THE ESSENTIALS

MAKE: OMEGA
MODEL: 145.022-69
YEAR: 1969
BOX/PAPERS: NO/YES (ARCHIVE)
CASE DIAMETER: 42mm
CASE MATERIAL: STAINLESS STEEL
BRACELET MATERIAL: STAINLESS STEEL
MOVEMENT: MANUAL WIND

The reference 145.022-69 is the final pre-Moon model in the Speedmaster range, featuring a caseback that makes no reference to the Moon landing. While the model was conceived before the historic event, it only went on sale months later, in December 1969, and remained in production until 1971.

Despite being the most commonly encountered pre-Moon Speedmaster, the 145.022-69 is incredibly engaging to collect thanks to the wide variety of components found across examples—ranging from dials and bezels to casebacks.

This example dates to January 6th, 1970, making it one of the earliest ST-69 Speedmasters to leave the Omega factory. The watch remains in fantastic condition. The dial is flawless and has begun to turn brown, a known and desirable trait of early cellulose-lacquered dials. The tritium lume on the markers and hands has aged beautifully to a rich, creamy patina, and the case remains full and well preserved. The correct DON90 bezel is still present and shows honest wear, while the correct 1171/633 bracelet will accommodate a 19.5 cm wrist.

The movement was recent serviced and is running well at +6 s/day, with an amplitude of 270° and a beat error of 0.2 ms. The watch comes with an Omega box and an Extract from the Archives.