For sale, this alluring and remarkable Omega Speedmaster Professional reference 145.022-69 ST. This present chronograph is issued from one of the most iconic lineages in horology. In fact the Speedmaster has become a brand unto itself for the past six decades, with a history adorned in intrigue that saw its star rise from deep racing roots to a the space race during the 1960s.

This reference is the last pre-moon model as it was designed before the first moon landing in July 1969 but only launched in December 1969 and in production until around 1971.
In regards with collectability, this example has everything one would want in a great vintage Speedmaster, plus it offers an intriguing provenance, linked with a former world and Asian champion. Undoubtedly, this would be a perfect addition to any collection. 

Please read the condition report carefully to help you assess the overall condition of the watch.

MODEL / REFERENCE: Omega Speedmaster Professional ref. 145.022-69 ST. A 28 Million serial number dates the production year to 1969.

DIAL+HANDS: The dial features the classic and pure speedmaster design that we all love and cherish, with three sunken, engine-turned registers indicating constant seconds, 30 minutes and 12 hours registers, and no date. The harmonious and balanced black color is starting to take a dark chocolate “tropical” tone, leading to very fresh and vintage appearance. A true eye candy if you ask us!

This dial ticks all the boxes for originality. For starters, this is the last stepped of its kind. Also the first to feature a painted Omega logo and Professional text denomination, the shortened baton markers and the correct Wide spaced “ T SWISS MADE T ” at the very bottom.

From the text to the radial minutes track, the printing on the dial is very crisp and phenomenally preserved.

The hour stripes are set with faded Tritium that appears to be intact and started to age to a warm custard patina.

The lume coated baton hands, along the luminous spade hand are correct to the watch and have aged to a greyish, ivory tone. Their Tritium lume is still intact all over and matches the color on the hour markers.

CRYSTAL: This timepiece has been fitted with a generic Plexiglas crystal, which is in very good condition, with light surface scratches.

MOVEMENT: This very reference is the first of its brethren to transition to the cam switched caliber 861, based on the Lemania 1873.

The manually wound, copper finished movement features a two-button, three-register, chronograph movement. It uses running small seconds at 9 o’clock, a central seconds hand and 2 recording subdials positioned respectively at 3 and 6 o’clock positions.

The movement has been recently serviced, thus it ticks strong and all the functions are in excellent working order: It sets, winds, and the chronograph starts, stops and resets smoothly.

CASE:  The modernly sized stainless steel case keeps its true essence with a sweet spot diameter of 42mm. The superb lyre lugs allow a charming wrist presence and wear comfort. This case was produced by one of Omega’s go-to makers during the 1960s: Huguenin Frères.

This reference features the first asymmetrical case of its kind with a slightly beefed up right side to protect the crown and pushers, earning it the “Professional” name on the dial to signal the case upgrade.

The case is still strong, despite the obvious wear signs throughout its life, but is still in lovely condition considering its age. We believe the case hasn’t been altered, seen the original brushed steel top and sides finishes, all the way to the polished bevels on the lugs.

The case wears the highly sought after, Aluminum bezel insert displaying a black BASE 500 tachymeter scale with the dot over 90 and the Dot diagonal 70 variation. The bezel is in fair, honest condition with displayed small spots of wear throughout.

CASEBACK:  The screw-down, single-step caseback has six notches and is considered to be the last “pre-moon” caseback from Omega as it doesn’t feature a reference to the moon landing. Instead, it displays clearly visible Seahorse logo and Speedmaster text engravings, further confirming that this is one of the earliest examples.

The inner caseback has a perlage finish is stamped with the right Omega nomenclature for the period such as the Huguenin Frères case maker’s hallmark, and reference number. The Speedmaster comes also equipped with metal dust cover to shield the movement from falling debris.

The overall condition is honest given the heavy scratches throughout, potentially from previous opening attempts.

This gem comes with a heartwarming provenance. If you’re a Badminton fan, probably the name Nara Sudjana rings a bell. The watch bears his engraved name and commemorates the triumph of his Indonesian team, who won the Thomas cup world title his in 1970. One year later, he was crowned the Badminton Asian champion in doubles.

CROWN + PUSHERS: The original 7mm crown is signed with the Omega logo at the center and functions flawlessly. The two chronograph pushers are original as well measuring 5mmx3.5mm. They start, stop and reset the chronograph module crisply.

 BRACELET: This Speedy comes complete with its original 1039 flat link bracelet, coupled with its correct 20mm, 516 curved endlinks. The bracelet is in good condition with minimal stretch and light scratches and still retains its satin finish. 

The inside of the folding clasp is stamped with the correct Omega nomenclature such as the logo and reference numbers. 

ACCESSORIES: 

Omega Extract of Archives
Omega vintage watch box

The Speedmaster DNA has functionality and usefulness written all over it. Needless to say, this well-built device is first and foremost a tool watch at heart, which happens to be linked to a continental champion who wore and relied on its functions. A badminton fan or not, this Speedy is the watch to go with!

WARRANTY: We guarantee the authenticity of the watch. We also provide 12 months guarantee for the correct function of this timepiece. All guarantees are subject to the General Terms and conditions of ChronoScope Collector Watches, Switzerland. 

The price is 10,500 CHF (Swiss Franc) or best reasonable offer plus shipping at actual cost. Low ball offers will be politely ignored.
Watch and I are in Switzerland.
Feel free to ask questions, I will be glad to answer.

Please feel free to ask questions, we will be glad to answer. Virtual or face-to-face viewing is available by appointment.
ChronoScope Collector Watches, Luzern, Switzerland.