
Wristwatches · Wristwatch
Omega Speedmaster 145.022 Calibre 861 "Pre-Moon" 220 Bezel, 1969
- Maker / attribution
- Omega (maker)
- Date
- 1969
- Historical period
- Quartz Revolution (1969 – 1990)
- Country of origin
- Switzerland
- Object type
- Wristwatch
- Stock no.
- OMSPM68-3
- Credit line
- Dealer listing, Craft & Tailored (OMSPM68-3)
- Catalogue title (original)
- 1969 OMEGA Speedmaster 145.022 CALIBRE 861 "Pre-Moon" RARE 220 Bezel (English)
View the source record (dealer listing) ↗ (opens another website in a new tab)Suggest a correction
Record summary
Catalogued by Craft & Tailored (dealer), Los Angeles (stock number OMSPM68-3), this is a wristwatch by Omega, made in Switzerland, dated 1969. The Atlas places it in the Quartz Revolution period (1969 – 1990) 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. The early 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 145.022 with the workhorse Cal. 861 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. (Buzz Aldrin Wearing His NASA Issued Omega Speedmaster Professional, Apollo 11) This specific Omega Speedmaster transitional model Ref. 145.022 is truly special and dates to late 1969. This transitional model uses the caliber 861 instead of the earlier caliber 321 which is common for the transitional references and has been completely overhauled and is running perfectly. We absolutely love the Omega Speedmaster for its timeless look and utilitarian functionality! SPECS Stock # OMSPM68-3 Brand Omega Style Speedmaster Professional (Pre-Moon_ Model 145.022 Serial 27,7XX,XXX Size Men's Material SS Dial Matte Black Millimeters 42 Bracelet Omega 1171/1 with 633 end links CASE & BRACELET The case is in wonderful condition showing thick and even lugs. The bezel is 220 bezel which is seen on some of the transitional 1969 145.022 69-ST references moving into 1970.This bezel is a very rare misprint from omega and is said to have only been in production for 7 weeks before omega switched it back to 200. This bezel is correct on a narrow range of 145.022-69 ’s produced in late 1969/1970. The Omega 1171/1 Bracelet with 633 end pieces remains in excellent vintage condition showing some slight stretch from use. DIAL & HANDS The black matte "step" dial is in flawless condition. The lume is fully intact with zero lume graduation and has taken on a wonderful ivory like patina. The hands appear to have been replaced at some point as they show luminova under u.v. light but seem to match the dial in natural daylight. The original Omega hesalite crystal exhibits light surface markings as seen in photos that can be polished out upon request. ACCESSORIES
Historical context
Quartz Revolution (1969 – 1990)
Seiko's Astron begins mass quartz timekeeping; traditional industries contract sharply.
Quartz and digital watches transformed the market after 1969. Swiss employment collapsed, Japanese and Hong Kong production soared, and the Swatch (1983) helped the Swiss industry recover; mechanical watches survived as luxury goods.
Read the period in the timelineMore wristwatches from this periodEarlier: Modern Mechanical Horology
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.
Related records
Instruments · 1950–1976
Omega Megaquartz 2400 marine chronometer, 1950–1976
Science Museum Group, London
Instruments · 1960–1979
Stopwatch / timer by Omega, 1960–1979
Science Museum Group, London
Instruments · 1960–1979
Stopwatch / timer by Omega, Switzerland, 1960–1979
Science Museum Group, London
Instruments · 1960–1979
Stopwatch by Omega, Swiss made, single-button type reading 0 - 60 seconds in fifths and 0 - 5 minutes in minutes on subsidiary dial, 1960-79.
Science Museum Group, London
Wristwatches · 1970
Wristwatch by Heno, Switzerland, 1970
Museum Rotterdam
Wristwatches · 1960–1986
'Tri-Compax' calendar chronograph wristwatch in gold case, by Universal, Geneva, Switzerland, 1960–1986.
Science Museum Group, London
Wristwatches · 1969–1970
Beta 21 Quartz wristwatch movement, made in Switzerland, 1970.
Science Museum Group, London
Wristwatches · c. 1969
Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch, ref. 145022-69st, c. 1969
Antiquorum auction archive, Geneva
