THE ESSENTIALS
MAKE: OMEGA
MODEL: 145.022-69
YEAR: 1971
BOX/PAPERS: NO/NO
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. Although the model was conceived before the lunar landing, it only went on sale months later, in December 1969. Given its relatively high production numbers, it is today the pre-Moon Speedmaster most commonly encountered on the pre-owned market.
Among these, however, collectors have noted an interesting development in certain dials over the years — some turn an attractive brown hue (typically seen in serial ranges from 29.11xxxx to around 31.00xxxx, this example being 30.5xxxx). While the reasons behind dial changes often remain speculative, in this case Singer, the dial manufacturer, provided an explanation. The brass dials were coated in a nickel-zinc alloy, which then required a thin layer of nitrocellulose varnish to prevent the nickel from oxidising. The issue was that this varnish was porous and of relatively poor quality. Singer later replaced it with a synthetic varnish that proved far more resistant to degradation.
The brown hue that develops on these dials is in fact the nickel plating oxidising beneath the compromised varnish. This differs from the “milk chocolate” dials seen on earlier calibre 321 examples, which were typically caused by UV exposure, radiation, humidity, and environmental factors. Either way — whether milk or dark chocolate in tone — the effect is beautiful and highly collectible.
The example offered here remains in largely original condition from the late 1960s and also retains the desirable “220 error” bezel, which Omega later corrected. The case appears unpolished and shows honest wear consistent with age. The hands still retain some of their original lume, though there is minor lume loss.
The movement was serviced within the last few months and is running superbly at +4 s/day, with an amplitude of 290° and a 0.0 ms beat error.