An example of one of the most iconic and sought after wrist watches. The Omega Speedmaster is renowned for accompanying astronauts on their voyages into space during the 1960's space race, and has become one of the most iconic, and recognisable sports watches in the world. This particular example is a 'pre-moon' version, meaning that it was made before the watch embarked on space travel.  The model was launched as part of the Omega "Professional" collection, to sit beside the Railmaster and the Seamaster in 1957. This model presented here, ST145.022 68 is, like the other Speedmaster on the website, an important model as this represented the very first movement away from the column-wheel caliber 321 to the cam-switched chronograph of the 861 caliber.

To add to this it was also essentially  a 'one year production' model, but spanning nearly two years, that, to the naked eye was exactly the same watch worn by both Neil Armstrong  and Buzz Aldrin during Apollo XI mission, July 20^th, 1969. This model featured the new case introduced with faceted   ‘Lyre lugs’, a which grew to forty two millimeter, with membranes introduced into the case next to the pushers for improved water resistance.  This watch was the last Speedmaster to feature an applied Omega logo before the 1969 version of this reference  switched to a less attractive printed Omega logo.  Also, notice how the long hour markers run through the minute track.  This was also changed after this reference. 

This example is also interesting for the fact that it was also one of the last batch of the 1968 applied models to come out of the factory.  This watch comes with the extract form the Omega archive to confirm production as having been March 28th 1969.  The case back, however is stamped as a "68" model, which is correct.  it was simply one of the last transitional models to leave the factory.

The rare, mint and important bezel from this period, which has the dot over the ninety, is present on the watch.  These bezels were introduced onto Speedmaster watches from the earliest references, eventually being phased out in the 1970's when the dot moved below the top of the '90'.  They are less common and quite collectible in themselves today. Sometimes called 'DON' bezels.

Another unusual feature to this particular example is the original 1039, date stamped "2 69", bracelet fitted to the watch.  The classic flat link bracelet with expandable end links was finally updated in the mid 1960's and remained on the watch until the early 1970's.  This bracelet features five arched links, two of which are narrow, flanking the center link.  The correct "516" stamped end links are present.  This was issued to 105.012 watches all the way up until this 145.022 68 reference, and again is original to the watch.

The stepped   dial on this   watch is in excellent   condition overall still showing original long lume on all of the hour markers that breach the step.  This dial is known as the "spaced T" dial.  Aforementioned applied metal   Omega logo," Professional" inscription, a spaced "T SWISS T" at the foot of the dial.  The hands are also original and have original lume which matches perfectly to the dial under UV light. The  "non-moon landing" case back is, of course, correct and features the newly introduced single bezel, the last Speedmaster to feature this case back.

This watch came from the wife of the original owner, and it had stayed in a draw for perhaps twenty years un-worn.  It is very easy to see that when handling this pristine original untouched and unpolished version.  Even the original acrylic crystal with Omega logo in the center is present.  The watch had not even seen a service until we had the pleasure of owning it.  This watch for many watch collectors and enthusiasts is regarded as one of the most important watches in watch history.  To find such a pure and original rare 'transitional' model is a real treat now nearly sixty years on.