Omega Speedmaster Professional ref. 145.022 Straight writing”, 1970

Dealer description — Bulang & Sons

The Omega Speedmaster was introduced in 1957 as a precision chronograph designed for motorsport and sporting use. Its name reflected its connection to speed, while its robust case and highly legible tachymeter scale made it particularly well suited to timing events. The Speedmaster’s story changed forever in 1965, when NASA officially qualified it for manned space missions. It became the watch worn by astronauts throughout the Apollo missions and earned its legendary “Moonwatch” status after being worn on the lunar surface in 1969. Since then, the Speedmaster has evolved through countless references and variations, but the basic formula has remained remarkably consistent: a beautifully balanced chronograph, excellent legibility and a direct connection to one of the greatest chapters in watchmaking and space exploration. The Omega Speedmaster ref. 145.022 is one of the most important vintage Speedmaster references. Introduced in the late 1960s as the successor to the legendary ref. 145.012, it marked the transition from the famous calibre 321 to Omega’s new calibre 861, a manually wound, cam-actuated chronograph movement that would become one of the brand’s longest-running and most recognisable chronograph calibres. For collectors, one of the most interesting details of the early 145.022 is the case back. Among the early examples are the highly sought-after “Straight Writing” versions, named for the clean, straight arrangement of the engraved wording surrounding the Seahorse, or Hippocampus, medallion. This particular example is in very nice condition, with much of the original factory finishing still visible and the Straight Writing engraving remaining beautifully prominent. The tachymeter bezel has faded naturally to a lovely mid-grey tone and remains in nice overall condition. It also features the expected “dot next to 90” variation for its movement serial number — another small detail that collectors of early Speedmasters enjoy looking out for. The pie-pan dial is in very nice condition, with crisp white printed text and beautifully aged, yellow-patinated lume. The original-style handset remains unaltered, although the hands have been relumed with Super-LumiNova at a later stage. Colour-wise, the lume remains a surprisingly good match for the dial, keeping the overall appearance wonderfully harmonious. The hand-wound calibre 861 has been fully serviced by our watchmaker and is ready for many more years of wrist time. We have paired this Speedmaster with one of our Bulang & Sons Racing Brown Speedy leather straps, developed with the original 1960s Speedmaster straps in mind. We think the warm brown leather is a superb match for the beautifully aged tones of the watch. A very charming early 145.022 with all the right vintage ingredients: a Straight Writing case back, faded grey tachymeter bezel, beautifully patinated dial and a strong original case. A proper old-school Speedmaster with plenty of character and a wonderful connection to the early calibre 861 era. Get in touch! Specifications: Omega Speedmaster Reference 145.022 42 mm steel case “Dot next to 90 “ tachymeter bezel faded to a grey tone Black step dial with white text , yellow coloured lume Straight writing case back Cal 861 hand wound movement Movement Serial 3219xxxx dating to 1970 Bulang and Sons Racing brown Speedy leather strap and buckle Fully serviced by our watchmaker