Omega Speedmaster Professional (Ref. 145.022) Tropical With Rare "220" Bezel, 1972

Dealer description — Craft & Tailored

(Alan Bean With An Omega Speedmaster Professional On Lunar Surface Of The Moon) The Omega Speedmaster Professional is by far one of our most favorite chronographs. The Speedmaster has an incredible history starting with automotive racing moving into flight and eventually to NASA and the U.S. Space Program. There are many subtle differences within the vintage Omega Speedmaster range of references that make them all slightly unique and different. (NASA Astronaut Thomas Stafford With two Omega Speedmaster Professional Speedmaster's During "Suit Up") This Omega Speedmaster transitional model Ref. 145.022 dates this specific example too early 72' uses the earlier Caliber 861 movement. The original matte black stepped dial has achieved a wonderful tropical patina with the bezel insert has to a charming anthracite grey and retains it's original pre-moon seahorse case back. This specific example is a very rare last production reference. The step dial or "Pie Pan" Omega Speedmaster's possess a charm and feel that that the new modern equivalents don't seem to quite have. The Ref 145.022 with the workhorse Cal. 861 movement is clearly built to last. The Speedmaster looks great on the bracelet as well as a handcrafted leather strap. It is one of our favorite chronographs due to its timeless design and functionality. Its versatility to be paired with the most formal and the most casual of wardrobe also makes the Speedmaster a good choice for the first vintage timepiece and or a classic daily driver. SPECS Stock # OMSPM72TRP Brand Omega Style Speedmaster Professional Model 145.022-69 ST Serial 31XXXXXX Size Men's Material SS Dial Matte Black "Tropical" Millimeters 42 Bracelet Omega 1039 Stainless Steel Bracelet CASE & BRACELET The case is in overall excellent condition showing thick and even lugs. The very rare "220" tachymetre bezel insert is in excellent vintage condition and has taken on a striking blue/grey fade. The "Pre-Moon" Seahorse case back has been previously polished and the seahorse is faintly visible. The watch retains its original acrylic crystal. The watch will come on an Omega 1039 bracelet which remains in good condition, the end links were sourced with this watch and appear to have been replaced at some point with generic service replacements. DIAL & HANDS Amazing black matte "step" dial has taken on an excellent tropical patina with a very consistent dark brown coloration. The tritium markers on the dial have achieved a wonderful creamy yellow patina which accents the dial nicely. The lume plots remain fully intact exhibiting no lume degradation when viewed under U.V. light. The hands do not react when viewed under U.V. light leading us to believe that they were restored to match the color of the lume plots on the dial. ACCESSORIES