Omega Speedmaster Ref. 105.003 Tropical "Ed White" Circa 1965

Not all Speedmasters are created equal. Among the many variations, few are as iconic as the manually wound Speedmaster Professional models. But when you talk about a Speedmaster with the 321 Caliber movement, straight lugs, no crown guards, a tropical dial, and dating back to 1965, you're entering a different level of appreciation.

This 1965 Omega Speedmaster Reference 105.003, also known as the "Ed White" reference, is a prime example. Named after astronaut Edward Higgins White II, the first American to complete a spacewalk, this watch holds a special place in history. White wore this very reference on his historic EVA, strapped around his spacesuit with a long velcro band. The 105.003 was produced for a brief period before being replaced by the 145.012, the model that would later journey to the moon. 

A timepiece of rare originality

What makes this particular "Ed White" truly special is its originality. The dial has aged to a rich brown tone a.k.a. "tropical brown", a patina that is incredibly sought after. Original hands, crown, pushers, and the beautifully patinated Omega bezel make this an exceptional example. Unlike later Speedmasters, it lacks crown guards and the "Professional" marking on the dial, while its straight lugs add to its vintage allure. Another key detail that sets this model apart is the applied Omega logo, something that was replaced by a printed logo in later models.

This isn’t a dial that looks brown under certain lighting conditions—it’s a true, even aging that collectors dream of. The watch is remarkably well-preserved, which only adds to its rarity and desirability.

Sharp-looking piece, both inside and out

Inside, it runs on the famous 321 movement, renowned for its precision and history, compared to the 861 movement in the later Speedmaster models. This "Ed White" reference remains a standout in the Speedmaster lineage.