The year 1966 holds a significant, albeit often overlooked, place in the history of the Omega Speedmaster. While 1965 is frequently lauded as the year the Speedmaster solidified its iconic status, 1966 represents a crucial period of transition, refinement, and continued evolution before its lunar triumph. This article delves into the fascinating nuances of the Speedmaster models produced in 1966, exploring their place within the broader context of the watch's rich history, its remarkable price appreciation, and its enduring connection to space exploration.
Vintage Omega Speedmaster 1965: Setting the Stage
To fully understand the 1966 Speedmasters, we must first acknowledge the foundational work done in 1965. This year witnessed the production of the now-legendary reference 105.003, a crucial stepping stone towards the moon-bound Speedmaster Professional. The 105.003, with its distinctive features like the asymmetrical case and dot-over-ninety dial, cemented the Speedmaster's position as a robust and reliable chronograph, paving the way for the variations that would follow in 1966 and beyond. Understanding the 105.003's design and specifications is vital in appreciating the subtle yet significant changes introduced in the subsequent year. These changes, while seemingly minor, contributed to the watch's eventual qualification for NASA's rigorous testing program.
Omega Speedmaster Professional History: The 105.012 and Beyond
1966 saw the introduction of the reference 105.012, a model often considered a transitional piece between the 105.003 and the later, more famous reference 145.012-67. This reference, along with the 105.003-64 EW, signifies the ongoing refinement of the Speedmaster's design and construction. The 105.012 featured a number of key improvements, including a more robust movement and subtle modifications to the dial and case. These subtle changes, often only noticeable to seasoned collectors, highlight Omega's commitment to continuous improvement and their dedication to producing a timepiece capable of withstanding the extreme conditions of space travel. The “don’t” in the provided prompt likely refers to overlooking the significance of these transitional models in favor of focusing solely on the more readily recognized later references. Both the 105.003-64 EW and the 105.012-64 represent important links in the evolutionary chain leading to the iconic moonwatch.
Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch History: The Legacy Begins
While the Speedmaster's journey to the moon is inextricably linked with the later 145.012, the 1966 models played a vital role in laying the groundwork. The rigorous testing and improvements implemented in the 105.012 directly contributed to the success of the subsequent models that would eventually grace the wrists of the Apollo astronauts. The experience gained from producing and refining the 105.012, with its improved movement and construction, provided invaluable data and feedback that influenced the design and manufacture of the Speedmaster Professional that would become synonymous with the Apollo missions. The 1966 Speedmasters were not simply a stepping stone; they were active participants in the ongoing process of refinement and improvement that ultimately led to the selection of the Speedmaster as the official watch of NASA.
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