History of the Omega Speedmaster:

Update Key:

Red = Deletes, Green = Add’s, Blue = Comments, Black = No Change, Brown = Moves, Purple = Typo (spelling, Capitalization, word change), Pink = Questions.

FORERUNNERS
Date
Calibre
Reference

Description

1942
27 CHRO C12
various

1st OMEGA chronograph calibre with 12-hour totalizer; 189 separate components

  Column wheel calibres, 18,000 V/h

1945
27 CHRO C12 PC AM
various

Same, but shock-resistant (Incabloc) and anti-magnetic; 194 separate components

1946
321
various

Same, but with adjustable minute counter jumper; 195 separate components

SPEEDMASTERS
Date
Calibre
Reference

Description

1957

321

CK 2915

1st model identified "OMEGA Speedmaster"; oxidised matt black dial with applied ½ symbol; minute circle to 1/5 second, “baton” hour markers and Balane hands (arrow for hour) with radium; 30-minute totalizer on the right and 12-hour one at the bottom, permanent small seconds on the left (all three sub-dials on recessed circular “guilloché” patterned background), steel satin-brushed bezel with engraved tachymeter scale; round water-resistant symmetrical steel case (Ø 39mm) with reinforced crystal and screw-in base with O-shaped gasket solid rounded, encircling, flat-ended horns, back chemically engraved with Speedmaster name in an arc on the bezel, between two notches, as well as the Seahorse (symbol of water-resistance and the Seamaster collection) and the ½ symbol on the flat side, and this can also be simply polished to allow a simple dedication or monogram to be engraved on the piece. 30 components (watch head only, excluding bracelet and pins), leather strap or semi-extensible steel bracelet with flat links. (Do we have bracelet ID’s for this model?)

1959

321

CK 2998

Push-buttons with O-ring gaskets, Alpha hands and flat black aluminium bezel. (Flat area) of the base engraved Speedmaster in an arc, with the Seahorse and the ½ symbol, leather strap or semi-extensible steel 7077 bracelet with flat links.

1962

321

ST 105.002

Same, but new Mapics 6-digit reference, available with tachymeter, pulsometer, telemeter, telemile or decimal scale on bezel. Leather strap or semi-extensible steel bracelet with flat links. (Do we have bracelet ID’s for this model?)

1963

321

 

ST 105.003

Bezel enlarged from 38.6 to 39.7 mm (aperture 30mm and 30.8mm respectively) and “baton” hands. Leather strap or semi-extensible 1501 (ex 7912) steel bracelet with flat links.

ST 105.012

Asymmetrical case Ø 42 mm protecting crown and push-buttons, water resistance of push-buttons improved by inside rubber membrane, facetted "lyre" horns; first appearance of the appellation “Professional” on the dial from 1966 onwards. Leather strap or semi-extensible 1506 steel bracelet with flat links.

These two references (ST 105.003 and ST 105.012) are the first models chosen by NASA from 1965 for its astronauts.

1966

321

 

ST 145.003

New reference of former ST 105.003. Leather strap or semi-extensible 1501 steel bracelet with flat links.

ST 145.012

New reference of former ST 105.012, with the inscription “Professional” on the dial from that year onwards. Steel pushers with screws, leather strap or semi-extensible 1506 steel bracelet with flat links. Reference replaced by 145.022 from 1968.

1968

861

ST 145.022

Shuttle (or cam) calibre 21,600 V/h, flat dial, painted OMEGA symbol (previously applied); cal. 861=220 separate components. Semi-extensible ST 1039/516 leather or steel bracelet with flat links.

321

ST 145.012

Special version with white dial, “Apollo” hands and 5-60 on bezel for certain markets (Italy, South Africa etc.)

861

ST 105.012

Same

Chuck's Revised 1968 Entries/Order:
Date
Calibre
Reference

Description

1968

321

ST 145.012

Special version with white dial, “Mercury silhouette” Sub-dial hands and 5-60 on bezel for certain markets (Italy, South Africa etc.)

¿861?

¿ST 105.012?

¿Same?

861

ST 145.022

Shuttle (or cam) calibre 21,600 V/h, flat dial, painted OMEGA symbol (previously applied); cal. 861=220 separate components. Semi-extensible ST 1039/516 leather or steel bracelet with flat links.