Omega Speedmaster 145.012-67 SP

Ref. 145.012-67 SPA fine and extremely rare stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with racing dial and bracelet

Manufacturer: Omega Year: 1968 Reference No: 145.012-67 SP Movement No: 26'545'195 Model Name: Speedmaster Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Manual, cal. 321, 17 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Omega bracelet stamped "516" to the endlinks, max length 180mm Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Omega deployant clasp stamped "1039" and "1 69" Dimensions: 42mm diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed Accessories: Accompanied by Omega Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch on August 28, 1968 with “Racing” dial and its subsequent delivery to Switzerland. Literature: A similar example is illustrated in the book Moonwatch Only, 60 years of Omega Speedmaster, by Grégoire Rossier & Anthony Marquie, pg. 488.Reference 145.012 was in production from 1967 to 1969. It is the successor to ref. 105.012, with one of the main improvements being the new pusher styles, taller than the previous iteration. Furthermore, some examples of this reference mount special pushers with even higher water resistance capabilities than the standard ones. Such models are identified by the SP designation at the end of the reference (SP standing for Special Poussoirs - Special Pushers), such as the present specimen. What makes the present lot exceptional is the utterly rare “exotic”, matte black dial known as the “racing dial”. This configuration does not appear often, Phillips has previously offered only 5 examples of reference 145.012 with “racing” dial, all with close movement numbers. It carries a “two liner” with Omega and Speedmaster only, and omits the designation Professional as found on later examples. Also, the T does not flank the Swiss Made script at the bottom of the dial for Tritium, another indication of its early origins. The colors of the dial and hands are vibrant, and together with the well-preserved condition of the case, make it an exciting addition to any collection of rare Speedmasters.