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. As such, the 145.022 that we have here is the 145.022-74 sub-reference and is identified by its flat dial, commemorative caseback, Dot Next to 90 bezel and the “short S” on its dial whereby the ‘S’ in Speedmaster does not extend past the bottom of the ‘P’.

In very well retained excellent condition. The dial is very attractive and the lumes and hands have aged and exhibit a warm consistent orange patina. The crystal with some wear, the bezel and insert with wear and minor dings throughout. The case with surface wear, nice proportions and definition. The case with wear and minor corrosion with minor losses to the enamel inscription. The braceelt with stretch, 20 links, 1 removable. Adjustable clasp.

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.