Wristwatches · Wristwatch
Omega Speedmaster Apollo 11 Gold Ref BA145.022, 1969
- Maker / attribution
- Omega (maker)
- Date
- 1969
- Historical period
- Quartz Revolution (1969 – 1990)
- Country of origin
- Switzerland
- Object type
- Wristwatch
- Materials / technique
- gold
- Dimensions
- Case 42 mm
- Stock no.
- W-926
- Credit line
- Dealer listing, Bulang & Sons (W-926)
- Catalogue title (original)
- Omega Speedmaster Apollo 11 Gold Ref BA145.022 (English)
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Record summary
Catalogued by Bulang & Sons (dealer), Copenhagen (stock number W-926), 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. Materials and techniques recorded by the source: gold. Recorded dimensions: Case 42 mm. 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 Golden Boy with onyx markers… To commemorate the successful moon landing in 1969, there were a number of state events in the USA including a dinner at the White House hosted by President Nixon. At this dinner, the Apollo 11 astronauts were presented with a special gold Speedmaster Professional, the BA 145.022. There were 1014 pieces made and those that were not presented were released for sale to the public. Our example remains in outstanding condition, the case is in remarkably crisp condition, with patina on the gold that only time can bestow! The dial is fantastic and is striking thanks to the onyx markers and black hands. The burgundy dot-over-ninety is in superb condition, as the caseback also ! The watch is fitted with the original 18kt gold Omega bracelet that is also in great condition. This is very special and collectible Speedmaster that is in stunning all-over condition and has the added bonus of coming with an Omega Archive Extract, stating a sale in May 1970 to Italy. The watch has been fully serviced by our watchmaker. Specifications - Reference BA145.022 - Dating to 1969 - Omega 861 movement - 42mm 18kt yellow gold case - Mvt Serial 2911xxxx - Gold dial with onxy markers - Stunning burgundy DON90 bezel - Original Omega 18kt yellow gold bracelet - Comes with Omega Archive Extract - 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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