Released in 1957 and based on their earlier chronographs from the 1920s and '30s, the Omega Speedmaster is one of the most iconic chronographs ever. Named after the purpose of the tachymeter along its bezel, the Speedmaster was designed for race car drivers and pilots to time events and make rapid calculations. While these adrenaline-fueled activities might be not for the faint-hearted, they weren't what made the Speedmaster so iconic - that was its use in space and on the Moon. Following a grueling series of tests with several competing brands, the Speedmaster debuted in space as a piece of NASA standard-issue equipment during the Gemini program of 1965. However, which reference of Speedmaster was it that underwent those rigorous NASA tests in late 1964? None other than the ref. 105.003 that we have here. Approved on March 1st, 1965, the ref. 105.003 was the watch given to many astronauts on the Gemini missions as part of their NASA standard-issue equipment. Already an iconic watch in its own right, the ref. 105.003 earned its stripes in 1965, during the Gemini 4 mission, when Ed White became the first American to conduct a spacewalk. Today, the ref. 105.003 is affectionately known as the “Ed White.”

Watch is in overall very good-excellent condition. Original DON bezel has some surface scratches and discoloration, but is otherwise in good shape. The straight lug case is in very good condition with surface wear and slight porosity on the back of two of the lugs. The caseback engraings are clear and visible. The bracelet is not Omega, although the clasp shows an Omega logo, the blade says Rado. It has 24 links and can be shortened under the clasp.

An iconic watch that knows, quite literally, no bounds, the Speedmaster "Ed White" is historically and stylistically unique and as a result, a treasured part of the Speedmaster's lineage.