OMEGA | SPEEDMASTER ED WHITE, REFERENCE ST 105.003-65STAINLESS STEEL CHRONOGRAPH WRISTWATCHMADE IN 1966

Dial: blackCalibre: cal. 321 manual winding, 17 jewels Movement number: 24'004'538Case: stainless steel, screw-down back Closure: unsigned black calfskin strap with unsigned stainless steel pin buckleDimensions: 39mm diameterSigned: case, dial and movement Accessories: invoice dated 1 March 1969, Omega Extract from the Archives confirming delivery to the United Kingdom in 1966, Burrells service certificate, original hour, minute and subdial hands, original Omega hesalite crystal, incomplete original pusher parts

DIAL: luminescent material on hour markers are heavily discolored and not fully intact. Remnants of luminescent material on the hour markers glow under UV light. Hands have been replaced during previous service, but parts of the original ones are included. CASE: with light marks and scuffs throughout, case has been polished, Speedmaster engraving has been heavily rubbed consistent with age and regular wear of the watch. Bezel and insert show a lot of scuffing and heavy marks all around. Pushers have been replaced during service, parts of the original ones are included. MOVEMENT: running at the time of cataloguing, chronograph starts, stops and resets to zero Please note that the movement has not been tested for the accuracy of its timekeeping. Please note that Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement and that a service may be required at the buyer's discretion.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping."

This third iteration of the Speedmaster, reference ST 105.003, is also known as the Ed White among watch collectors. Even though the Speedmaster was popular among many astronauts such as Jim Lovell and Eugene Cernan, it is Ed White that is most closely associated with this particular reference. Indeed, he wore his Omega during the Gemini IV mission in 1965, which saw White as the first American performing an E.V.A. (Extra vehicular activity) in space. It was only shortly after that the Speedmaster was flight certified by NASA to become the official watch for the Apollo missions and ultimately the first watch that went to the moon.