THE ESSENTIALS

MAKE: OMEGA
MODEL: 145.022-71
YEAR: 1971
BOX/PAPERS: NO/YES (Archive)
CASE DIAMETER: 42MM
CASE MATERIAL: STAINLESS STEEL
BRACELET MATERIAL: STAINLESS STEEL
MOVEMENT: MANUAL WIND

The ref. 145.022-71 is the first Speedmaster in the range with a caseback that references the Moon landing. Most people know the straight-writing caseback, but this subtle gem was technically the first post–Pre-Moon Speedy.

So what’s so special about it? When Omega decided to add the inscription “Flight-Qualified by NASA for All Manned Space Missions” to the caseback—rather than the “First Watch Worn on the Moon” straight-text inscription—it required approval from NASA’s Public Affairs office. As that approval was delayed, Omega released a small number of 145.022-71s with completely blank casebacks. For a very short production window, these left the factory without any inscription at all. This is only the second example Stef—well-known as a Speedy fanatic—has ever encountered. A truly stealthy and rare piece.

This example dates to December 10th, 1971, according to the Omega Archive, and was delivered to a US dealer. The watch remains in fantastic, original condition: the dial is flawless, the tritium lume has aged to a rich creamy patina, and the case is unpolished. The correct 1175/640 bracelet is in great shape and will accommodate a 19.5 cm wrist.

The movement has just been serviced and is running perfectly at +4 s/d, 290 amps, with a beat error of 0.1 ms.