Retrospective: A Long Hunt For An Omega Speedmaster “Ed White” 105.003 Comes To An End

The older I get, the easier it is for me to pass up buying opportunities, especially when the watch in question isn’t 100% perfect and requires a compromise. I was searching for the right example of an Omega Speedmaster “Ed White” ref. 105.003 for six years, but my hunt recently ended, and it couldn’t have been more satisfying.

Looking back at what happened during the last six years and the Speedies I decided to pass up, I have to say one thing. Despite feeling a sort of urgency to have a vintage Speedmaster, I have never been so patient, clear, and calm when hunting for any other watch. This is due to the importance of the Speedmaster Ed White and caliber, but it’s also interesting because, all the while, I didn’t feel like I was a part of the core Fratello tribe. Vintage Speedies are the essence of the brand’s story and the beginning of the magazine’s journey. I know it may sound childish, even ridiculous, but as one of the longtime editors of Fratello, I felt my knowledge and experience weren’t complete without a vintage Speedmaster.

Which Speedmaster?

There was only one option for me. The Speedmaster 60th Anniversary LE helped me understand that the early Broad Arrow examples wouldn’t be best for me. I found it hard to quickly read the steel hands. White baton hands were the only and ideal option, so I didn’t have to worry that I would probably never have the budget for early Speedies. On the other hand, I knew that flat lugs, a smaller case, and no guards would be essential to feel an original experience and enjoy simple, functional visuals. I had no problem deciding which reference I wanted, and I never felt the urge to have any other vintage Speedies. The Omega Speedmaster ref. 105.003 was simply the best choice for me.

Retrospective on opportunities

There were pieces available for great prices, but they weren’t in perfect shape. I didn’t rush the decision, though, as I had done many times with other watches. Rather, I thought about it and stayed consistent with my priorities. I knew it would bother me not to have a “perfect” example. What would my perfect Speedmaster Ed White example be? When a €25K complete set with box and papers popped up, I realized it was unnecessary to pay extra for documents or pristine condition. I prefer an honestly worn but not worn-out example. Since I rarely wear bracelets, the original bracelet wasn’t essential either. I didn’t mind some scars on the case, but I wanted a perfect dial with great soft yellow, almost orange aged lume.

My Ed White’s condition upon arrival

Dealer or eBay?

If you had asked me to guess where I’d get my Speedy from, I would’ve said that it would come from a dealer I respect. There are many Frankenwatches and put-togethers out there on sites like eBay. The other, smaller chance was that I would find some piece in the wild, untouched and in its original condition. I believe I am experienced enough to recognize a genuine listing from a private owner. Finally, I found an honest piece listed in an auction from a dealer I knew. I trusted the piece and liked the patina, so I decided to do the research.

RJ’s check

My due diligence on vintage Speedmasters always starts with our one and only RJ. I sent him the auction link to check the pictures for me. “It looks like a 105.003-65 from the books. That dent is bothering me, though,” RJ texted me after closer examination. Interestingly, I noticed that deep scar on the lower-right lug, but it didn’t bother me at all. This is a nice example of how different we are and how our trigger points differ. Encouraged by RJ’s approval and a UV shot of the dial that suggested the hands had never been relumed, I decided to get it. And happily, I managed to do so.

Pleasant surprise

I discovered that my 105.003-65 Ed White was produced on July 4th, 1966. It was delivered to the US Army on August 31st of that year, specifically to the European Exchange System. These facts matched the story that the guy who consigned it for the auction provided. “I am not the original owner. I came across the watch while going through my late sister’s things for her estate. My best guess is that it was her late husband’s, although I never saw him wear it. It was tucked away in a lock box.”

At that time, I already knew about the US Army connection, but I did not disclose details to the seller since I wanted to double-check the story from the other end. “He was in the military in the 1960s. He was in Japan and England, and he was still a photographer,” said the consigner, and my jaw dropped. I shared the news with RJ instantly. “Awesome provenance as well. Adds up!” I couldn’t agree more. In the following days, I even got the name of the original owner, Paul Knisley. Now I need to start researching if I can find more information about his military career. It’s exciting!

First impressions

Upon arrival, the watch 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 of the dial is divine. The dark, sandy aging of the lume is so magnetic that I can’t stop looking at it. I was a big fan of the Speedmaster 60th Anniversary LE, but I have to say that the 105.003 Ed White beats it for legibility. White baton hands and a black bezel insert make a huge difference.

Wrist time

I have to say my Ed White romance kept my Gallet chronographs off my wrist for two whole weeks. I’ve been wearing this Speedy for 14 days straight, and I’m still counting. I don’t remember the last time I wore one watch for this long. The wrist presence is just perfect. With the watch’s 39.7mm diameter, it’s the perfect balance between modern and vintage.

How it feels wearing a vintage Speedmaster

There’s another thing I should tell you. I’m not sure if everyone feels the same way or if it’s just me, but wearing a Speedy Ed White is pretty…magical? I don’t know if it’s due to the long wait or the expectations I built up over the years, but this watch brings a specific feeling of wearing something satisfying on the wrist. I feel amusement, pride, and joy at the same time. It’s different from wearing a Rolex. The Speedmaster name is strong, yet vintage Speedmasters are still slightly underrated. It looks premium but not opulent, rich, or extravagant. It’s decent and functional. Not to mention that feeling you get when you realize this reference was the watch taken for the first American spacewalk during the 1965 Gemini IV mission.

Last thoughts

The older I get, the fewer watches I rotate, and I’m OK with that. I look at it as a process of watches finding me. I have no strict rules for switching my watches daily, nor do I know what watch I’ll opt for when I wake up and decide on my wrist companion. But I can imagine, and I admit I even considered the idea, that this Speedmaster Ed White could become my daily beater. So far, I’ve taken it on a weekend trip to our country house, flown to Madrid for a conference with it, and played with my kids while wearing it. I’m happy to report that it has been handling it all like a champion. Ask me in a few months how this romance has evolved.

PS: I have one secret, unspoken desire. Can anyone advise me on where I can get an original pulsation bezel?