Omega Speedmaster Professional Pre-Moon 105.012-66 Ghost DON Bezel Famed as perhaps one of watchmaking's most universally well-known watches, the Omega Speedmaster became the first timepiece ever to be worn on the Moon following Omega's successful bid for the Speedmaster to become NASA's choice timepiece for their standard astronaut kit. After its successful inclusion in the 1965 Gemini program, the Speedmaster also adorned the wrists of the astronauts during the Apollo moon landing missions, and so, in 1969, following Buzz Aldrin's historic steps on the Moon (Neil Armstrong left his watch on the lunar module) it became the Moonwatch that we all know and love. However, the Speedmaster’s heritage began in 1957 as a terrestrial racing watch, with the ref. 105.012 that we have here, debuting in 1964. This exact variant, however, the ref. 105.012-66 was launched in 1966 and debuted as the first ”Professional” version of the Speedmaster, with the new moniker included on the Speedy’s dial for the very first time. Featuring a new larger 42mm case with twisted “lyre lugs” and new crown guards. Powered by the legendary manual-wind cal. 321, the “Pre-Moon” ref. 105.012-66 was worn by early astronauts following NASA’s acceptance of the Speedy as their space watch and is the only confirmed Speedmaster reference confirmed to land on the Moon, a claim to fame that has earned the Speedy its place within the watchmaking hall of fame.
THE DISPLAY Featuring a black dial with the first use of "Professional" on any Speedmaster's dial, the ref. 105.012-66 would be a desirable reference for any Speedmaster aficionado, but with its "Dot Over Ninety," of which this example's has faded to an attractive ghostly grey, the ref. 105.012-66 has it all from a display perspective.
THE CONSTRUCTION Upgraded from the CK2998's 39.5mm diameter, the ref. 105.012-66's 42mm case was a behemoth for the 1960s. Additionally, the ref. 105.012-66 was the first asymmetrical Speedmaster variant with its new crown guards and twisted lyre lugs adding further robustness to its construction.
TIMING MACHINE READOUT This reading was taken (crown down) with a ONEOF Accuracy Boutique Edition timing machine at time of cataloging. It is provided as a courtesy only, and shall not be construed as a warranty or guarantee of any kind. Please refer to our terms and conditions of sale for more information.
