If I were to ask a group of watch collectors what just might be the most iconic watch of all time, I guarantee quite a few will say the Omega Speedmaster. While it was initially intended as a wristwatch for racing, the Speedmaster is most famously known as the moon watch. This is because it was selected by NASA as their official watch, worn during the first American spacewalk as part of the Gemini 4 mission and was the first watch worn on the moon during the Apollo 11 mission.
The selection process NASA went through to select a suitable wristwatch was vigorous. Between Rolex, Omega and Longines-Wittnauer, each watch went through testing in extreme conditions and as we all now know, the Omega Speedmaster came out as the most reliable and durable.
The 145.022-69 is one of the most recognizable Speedmasters of all time, with its case style still being produced today. Featuring a twisted lugged 42mm stainless steel case made by Huguenin Freres, it is both muscular and attractive on the wrist. The dial is similarly beautiful, with an iconic step on the dial that gives the look of the watch an amazing depth. To give you an idea of how transformative this step is, soon after the 145.022-69, they got rid of this step on the dial and I think this is perhaps the biggest reason why l have not much interest in later Speedmasters.
This Speedy houses the then-newly developed Cal. 861, replacing its predecessor- the Cal. 321. With a lot to live up to, despite being more economical and using a cam activated lever as supposed to a common wheel, the Cal. 861 certainly fulfilled its potential as a high-quality movement. In fact, Omega still uses a derivative of the Cal. 861 today!
Additionally, this example is an early 145.022 and has a much rarer Dot Over 90 bezel that in recent times have skyrocketed in value. It is no surprise that these Speedmaster are so in demand as it blends historical importance, insane quality, rarity and straight up good looks into one piece. Whats not to love?
