Wristwatches · Wristwatch
Omega Speedmaster Mk2 Tropical Dial Ref 145.014, 1969
- Maker / attribution
- Omega (maker)
- Date
- 1969
- Historical period
- Quartz Revolution (1969 – 1990)
- Country of origin
- Switzerland
- Object type
- Wristwatch
- Dimensions
- Case 44 mm
- Stock no.
- W-2557
- Credit line
- Dealer listing, Bulang & Sons (W-2557)
- Catalogue title (original)
- Omega Speedmaster Mk2 Tropical Dial Ref 145.014 (English)
View the source record (dealer listing) ↗ (opens another website in a new tab)Suggest a correction
Record summary
Catalogued by Bulang & Sons (dealer), Copenhagen (stock number W-2557), 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. Recorded dimensions: Case 44 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 OMEGA Speedmaster Professional Mark II, manufactured from 1969 to 1972, featured several variations, including models with an exotic dial and one crafted in 18k gold. This particular version is the most common Mark II. It is speculated that the paint applied to dials from around 1969 had a higher tendency to develop a brown hue, and this timepiece is part of that specific production period due to the wonderful milk chocolate dial. The watch we are offering is in great condition, with a really strong tonneau shaped case. The dial has turned a wonderful milk chocolate tropical shade, with beige lume and darkened hands. It’s a great look! On these watches, the tachymeter scale is actually printed on the glass, which gives a very integrated look to the watch. The steel bracelet, reference 1162, has straight-style endlinks stamped 173 and will fit a wrist size up to 18.5cm. The calibre 861 movement has been fully serviced by our watchmaker. Specifications: - Reference 145.014 - 44mm steel case - Movement serial 2960xxxx dating to 1969 - Original tropical “MARK II” dial - Steel bracelet 1162 with 173 straight endlinks - Calibre 861 manual wind movement - Fully serviced by our watchmaker - Includes a handmade 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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