Omega Speedmaster Professional 145.012-67 SP

Ref. 145.012-67 SPA fine and well-preserved stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with bracelet

Manufacturer: Omega Year: Circa 1968 Reference No: 145.012-67 SP Movement No: 26’072’787 Case No: 26’072’787 Model Name: Speedmaster Professional Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Manual, cal. 321, 17 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Forstner JB expandable bracelet, max length 215mm Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Forstner JB deployant clasp Dimensions: 42mm diameter Signed: Case, dial and movement signed Accessories: Accompanied by Forstner adjustment tools. Further delivered with Omega Extract from the Archives confirming its date of manufacture of the present timepiece on 25th April 1968 and its delivery to Japan. Literature: A similar example is featured in Moonwatch Only: 60 Years of Omega Speedmaster by Gregoire Rossier and Anthony Marquie on pp290-291.A giant step for mankind and an icon of space travel, the Omega Speedmaster represents the rigours and passion that extend its reach beyond to the moon. Famous for its achievement to be the flight qualified timepiece for all manned space missions, the ref. 105.012 and ref. 145.012 were the first models to ever surface the moon with the prior produced from 1964-1968 and the latter in 1967-1969. Born in circa 1968, the present specimen of the Omega Speedmaster Professional 145.012-67 SP in outstanding condition was one of the last model to be equipped with the legendary manual wound calibre 321, the very movement that delivered incredible reliability and performance which passed the demanding standards by NASA. Entrusted with confidence, the ref. 145.012 was the companion for astronauts: Michael Collins (Apollo 11), Alan Shepard (Apollo 14), Tom Stafford (Apollo-Soyuz) during their space missions. Differing from the ref. 105.012, the ref. 145.012-67 SP features Spécial Poussoirs (special pushers) that improved water resistance. Featuring the correct 26.072 million serial from the era, the present specimen ticks all the boxes for connoisseurs with the presence of design nuances: from the charm of the applied Omega logo and correct drop counterweight chronograph hand on the spaced “T” dial, the dot diagonal 70 bezel, and extended to the exterior the Huguenin Frères lyre lugs case, narrow flat-feet crown and also single-bevel caseback. Now 55 years later since its launch, with an estimated production numbers under 28,000 units, it has become rare birds to capture a specimen in such preserved condition like the present example. Preserved with incredible vintage appeal and richness of its aged patina, the timepiece can be worn with its 1039/516 inspired JB Champion bracelet with semi-elastic flat links. A faithful recreation from 1966 with refined durability and versatility, the bracelet wears with exceptional comfort. Delivered with the Extract from the Archives from Omega confirming the production of the present timepiece on 25th of April in 1968 and its delivery to Japan. Belonging to the exact same reference as the Speedmaster formerly owned by Ralph W. Ellison which fetched a total of $667,800 USD in Phillips New York auction along with recent world record-breaking results of Speedmaster in Geneva auction, it is the perfect opportunity for Speedy collectors to acquire this exceptional specimen from the end of the 321 series.