Few watches have become as closely associated with a defining moment in history as the Omega Speedmaster Professional. Introduced in 1957 as a chronograph intended for motorsport, the Speedmaster found an entirely different purpose when NASA selected it for use by American astronauts in 1965. Having accompanied the Gemini missions and the subsequent Apollo programme, the Speedmaster achieved its place in history on 21 July 1969, when Buzz Aldrin wore his watch on the lunar surface during Apollo 11. Neil Armstrong had left his own Speedmaster aboard the lunar module, making Aldrin's the first wristwatch worn on the Moon. By this point, Omega had already introduced the ref. 145.022, which marked an important technical development with the adoption of the cam-operated calibre 861 in place of the earlier column-wheel calibre 321.

Dating to approximately 1969, this Speedmaster Professional ref. 145.022-69 brings together several details particularly appreciated by vintage Omega collectors. Its 42mm stainless steel case retains the familiar twisted lugs and asymmetrical profile of the Professional, while the black tachymeter bezel features the desirable Dot Over 90 configuration, a detail associated with early Speedmaster production. Completing the watch is an Omega stainless steel ref. 1039 bracelet with ref. 516 end links, a particularly appropriate period combination. Powered by the manually wound calibre 861, this example captures an important moment in the evolution of one of the world's most celebrated chronographs.