Introduction
Famed as perhaps one of watchmaking's most universally well-known watches, the Omega Speedmaster became the first timepiece ever to be worn on the moon following Omega's successful bid for the Speedmaster to become NASA's choice timepiece for their standard astronaut kit. After its successful inclusion in the 1965 Gemini program, the Speedmaster also adorned the wrists of the astronauts during the Apollo moon landing missions, and so, in 1969, following Buzz Aldrin's historic steps on the moon (Neil Armstrong left his watch on the lunar module) it became the Moonwatch that we all know and love. After the successful 1969 touchdown on the lunar surface, Omega launched the ref. 145.022-69 from within the previously created 145.022 collection as a means to commemorate one of the most legendary moments in human history. As part of the 145.022 collection, Omega created several variants across the years that feature small changes from one reference to another such as different dials, bezels, casebacks and other small details.
Loupe This Scorecard
Grade
V 8.5
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Watch Only
Est. value range
$4,000 – $6,000
The Details
Brand
Omega
Dimensions
42mm
Model
Speedmaster
Movement
Manual-wind cal. 861
Reference
145.022
Bracelet
Stainless steel bracelet
Year
Circa late 1960s
Condition
Very good
Material
Stainless steel
Included
Watch only
Dial Color
Black

THE DIAL
Fitted with a MkII dial, this example's black dial is flat with only sunken subdials.

TIMING MACHINE READOUT
This reading was taken (crown down) with a ONEOF Accuracy Boutique Edition timing machine at time of cataloging. It is provided as a courtesy only, and shall not be construed as a warranty or guarantee of any kind. Please refer to our terms and conditions of sale for more information.

THE CASEBACK
A rarer pre-moon example, this ref. 145.022 is from before the Moon landings in 1969, as evidenced by its lack of a commemorative caseback, which became the norm for the reference after the landings.
Condition
Watch is in very good overall condition. Case has some light wear, with superficial scratches and marks visible. The "Pre-Moon" caseback engraving is visible. Hands have light wear near the pinion, but otherwise excellent. Dial is excellent condition with cream colored luminous and no visible marks or damage. The original "Dot over 9" bezel insert has a few light scratches. Bracelet has 19 links total, with light stretch.
Our Perspective
A legendary watch that certainly needs no introduction, the Speedmaster is arguably one of the most important timepieces in horology and every collector should have one in their collection, and examples like this 145.022 don't come around often.