Description
The 35mm stainless steel case of this Omega Seamaster Chronograph is compact yet well-balanced, with a slim bezel that emphasizes the clean and spacious dial layout. Its brushed and polished surfaces add depth to the design, while the pump-style pushers and fluted crown provide an effortless tactile experience. The domed acrylic crystal enhances the vintage charm and protects the dial while offering excellent clarity.
The white dial is an exercise in minimalist elegance, with applied steel baton indices and matching dauphine hands that lend it a clean, legible appearance. The tri-compax layout features recessed sub-dials at 3, 6, and 9 o’clock, offering a running seconds indicator, a 30-minute counter, and a 12-hour totalizer, respectively. The subtle outer minute track ensures precise timekeeping and complements the chronograph’s functionality. Omega’s logo and the Seamaster name appear in a reserved yet prominent style, a hallmark of the brand’s mid-century design ethos.
The Movement
At the heart of the reference 105.005-66 is Omega’s caliber 321, one of the most celebrated manual-wind chronograph movements in watchmaking history. Developed in collaboration with Lémania, the caliber 321 features a column-wheel mechanism, lauded for its smooth operation and superior reliability. This movement not only powered the Seamaster but was also famously used in early Speedmaster models, including those worn during NASA’s Apollo missions, lending the 105.005-66 an aura of technical and historical significance.
The caliber 321’s precise engineering and robust construction made it a benchmark for chronograph movements, and it remains a favorite among collectors for its performance and craftsmanship. Its manual-wind mechanism provides a tangible connection to traditional watchmaking, rewarding wearers with the tactile experience of winding the movement.
Legacy and Collectability
The Omega Seamaster Chronograph 105.005-66 is a highly collectible piece, offering the rare combination of Omega’s legendary caliber 321 movement and the enduring appeal of the Seamaster line. Its 35mm size, while modest by modern standards, ensures it wears comfortably and retains a vintage charm that is increasingly sought after by collectors.
With its stainless steel construction, versatile design, and historical caliber, the 105.005-66 is a standout example of Omega’s ability to create chronographs that are both functional and elegant. It remains a coveted piece among vintage enthusiasts, embodying the best of 1960s watchmaking.
What we love:
- Wonderful white dial
- Beautiful case condition
- Wonderful patina in the hands
- Rare 321 caliber Seamaster
What you should know:
- Unless otherwise stated, it is common for vintage watches to not come with box and papers. In the rare example that a watch does come with box and papers it will be mentioned in the description. All purchases come with a bespoke black wooden watch box and warranty card.
