Omega Speedmaster 145.022-69 Grey Racing dial with Original Box and Booklet, 1969

Dealer description — Bulang & Sons

The Omega Speedmaster is one of the world's most iconic chronographs, originally launched in 1957 as a racing and sports watch. It was the first chronograph to feature a tachymeter scale on the external bezel rather than the dial, improving readability for racing drivers. In the early 1960s, NASA secretly acquired chronographs from several manufacturers to determine which would be suitable for its astronauts. After surviving a series of brutal qualification tests—including extreme temperatures, violent shocks, vibrations, acceleration, and decompression—the Speedmaster was the only watch to pass. In 1965, NASA officially certified it for all manned space missions . Its most legendary moment came on July 21, 1969 (UTC), when astronaut Buzz Aldrin stepped onto the lunar surface during the Apollo 11 mission while wearing his Speedmaster. This historic achievement forever cemented the watch's place in history and earned it its enduring nickname: the "Moonwatch." If you are looking for a truly rare and historically significant Omega Speedmaster, look no further. Produced in a limited run of approximately 150 pieces, this reference is widely regarded as Omega's first limited-production Speedmaster, making it one of the most collectible vintage Speedmasters ever produced. Although the Speedmaster Mark II is best known for its colourful "Racing Dial," it remains something of a mystery why Omega produced a small batch of these dials for the reference 145.022. Whether it was a market test, an experiment to gauge demand, or an attempt to appeal to motorsport enthusiasts, no official explanation has ever surfaced. Whatever the reason, it is estimated that only around 150 examples were cased, making this one of the rarest and most desirable Speedmasters in existence. The classic asymmetrical 42 mm stainless steel case is in wonderful condition. The case back retains a well-defined hippocampus medallion, and we have deliberately chosen to leave the watch untouched, as we found no evidence that it has ever been polished. The original tachymeter bezel remains in very nice condition and features the coveted "Dot Over Ninety" (DON) configuration, while the original Omega-signed hesalite crystal is still fitted. The distinctive grey "Racing Dial" immediately catches the eye with its vivid orange accents, matching orange hands, and soft red outer minute track. These vibrant colours give the watch tremendous wrist presence—we've even included a photograph taken under UV light, where the dial truly comes alive. The watch is fitted with the correct Omega reference 1039 flat-link bracelet with 516 end links and a clasp stamped 2/70. Inside beats the legendary hand-wound calibre 861, fully checked and regulated and bearing a movement number within the correct range documented for the other known Racing Dial Speedmasters. Whether these watches were intended as a limited-production experiment or simply a bold exploration of a more colourful Speedmaster, we may never know. What is certain is that they have become one of the most sought-after and fascinating chapters in Speedmaster history. The watch comes with its original Omega inner and outer boxes and an Omega booklet. A true collector's Speedmaster in every sense of the word. Combining the legendary calibre 861, the coveted Racing Dial, and an estimated production of only 150 pieces, this is an opportunity to acquire one of the rarest and most fascinating Speedmasters ever made. Let us get you this wrapped around your wrist! Specifications Omega Speedmaster Reference 145-022-69 Rare grey racing dial Dot over Ninety (DON) tachymeter bezel Movement no. 2960xxxx Dating to 1969 Calibre 861 movement, hand wound Inner and Outer Omega boxes, Omega booklet Reference 1039 bracelet with 516 end links Fully serviced by our watchmaker