1968 Omega Speedmaster Pre Moon Transitional Cal 861 Ref 145.022 ST 68

1968 Omega Speedmaster Ref 145.022

Description:

Probably one of the most iconic watches ever produced by Omega, the Omega Speedmaster is in the hall of fame for being the first watch worn on the moon in 1969. Subsequently Omega have produced countless limited and special edition Speedmasters, almost too many to count, but, nothing beats the original Speedmaster. Originally the Omega Speedmaster housed the Omega Cal 321 column wheel chronograph movement in the Ref 145.012 and revised the watch in 1968 to the Omega Cal 861 Ref 145.022. During a short span of time, The Ref 145.012 and Ref 145.022 looked nearly identical with the applied Omega logo, DON bezel and a depressed subdials. In this short time from, very few were produced making them more scarce that the later 145.022. From researching online, it appears that even fewer Ref 145.022 from ’68, also still used the 321 style center second chronograph hand.

Our particular example from ’68 is very clean with a nicely preserved dial and aged lume. The overall condition is very good and unpolished. There are scratches, scuffs and light dings which are to be expected. This watch was bought from the original owner and a few decades ago, he unfortunately replaced the bezel. When we received the watch the original glass had stress fractures and a hairline crack around the side so we bought and original Omega Speedmaster glass and fitted it. We also give the new owner two strap options, a blue Hirsch leather strap with clasp or an army green canvas strap, both will be included. The owner had a very small and unintrusive engraving of his initials just above the Speedmaster on the caseback. This watch is a fantastic example for any Omega or vintage watch collector and deserves to find a good home.

Dial:

The dial is matte black in color with luminous hour marker strips. The Hour, Minute, Seconds and Chronograph hands are painted white. The Hour and Minute hands have luminous compound. There is a minute and chronograph seconds track around the circumference of the dial. There are 3 subdials, the seconds at 9 o’clock, chronograph hours at 6 o’clock and chronograph minutes and 3 o’clock.

Details:

Diameter: 40mm

Thickness: 14mm

Lug Width: 20mm

Case Material: Stainless Steel

Strap Material: Leather & Canvas