OMEGA | SPEEDMASTER REF 105.003-63 'DOT OVER NINETY', A STAINLESS STEEL CHRONOGRAPH WRISTWATCH, MADE IN 1964

Superseding the reference 105.002, the Speedmaster 105.003 was produced from 1964 to 1969. For a description of the historical importance of this reference, please refer to lot 43. 

The reference 105.003 was in fact produced in three almost identical iterations over the course of five years: the -63, -64 and -65. The 105.003-63 stood as the first production batch between 1964 and 1966 and bears a serial number range between 20.520.xxx to 20.522.xxx. Its design is extremely similar to the outgoing reference 105.002-62 with a set of straight lugs, no crown guards and the permanent addition of the trademark baton hands for an increased contrast with the black matte dial. This dial and hands combination, even if sporadically seen on late references 105.002-62, had interestingly already been officially introduced a couple months before in early 1964 with the first Professional Speedmaster ref. 105.012.

The present Speedmaster 105.003-63 is in fact an extremely collectible version of this reference. It bears an immensely rare early SWISS MADE dial, confirming its date of production to be before April 1964. Indeed, all dials issued by Omega after this date had to bear the T Swiss T indication at 6’oclock, following a strict Swiss regulation which required any radioactive material to be mentioned on the dial. As the reference 105.003-63 was launched a few months before the law was passed, only a very few pieces bear this early dial.

The present Speedmaster furthermore bears the signature 'dot over ninety' bezel (DON) in its correct iteration, bearing a dot at the lower right base of the 70 mark and produced from 1961 to 1970. Lastly, the second generation caliber 321 is concealed with the all-original double-beveled case back, proudly showcasing the Speedmaster script at the center.