Omega - The Geneva Watch Auction: XI Geneva Sunday, June 28, 2020 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Omega
    Year: 1968
    Reference No: 105.012-66
    Movement No: 24'948'304
    Model Name: Speedmaster
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 321, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Omega bracelet, max length 200mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Omega deployant clasp stamped "1 71"
    Dimensions: 40mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and clasp signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Omega fitted presentation box. Furthermore delivered with Omega Extract from the Archives confirming production of this watch and its subsequent delivery to Germany in 1968

  • Catalogue Essay

    The Omega reference 105.012-66 was released in 1964 and has been affectionately named the “Moonwatch” as lunar module pilot Buzz Aldrin wore this model on his space mission, which landed himself and Neil Armstrong on the moon for the first on July 20, 1969. The reference was the first to feature the “Professional” signature on the dial and became one of the leading watches wore by NASA astronauts during the late 1960s and early 1970s.

    The present 105.012-66 is made even more collectible the fact the cbyase was not made by Huguenin Frères, the traditional casemaker for the Speedmaster but by La Central Boîtes (CB stamped inside the caseback), cases made by CB had flatter lugs. La Centrale Boites made the cases only for this reference.


    The present example stands out due to its unrestored nature, retaining its original dial without a trace of intervention and featuring an impressive case fully preserving its original shapes and proportions. The presence of the stainless steel bracelet adds a final layer of collectability and appeal.

  • 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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158

Ref. 105.012-66
A fine stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with bracelet and box

1968
40mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and clasp signed

Estimate
CHF8,000 - 12,000 
€7,400-11,100
$8,700-13,100

Sold for CHF16,250

Contact Specialist

Alexandre Ghotbi
Head of Watches, Continental Europe and the Middle East

41 79 637 1724
aghotbi@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: XI

Geneva Auction 27 - 28 June 2020