1969 Omega Speedmaster Reference 145.022 Watch

Chosen by NASA scientists as capable of going into space on the arms of the first astronauts, the Omega Speedmaster was orbiting in space in the early 1960s and eventually ended up landing on the moon in 1969 with Buzz Aldrin (Neil Armstrong left his inside the spacecraft). Since those days, Omega has made a slew of Speedmaster models. But this early Speedy, made the same year as the landing, is a "Pre-Moon" model with 861 movement and sought-after caseback with the simple Omega Hippocampus logo (and not the commemorative design seen on watches after the landing). A history aside: the first Speedmasters featured a 321 movement, but they switched to the more accurate calibre 861 starting in 1968. Cementing its place in horological history, this particular watch celebrates its 50th birthday this year (as does the landing). This example has aged beautifully with a nearly untouched bezel, non-repainted lume, and minor case markings from five decades of life. The hippocampus caseback engraving is more intact and visible than many examples of the 145.022 as it has not been extensively polished down over time. It arrives on a new black leather strap made by hand by a single Italian craftsman accentuated by hand-made side stitches. Water resistance is not guaranteed on any vintage timepiece.

Case Diameter: 42mm / Lug Width: 20mm / Movement: Calibre .861 Manual Winding Chronograph

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