
Wristwatches · Wristwatch
Omega Speedmaster Professional (Ref. 145.022) Cal. 861, 1974
- Maker / attribution
- Omega (maker)
- Date
- 1974
- Historical period
- Quartz Revolution (1969 – 1990)
- Country of origin
- Switzerland
- Object type
- Wristwatch
- Stock no.
- OMSPM74-3
- Credit line
- Dealer listing, Craft & Tailored (OMSPM74-3)
- Catalogue title (original)
- 1974 Omega Speedmaster Professional (Ref. 145.022) Cal. 861 (English)
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Record summary
Catalogued by Craft & Tailored (dealer), Los Angeles (stock number OMSPM74-3), this is a wristwatch by Omega, made in Switzerland, dated 1974. 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 the Lunar Surface Of The Moon) The Omega Speedmaster Professional is undoubtedly a beloved chronograph. Its rich history began with its involvement in automotive racing before transitioning to aviation and eventually becoming a crucial part of NASA's U.S. Space Program. The vintage Omega Speedmaster collection boasts a range of references, each with its own subtle differences that add to the overall individuality of each timepiece. (Buzz Aldrin Wearing His NASA-Issued Omega Speedmaster Professional, Apollo 11) The ref. 145.022-74 was the first reference in Speedmaster history to diverge from the previous stepped-dial design, though the new dial is not without dimension. Where the dial used to feature a drastic "step", the 145.022-74 now features a gradual slope, and this dial change or "improvement" was done by Omega as it was very common for the applied lume to break at the step in the previous dial design. The cal. 861 movement is synonymous with the Omega Speedmaster ref. 145.022, and its beloved workhorse durability is a defining factor of the timeless appeal of the reference. The Speedmaster, whether paired with a bracelet or a handcrafted leather strap, is a visually stunning timepiece. It is one of our favorite chronographs due to its elegant design and practical functionality. Its ability to seamlessly blend with both formal and casual attire makes it an ideal choice for those seeking their first vintage timepiece or a classic daily wearer. SPECS Stock # OMSPM74-3 Brand Omega Style Speedmaster Professional Model 145.022-74 Serial 31XXXXXX Size Men's Material Stainless Steel Dial Matte Black Millimeters 42 Bracelet Omega 1171 Bracelet W/ 633 End Pieces CASE & BRACELET The asymmetrical case is in truly excellent condition with crisp lines that show gentle signs of previous use. The original tachymetre bezel has achieved an extremely attractive grey fade that accents the rest of the watch perfectly, only gentle signs of use are present on the bezel. The case retains its original pump pushers and Omega signed crown. The case back retains all of its original factory markings and engravings. The Omega 1171 bracelet with 633 end pieces is era-correct for the watch and retains 20 links that show some stretch and will fit up to a 7 1/2-inch wrist. DIAL & HANDS The original matte black dial is in virtually flawless condition, showing no age or damage. The sub-dials also remain in perfect condition with no damage present. The tritium lume plots have achieved a gorgeous yellow patina and exhibit no degradation under U.V. light inspection. The original tritium hands match the dial perfectly, under U.V. light inspection the hour hand shows some light cracking which is expected, but the minute and chronograph hands show no degradation. ACCESSORIES None. The watch is keeping time and functioning correctly, previous service history is unknown.
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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