The Speedmaster reference 105.012 occupies an important position in the evolution of Omega’s celebrated chronograph. Introduced in the mid-1960s, it was the first Speedmaster to feature the asymmetric case with integrated protection for the crown and pushers, as well as the first reference to carry the “Professional” designation on the dial – two features that would come to define the Speedmaster for decades to follow.

The present example is a reference 105.012-66, powered by Omega’s celebrated column-wheel calibre 321. The -66 is particularly interesting as cases were supplied by both Huguenin Frères and Centrale Boîtes. This example bears the HF maker’s mark for Huguenin Frères, the specialist case manufacturer responsible for the preceding 105.012 references.

Few Speedmaster references are as closely linked to the Apollo programme as the 105.012. Both Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin were equipped with examples of the reference during Apollo 11; Armstrong’s remained inside the Lunar Module Eagle as a backup timing instrument, while Aldrin wore his on the lunar surface, making the 105.012 the first wristwatch reference to be worn on the Moon.