Vintage Omega Speedmaster 145.022

AUCTION WATCH PLEASE DON'T USE

Vintage Watch Condition Examination

This Omega watch is in great, honest vintage condition. The case is strong with scratches, wear and some nicks, it appears to be unpolished. The writing and hippocampus logo on the caseback are clearly visible. Both pushers show some wear along the edge and the bottom one shows some peeling. The crown is an Omega service replacement with 24 teeth. The "Dot over 90" bezel is in great condition with some wear and scratches and nicks; it has faded to a super dark grey color. The dial is in great condition; it has developed patina and color changed from black to an even chocolate brown throughout. The lume on the dial has aged to an attractive buttery yellow color. The hands have developed patina and the lume in the hands has aged a bit darker than the lume on the dial; this is not uncommon. The crystal is in great condition with some wear and scratches; the center has the Omega symbol with "narrow flat feet." 

Vintage Omega Speedmaster 145.022

The Omega Speedmaster is one of the most iconic timepieces in existence.  The collection debuted in 1957 and would eventually outperform several other brands in a series of rigorous tests to earn the coveted title of the official watch of NASA and the distinction “Flight-Qualified by NASA for all Manned Space Missions.” Although the Speedmaster went to space in the early 1960s in an unofficial capacity, it was the Speedmaster with “Professional” written on the dial that would go on to accompany astronauts during the first Moon landing. The “Moonwatch,” as it has since come to be known, is one of the most sought-after Omega watches on the secondary market.

This example is in great, honest condition and comes directly from the original. The watch was worn and loved for many years. The stand out feature of this watch is the dial that was once jet black and is now a chocolate brown color. It's really remarkable that this dial was born black and aged in such a beautiful way that if one didn't know, you would think it was made this way. We have seen other examples of this reference with tropical/ color change dials so it makes sense that this one has aged in such a way. Not all tropical dials are created equally and one ages so evenly and in the sunlight it really can take your breath away. In addition to the dial, the case has retained its crisp edges and just has an overall really great honest look. If you like Speedmasters and tropical dials, this is worth considering!