Wristwatches · Wristwatch
Omega Speedmaster 2nd Generation Racing Dial 145.022 69ST, 1970
- Maker / attribution
- Omega (maker)
- Date
- 1970
- Historical period
- Quartz Revolution (1969 – 1990)
- Country of origin
- Switzerland
- Object type
- Wristwatch
- Stock no.
- W-704
- Credit line
- Dealer listing, Bulang & Sons (W-704)
- Catalogue title (original)
- Omega Speedmaster 2nd Generation Racing Dial 145.022 69ST (English)
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Record summary
Catalogued by Bulang & Sons (dealer), Copenhagen (stock number W-704), this is a wristwatch by Omega, made in Switzerland, dated 1970. 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 — Bulang & Sons
The Most Exotic and Ultra Rare Speedy If you are looking for a rare and important Omega Speedmaster, look no further. This watch is incredibly rare – its one of 150 pieces and is regarded as Omega’s first limited edition Speedmaster. The grey and orange dial Speedmaster Racing is the 2nd generation Racing Speedy and this one is in perfect condition. The dial is 10/10 – it really is faultless. The lume plots are all perfect and they match the hands. The dial reacts under UV light as it should. You can read more about the details of this exotic Speedmaster in our article here. The bezel is also in mint condition and the case is almost certainly unpolished. The cherry on the cake is an extract from the Omega Archive confirming that this watch was delivered with the grey and orange dial. The watch is fitted with its original ref 1039 bracelet with clasp stamped ‘3 68’ and 516 endlinks. This is a very special and very collectible watch in outstanding condition. We’re not sure it could be any better! The watch has been fully serviced by our watchmaker. Read all about why it is so special in our Magazine Article Specifications - Reference 145-022 69ST - Rare racing dial - Dating to 1970 - Calibre 861 movement - Reference 1039 bracelet with 516 endlinks - Omega Archive extract mentioning the grey and orange dial - Fully serviced by our watchmaker - Includes a handmade single leather watch pouch
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.
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