Omega Speedmaster Ed White
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Why We Love it
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Why We Love it
–Nearly five decades on, we’re still in a state of awe when we consider man’s conquest of space. Walking on the Moon was mankind’s single greatest achievement, and the men and machines that made it happen are nothing short of legendary. Since the Omega Speedmaster has been an integral part of each manned space mission—even going to the Moon—it’s rightfully earned its status as one of the most important wristwatches ever made.
Later Speedmaster Professional models such as the one Buzz Aldrin wore on the Moon are perhaps the best-known. They bear the distinction of being flight-tested and qualified by NASA, and saw use by astronauts in all manned space missions starting in 1965. With their asymmetrical cases and lyre-shaped lugs, they’re without a doubt some of the most distinctive—and desirable—of Speedmaster models.
However, the history of the Speedmaster did not begin when Buzz Aldrin stepped out of the Lunar Module onto the Sea of Tranquility wearing his twisted-lug Speedy.
Omega started making Speedmasters in 1957, with the Reference 2915. Early Speedmasters were notable for their smaller cases (39mm to the current 42mm) and for having straight—not curved—lugs. Though the Speedmaster was built for drivers, an early straight-lug Speedmaster—the Reference 2998—was carried into space on the wrist of Walter Schirra in Mercury Atlas 7, serving as inspiration for the First Omega in Space reissue.
The connection between Omega and NASA would of course continue, with Ed White drifting out of Gemini IV and into history as the first American to walk in space.
And his Speedmaster was right there with him, strapped to the exterior of his spacesuit.
It’s straight lug Speedmasters like Ed White’s that occupy the hearts and minds of serious enthusiasts with a growing fervor. As an early Speedmaster, the “Ed White” (or Reference 105.003-65) bears straight lugs and has an applied logo on the dial, a feature which Omega eschewed in the late 1960s. However, the 105.003 is unique among its straight-lugged brethren in that it’s the only straight-lugged variant to have a T on the dial and a black rehaut.
Though straight-lugged Speedmasters were made in far fewer numbers than their twisted-lug successors, more Reference 105.003 Speedies were made than the Reference 2998, 2915, or its predecessor, the transitional Reference 105.002, combined.
As desirable as they are rare, Reference 105.003-65’s can command a premium—particularly when in exquisite condition. However, this particular Reference 105.003-65 (while a strong example of the reference) shows signs of a life well-lived, including signs of light polishing. Since pristine examples of this reference can be out of reach for many collectors, and those that are might spend the rest of their lives in a safe, this is a rare example of a straight-lugged Speedy that is collectible but can also be worn.
Beyond anything, it’s this reference’s connection to astronaut Ed White, the first American to walk in space, that makes these watches truly special. As one of the second group of astronauts chosen to succeed the Mercury astronauts, Ed White flew the highest among high flyers. He devoted his life to the Space Program, tragically dying in a fire during a training exercise—along with his two fellow Apollo 1 astronauts—in 1967, at the age of 36.
A:S Guarantee
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A:S Guarantee
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Analog:Shift stands behind the authenticity of our products in perpetuity.
Condition
Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.
Warranty
We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a one-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.
International Buyers
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Shipping & Returns
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Shipping & Returns
+All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.
Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.
We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.
Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.
We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.
Omega Speedmaster Ed White
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- Sold