Miranda presents a detailed historical overview of the Apollo 16 mission, emphasizing the crucial role of Omega Speedmaster watches worn by astronauts John Young, Charles Duke, and Ken Mattingly. This post meticulously documents the mission's duration, objectives, and the specific Speedmaster references that accompanied the crew on their lunar highlands adventure, making it a valuable resource for space and watch enthusiasts alike.
The tenth Apollo mission took off on the 16.04.72 and lasted for 11 days 1 hour and 51 minutes! returning home on the 27.04.72
On board were the Astronauts, John Young, Charles Duke and Ken Mattingly.
Their mission, was the fifth moon landing and the first time a landing took place in the lunar highlands.
The Lunar Roving Vehicle (LRV) was used was for the second time and it covered 26.7km on the lunar surface.
Both Young and Duke spent a total of 71 hours on the lunar surface of which 20 hours and 14 minutes was extra-vehicular.

Speedmaster’s were of course essential equipment and all three astronauts wore them:
Mattingly: 105.012-65
John Young: 105.012: CB case
Charles Duke :105.012-CB
Summary;
Thomas Mattingly 105.012-65
John Young 105.012-CB
Charles Duke 105.012-CB
All picture credits gratefully to NASA and the Smithsonian Air and Space museum.
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 Professional Pre-Moon Ref. 105.012
The Omega Speedmaster reference 105.012 represents a significant evolution within the Speedmaster line, marking a transition point in its design and technical specifications. This reference is notable for introducing design elements that would become enduring features of the model, distinguishing it from earlier iterations while laying groundwork for subsequent versions. It is recognized for its robust construction and functional aesthetic, appealing to collectors who appreciate the historical progression of the Speedmaster.
This reference features a stainless steel case, typically measuring 42 mm in diameter. It houses the manual-winding Omega Caliber 321, a column-wheel chronograph movement known for its reliability and intricate construction. The watch is fitted with a Hesalite crystal, a characteristic choice for its durability and resistance to shattering. Water resistance is rated at 50 meters, providing protection against splashes and light moisture exposure.
For collectors, the 105.012 is a reference of interest due to its specific production period and its place in the Speedmaster's development. Its appeal lies in its technical specifications and its historical context within the broader Omega catalog. The fixed tachymeter bezel and black dial are consistent with the functional design philosophy of the era, making it a sought-after piece for those focusing on the lineage of the Speedmaster.
Specifications
- Caliber
- 321
- Case
- Stainless steel
- Diameter
- 42 mm
- Dial
- Black
- Water Resist.
- 50m
- 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