Few watches occupy a place in horological history quite like the Omega Speedmaster Professional. Introduced in 1957 as a chronograph for racing drivers, the Speedmaster's destiny changed forever when it was selected by NASA in 1965 as the only watch qualified for all manned space missions. It subsequently accompanied astronauts throughout the Gemini programme before becoming the first watch worn on the Moon during the Apollo 11 mission in July 1969, forever earning the nickname "Moonwatch".

The reference 145.022 represents one of the most important chapters in the Speedmaster's evolution. Introduced in 1968, it marked the transition from the revered calibre 321 to the more robust and easier-to-service calibre 861, a movement that would power the Moonwatch for decades to come. Early examples, such as this late-1960s watch, retain the clean "Pre-Moon" case back produced before Omega commemorated the lunar landing with engraved inscriptions, making these transitional references especially appealing to collectors seeking an authentic piece of Speedmaster history.

Watch is in overall very good condition. The steel case shows light surface scratches and light nicks. The case back retains still-legible engravings. The bezel has light scuffs, while the insert shows marks, chips and areas of delamination. The dial is excellent, with some discolouration to the luminous material in places. The minute hand has some lume missing. It is fitted with a steel Omega bracelet showing light surface marks and light play between the links. The bracelet is fitted with 23 links and fits approximately a 7¼” wrist. Please note that the watch is fitted with a 20m serial 321 movement. Although there are evidence that early 145.022s came with 321 movements, this movement serial number has an early serial number that is too early. Consider it was swapped. Watch has the correct applied Omega logo, a later bezel insert, and the correct hippocampus caseback.