Desirable Apollo-era (mid-1960s) example of the original Omega Speedmaster Professional 'Moonwatch' (Ref. ST105.012). Renowned as the world's most famous chronograph, this example of the Omega Speedmaster Pro is the same reference number as those used on the Apollo 11 lunar landing mission. It features an Omega 321 calibre movement, with subdials for seconds, a minutes-elapsed counter for the chronograph, and similar hours-elapsed counter. The large third hand on the main dial provides stopwatch functionality, and the fixed bezel is incremented to act as a tachymeter—a convenient method for determining miles per hour. This example exhibits some wear to the bezel and a lightly toned dial. The manual-wind watch runs and keeps excellent time. We recommend that it be serviced to ensure full function and reliability. It has been placed on a modern brown leather Omega bracelet.
The Omega Speedmaster Pro, commonly known as the 'Moon Watch,' underwent exhaustive testing by NASA during the 1960s—assorted wristwatches were exposed to environmental conditions ranging from 0 to 200 °F, tested under 95% humidity for ten day periods, endured bursts of high acceleration and shock forces, and experienced severe air pressure and vibration trials. After three years of extreme testing, the evaluation concluded in March 1965 with the selection of the Speedmaster, which survived the tests while staying accurate within five seconds per day.
When the Apollo LM 'Eagle' touched down on the lunar surface, Neil Armstrong left his 105.012 Speedmaster inside the Lunar Module as a backup because the LM's electronic timer had malfunctioned. Lunar Module Pilot Buzz Aldrin elected to wear his during his historic EVA, and so it was Aldrin's 105.012 'Speedy' that became the first watch to be worn on the moon.
