Wristwatches · Wristwatch
Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch, 145.022-76
- Maker / attribution
- Omega (maker)
- Date
- c. 1976
- Historical period
- Quartz Revolution (1969 – 1990)
- Country of origin
- Switzerland
- Object type
- Wristwatch
- Stock no.
- Product 9466404241684
- Credit line
- Dealer listing, Collectors Corner NY (product 9466404241684)
- Catalogue title (original)
- Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch - 145.022-76 - *Unpolished* (English)
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Record summary
Catalogued by Collectors Corner NY (dealer), New York (stock number Product 9466404241684), this is a wristwatch by Omega, made in Switzerland, dated c. 1976. 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 — Collectors Corner NY
The Omega Speedmaster is a legendary timepiece that has achieved iconic status in the world of horology. Originally introduced in 1957 as a racing chronograph, the Speedmaster gained worldwide fame as the watch that accompanied NASA astronauts on all six lunar missions. In 1969, the Speedmaster became the first watch to be worn on the moon, cementing its place in history. Durability, accuracy, and reliability under extreme conditions have made it a favorite of pilots, astronauts, and adventurers alike. Over the years, Omega has continued to refine and improve the design of the Speedmaster, while staying true to its classic look and feel. Today, the Speedmaster remains one of the most popular and revered watches in the world, a true icon of Swiss watchmaking. This particular Speedmaster, circa 1976, houses the now iconic 861 caliber which replaced the original model's caliber 321. We're thrilled to offer this piece which has remained in strong vintage condition, something that can't be said for the vast majority of these watches which were used as intended - as tools. The case appears unpolished with sharp edges and the dial/insert stand out for their clean preservation. If you've been looking for a vintage Omega this piece certainly has a great aura and plenty more missions to conquer. Explore more of our vintage Omega watches .
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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