Miranda presents a captivating photo essay on the Apollo 10 mission, the crucial dress rehearsal for the moon landing. This post highlights the mission's significance and the Omega Speedmaster's role as essential equipment for astronauts Thomas Stafford, John Young, and Eugene Cernan. Miranda meticulously details the specific Speedmaster references worn by the crew, offering valuable historical context for collectors and enthusiasts.
The fourth manned mission took off on the 18th May 1969. On board were the Astronauts, Commander Thomas Stafford, Pilots John Young and Eugene Cernan . Their mission, to fly to the moon, and test out the manoeuvres required for a full moon landing.

Pic credit NASA
The LM (Snoopy), flew to within 15.6km of the lunar surface. The Command module was named after the famous comic strip “Charlie brown”.
Pic Credit NASA

Pic credit NASA
The mission lasted 8 days 3 minutes and 22 seconds. Splash down was on 26thMay 1969.

Pic credit NASA
Speedmaster’s were of course essential equipment and all three astronauts wore them
Commander Tom Stafford appears to have kept with his ref 105.003. S/N 27. This was a straight lugs case (the only straight lugs on an Apollo mission?) and has been displayed at the Omega museum, and is reportedly been on two missions with Stafford- Gemini 9 and Apollo 10. There is also evidence that Stafford wore an asymmetric case (105.012-CB?) during training.
John Young, wore a ref 105.012-65 (verified- National Air and Space museum).
Eugene Cernan also wore a ref 105.012-65
Summary;
Tom Stafford: ref 105.003?
John Young: ref 105.012-65 (verified)
Eugene Cernan: ref 105.012-65
All picture credits gratefully to NASA and the Smithsonian Air and Space museuem.
About the Omega Speedmaster Ref. CK2998
The Omega CK2998 is a chronograph model recognized for its robust design and functional aesthetic. It belongs to a lineage of chronographs that established a distinct visual identity for the brand, characterized by a clear and legible dial layout. This reference is notable for its early adoption of a tachymeter scale on the bezel, a feature that would become a hallmark of many subsequent sports chronographs.
This reference features a 39 mm stainless steel case, housing the manual-winding Caliber 321. This movement provides a power reserve of 45 hours. The watch is fitted with a Hesalite crystal and offers a water resistance of 60 meters. The fixed tachymeter bezel is a key design element, framing a black dial.
The CK2998 holds interest for collectors seeking early examples of Omega's chronograph development. Its design elements, including the case proportions and dial configuration, represent a significant period in the brand's history. The presence of the Caliber 321 further enhances its appeal among enthusiasts of vintage chronograph movements.
Specifications
- Caliber
- 321
- Case
- Stainless steel
- Diameter
- 39 mm
- Dial
- Black
- Water Resist.
- 60m
- Crystal
- Hesalite
About the Omega Speedmaster Ed White Ref. 105.003
The Speedmaster reference 105.003 is notable for its straight-lug case design, a characteristic that distinguishes it from later Speedmaster iterations which adopted twisted lugs. This reference is often recognized by collectors as the last Speedmaster to feature this specific case architecture before the introduction of crown guards and a different lug profile. It represents a transitional period in the Speedmaster's design evolution, maintaining a direct lineage to earlier models while incorporating subtle refinements.
This reference houses the Omega Caliber 321, a column-wheel chronograph movement, known for its robust construction and serviceability. The stainless steel case measures 39 mm in diameter, presenting a balanced proportion on the wrist. It is fitted with a Hesalite crystal, a material chosen for its shatter-resistant properties. The watch offers a water resistance of 50 meters and a power reserve of 48 hours, suitable for daily wear.
For collectors, the 105.003 holds significance as a pure expression of the Speedmaster's early design principles. Its straight-lug case and Caliber 321 movement are highly sought after, appealing to those who appreciate the model's historical progression. Variants primarily concern dial and hand configurations, though the core specifications remain consistent across its production run, solidifying its place as a key reference within the Speedmaster catalog.
Specifications
- Caliber
- 321
- Case
- Stainless steel
- Diameter
- 39 mm
- Dial
- Black
- Water Resist.
- 50m
- Crystal
- Hesalite
About the Omega Ref. ST105003
The Omega reference ST105.003 is a significant early iteration of the chronograph series, recognized for its specific design elements that differentiate it from later versions. This reference is part of the foundational period for the model line, preceding many of the more widely known configurations. It represents a key stage in the evolution of the series, showcasing design characteristics that were subsequently refined or altered in successor references. Its distinct features are often a point of interest for collectors focusing on the early development of the model.
This reference typically features a stainless steel case, housing the manual-winding Omega Caliber 321. The movement provides a power reserve suitable for daily wear. The watch is fitted with a hesalite crystal, a characteristic material for chronographs of its era. The case dimensions reflect the design preferences of the period, offering a balanced presence on the wrist. The construction emphasizes durability and legibility, consistent with its intended function as a robust timing instrument.
For collectors, the ST105.003 holds particular appeal due to its position in the lineage of the model. Its specific dial, bezel, and case configurations are distinct from subsequent references, making it a focal point for those interested in the historical progression of the series. Variants within this reference are primarily related to minor production changes over its manufacturing period, which are closely studied by enthusiasts seeking to understand the nuances of early production examples. It is valued for its historical accuracy and its representation of an important developmental phase.
Specifications
- Caliber
- 321
- Case
- Stainless steel
- Diameter
- 39.7 mm
- Dial
- Black
- Water Resist.
- Not specified
- Crystal
- Hesalite
About the Omega Speedmaster Ref. 105.012-65
The Omega Speedmaster reference 105.012-65 represents a significant iteration within the Speedmaster lineage, being among the early professional models. This reference is distinguished by its asymmetrical case design, which was introduced to provide additional protection for the crown and pushers. It succeeded earlier symmetrical case designs and established a visual language that would become characteristic of many subsequent Speedmaster Professional models. This specific reference was produced during a pivotal period for the model line.
This Speedmaster features a stainless steel case, typically measuring 42mm in diameter. It houses the manual-winding Omega Caliber 321, a column-wheel chronograph movement known for its robust construction and precision. The crystal protecting the dial is made of Hesalite, a material chosen for its shatter-resistant properties. The movement provides a power reserve of approximately 44 hours, ensuring reliable operation over an extended period.
For collectors, the 105.012-65 is notable as one of the last references to utilize the Caliber 321 before the transition to the Caliber 861. Its production year, 1965, places it firmly within the era that established the Speedmaster's enduring appeal. The combination of the asymmetrical case and the Caliber 321 makes this reference particularly sought after, representing a key transitional model in the Speedmaster's development.
Specifications
- Caliber
- 321
- Case
- Stainless Steel
- Diameter
- 42mm
- Dial
- Black
- Water Resist.
- 50m
- Crystal
- Hesalite