Speedmaster “Ed White”‘s long hunt is over

The older I get, the easier it will be to pass on the opportunity to buy, especially if the watch in question is not 100% perfect and there is a need for compromise. I was looking for the correct example of the Omega Speedmaster “Ed White” ref. 105.003 was six years, but my hunt has recently ended, and I couldn’t be more satisfied.

Looking back at what happened over the past six years and the speedy thing I decided to give, I have to say one thing. Despite feeling a kind of urgency to have a vintage Speedmaster, I was never so patient, clear and calm when hunting other watches. This is due to the importance of Speedmaster Ed White and Caliber, but that’s also interesting. Because I didn’t feel I was part of the core Fratero tribe. Vintage Speed ​​is the essence of the brand’s story and the beginning of the magazine’s journey. I know it might sound childish and ridiculous, but as one of Fratello’s longtime editors, I felt that my knowledge and experience was not perfect without a vintage Speedmaster.

Which Speedmaster?

I had only one option. Speedmaster’s 60th Anniversary LE helped me realize that the early broad arrow examples were not the best for me. I found it difficult to read the steel hands quickly. The white baton hand was the only ideal option, so there was no need to worry that you probably didn’t have a budget for early speed. On the other hand, I knew that flat rugs, small cases and security guards were not essential to feel the original experience and enjoy simple, functional visuals. I had no problems deciding which references I wanted, but I didn’t feel the urge to have other vintage speeds. Omega Speedmaster ref. 105.003 was simply the best choice for me.

Retrospective of opportunity

There were pieces available at a great price, but they were not in perfect shape. However, I did it with other watches many times so I was not in a hurry to make a decision. Rather, I thought about it and continued to align with my priorities. I knew it was bothering me that there was no “perfect” example. What is my perfect example of Speedmaster Ed White? When I saw the complete set of €25k with boxes and papers on display, I realized that I didn’t have to pay any additional fees for documents or untouched conditions. I prefer the examples that are worn honestly but not worn. I rarely wear a bracelet, so the original bracelet was not essential either. I didn’t mind the scratches on the case, but I wanted the perfect dial with a fantastic soft yellow almost orange room.

My Ed White condition upon arrival

Dealer or eBay?

If you asked me to guess where I became my speed, I would have said it came from a dealer I respect. Sites like eBay have many Frankenwatches and put lodges. Another possibility was to find some works in their original state, untouched and untouched. I think I have enough experience to recognize authentic lists from private owners. Finally, I found an honest piece listed at a dealer auction that I knew. I trusted this work and loved patina so I decided to do some research.

Check RJ

My due diligence for a vintage Speedmaster always starts with our only RJ. I sent him an auction link and checked the photos. “It looks like 105.003-65 from the book, but the dents are bothering me,” RJ texted me after a detailed investigation. Interestingly, I noticed a deep scar on the lower right rug, which didn’t bother me at all. This is a great example of how different we are and how our trigger points are different. Encouraged by RJ’s approval and a UV shot on the dial suggesting that it had never been hand drawn, I decided to get it. And fortunately, I managed to do so.

A fun surprise

I discovered that the 105.003-65 ED White was produced on July 4, 1966. It was delivered to the US military on August 31 that year, particularly to the European Exchange System. These facts coincided with the story provided by the man who commissioned it for the auction. “I’m not the original owner. I came across a watch while experiencing my sister’s property for the deceased sister. My best guess was that it belonged to her late husband, but I’ve never seen him wear it. It was hidden in the lockbox.”

At the time I already knew about the US Army connections, but I didn’t reveal any details to the seller as I wanted to reassess the story from the other end. “He was in the military in the 1960s. He was in Japan and England. He was still a photographer,” he commissioned, and my jaw fell. I quickly shared the news with RJ. “Same for the great source. Total!” I couldn’t agree any more. The next day, I even got the name of the original owner, Paul Kunisley. Now I need to start research if I can find more information about his military career. It’s exciting!

First impression

Upon arrival, the watches went to my watchmaker for a full spa treatment. The original acrylic crystal with the Omega symbol looks new after receiving a decent polish, and the view on the dial is divine. The dark, sandy aging in the room is very magnetic so I can’t stop looking at it. I was a huge fan of the Speedmaster 60th Anniversary Le, but I have to say that 105.003 Ed’s Ed White will beat it because it’s easy to read. The white baton hand and the black bezel insert make a big difference.

Wrist time

I have to say my Ed White Romance has taken my Galal chronograph off my wrist for two weeks. I’ve been wearing this speed straight for 14 days, but still counting. I don’t remember wearing one watch at the end for this long. The presence of the wrist is perfect. The watch has a diameter of 39.7mm, giving it the perfect balance between modern and vintage.

I feel like I’m wearing a vintage Speedmaster

There’s another thing I should tell you. I don’t know if everyone feels the same way or if I’m the only one, but wearing a speedy Ed white is pretty… magic? I don’t know if it’s due to years of waiting time and expectations I’ve built up over the years, but this watch gives me a certain sense of wearing something satisfying on my wrist. They feel entertainment, pride and joy at the same time. It’s different from wearing a Rolex. The Speedmaster’s name is strong, but the Vintage Speedmaster is still slightly underrated. It looks premium, but it’s gorgeous, rich, and not luxurious. It’s decent and functional. Needless to say, it feels like I realized that this reference was a watch filmed for the first American spacecraft during the 1965 Gemini IV mission.

The final thought

The older you get, the fewer clocks you spin, and it’s fine. I see it as the process by which the watch finds me. There are no strict rules for switching clocks every day, and you don’t know what type of watch to choose when you wake up and decide who to join your wrist. But I can imagine, and even with this idea, I acknowledge that this Speedmaster Ed White could become my daily beater. So far, I took it on our weekend trip to the countryside and flew to Madrid for a meeting with it and played with my kids while wearing it. I’m happy to report that I’m treating it like a champion. Ask me in a few months how this romance has evolved.

PS: I have one secret, unspoken desire. Can you give anyone advice on where you can get your original pulsating bezel?