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Omega Speedmaster 145.012 Calibre 321 "Pre-Moon", 1968 — view 1 of 6
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Wristwatches · Wristwatch

Omega Speedmaster 145.012 Calibre 321 "Pre-Moon", 1968

DocumentedDocumented from a dealer's listing; attribution and date as stated by the dealer.
Maker / attribution
Omega (maker)
Date
1968
Country of origin
Switzerland
Object type
Wristwatch
Stock no.
OMSPM68
Credit line
Dealer listing, Craft & Tailored (OMSPM68)
Catalogue title (original)
1968 OMEGA Speedmaster 145.012 CALIBRE 321 "Pre-Moon" (English)

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Record summary

Catalogued by Craft & Tailored (dealer), Los Angeles (stock number OMSPM68), this is a wristwatch by Omega, made in Switzerland, dated 1968. The Atlas places it in the Modern Mechanical Horology period (1945 – 1969) of its Wristwatches collection. The record is illustrated with 6 photographs.

Assembled from the source record's structured fields. Dates and attributions are given as the source states them; where a field is missing the Atlas leaves it blank rather than estimating.

Catalogue description

Dealer description — Craft & Tailored

(Alan Bean With An Omega Speedmaster Professional On Lunar Surface Of The Moon) The Omega Speedmaster Professional is by far one of our most favorite chronographs. The Speedmaster has an incredible history starting with automotive racing moving into flight and eventually to NASA and the U.S. Space Program. There are many subtle differences within the vintage Omega Speedmaster range of references that make them all slightly unique and different. (NASA Astronaut Thomas Stafford With two Omega Speedmaster Professional Speedmaster's During "Suit Up") This Omega Speedmaster transitional model Ref. 145.012 dates this specific example too late 1968 uses the earlier Caliber 321 movement. The original matte black stepped dial with applied Omega logo has achieved a wonderful patina and the bezel insert has the original dot over 90 (DON) bezel, and pre-moon seahorse case back. This specific example is a very rare last production pre-moon reference. The step dial or "Pie Pan" Omega Speedmaster's possess a charm and feel that that the new modern equivalents don't seem to quite have. The Ref 145.012 with the workhorse Cal. 321 movement is clearly built to last. The Speedmaster looks great on the bracelet as well as a handcrafted leather strap. It is one of our favorite chronographs due to its timeless design and functionality. Its versatility to be paired with the most formal and the most casual of wardrobe also makes the Speedmaster a good choice for the first vintage timepiece and or a classic daily driver. SPECS Stock # OMSPM68 Brand Omega Style Speedmaster Professional Model 145.012 Serial 26,5XX,XXX Size Men's Material SS Dial Matte Applied Logo Millimeters 42 Bracelet Omega 1039 Bracelet 516 Ends CASE & BRACELET The case is in overall excellent condition showing original factory finishes and sharp lugs that we believe remains in unpolished condition. The original bezel insert is "Dot over 90" (DON) and has achieved a wonderful deep anthracite fade. The "Pre-Moon" Seahorse case back has very minimal wear and is clearly visible. This specific example retains the original Omega 1039 Bracelet with accompanying and original 516 end links and shows very minimal stretch. The crown appears to have been replaced by Omega at some point as it is not a "flat foot" crown more commonly seen with cal. 321 movement Omega Speedmasters DIAL & HANDS Amazing black matte "step" dial with applied Omega logo. The tritium markers on the dial have achieved a wonderful creamy yellow patina and remain fully intact with no lume degradation when viewed under U.V. light. The tritium hands have also achieved a wonderful creamy yellow patina and show no lume loss and remain fully intact. ACCESSORIES

Historical context

Modern Mechanical Horology (1945 – 1969)

Tool watches for divers, pilots and astronauts; electric watches anticipate the electronic age.

The classic era of the mechanical wristwatch: dive watches, chronographs for motor racing and space flight, GMT watches for jet travel, slim dress watches, automatic calendars, and the rise of Japanese manufacturers alongside Swiss, American, German and Soviet industries.

Read the period in the timelineMore wristwatches from this periodEarlier: Golden Age of Mechanical Watchmaking

Atlas type guide

Wristwatches

Bracelet watches were worn by women from the early nineteenth century — Breguet made one for Caroline Murat, Queen of Naples, in 1810–12 — but the wristwatch only became a man's instrument with military use and aviation in the early twentieth century. Between the World Wars it overtook the pocket watch; the 1920s and 1930s brought rectangular Art Deco cases, water-resistant cases and the first automatic winding systems.

After 1945 the wristwatch became a carrier of identity — dress watches, sports and dive watches, chronographs, calendars — produced by Swiss, American, Japanese, German, Soviet and Chinese industries. The quartz revolution after 1969 and the mechanical renaissance since the 1990s, including the rise of independent watchmakers, complete the story.

What to look for

  • The reference number (between the lugs or inside the case back) and serial number, the starting point for dating.
  • The calibre: its maker and number are often stamped under the dial or on the bridge.
  • Originality of dial, hands and crown — refinished ('redial') dials are common.
  • Case material marks: 18K/750, 14K/585, stainless steel, gold-filled, plated.

Dating clues

  • Wire-lug cases: before c. 1925.
  • Water-resistant screw-down cases: from 1926.
  • Quartz movements: from 1969; sapphire crystals widespread after c. 1980.

General guidance written by the Atlas editors about this kind of object. It is not a statement about this particular piece; for that, rely on the source record above and on physical examination.

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