versions of the Seamaster and oversized chronometer models such as those fitted with their prestigious caliber 30T2Rg.

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LOT OFFERED WITH NO RESERVE

893

Lot offered with No Reserve

Ref. 105.003-65
A fine and rare stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with “tropical” dial

Circa 1966
39mm Diameter
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
HK$100,000 - 200,000 
€11,400-22,800
$12,800-25,600

Sold for HK$87,500

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Head of Watches, Asia
thomasperazzi@phillips.com
+852 2318 2001

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: NINE

Hong Kong Auction 25-26 November 2019