1970 Omega Speedmaster Professional Ref. 145.022-69 With Tropical Dial Why This Watch Matters This Omega Speedmaster Professional was born with a black dial and bezel – just look at how both have transformed over the years! The Full Story Omega introduced the ref. 145.022-69 in 1969, and it was in production until approximately 1971. This model is the last Speedmaster Professional to have a caseback with no engraved reference to the Moon landing, as a result, collectors refer to these watches as "pre-Moon." This reference is also the last Speedmaster to feature a stepped bezel and a dot-over-90 (DON) bezel. It was the first Speedmaster Professional to use the 861 movement, replacing the legendary caliber 321. Omega also changed the logo on the dial of the ref. 145.022-69 from applied to painted, something that continues today. The example we have here has developed a beautiful and unique patina on the dial and bezel. The dial has gone tropical, reaching a beautiful brown color and the DON bezel has faded to a green-blue color, depending on the light. When the light hits the dial at certain angles - the brown color really comes alive. We paired this Speedmaster on our Dark Brown Suede Strap to accentuate the tropical dial and give this watch a nice autumn feel. The Fine Print Maker: Omega Model: Speedmaster Professional Reference: 145.022-69 Year: Circa 1970 Case No: N/A; Movement No: 29112548 Material: Stainless steel Dimensions: 42mm diameter; 14mm thickness Crystal: Hesalite Lume: Yes, tritium Caliber: Manual winding 861 Bracelet/Strap: HODINKEE Dark Brown Suede Lug Width: 20mm Box/Papers: No What we Love and What You Should Know This Speedmaster is in overall great condition. The case is strong with scratches, and it's likely unpolished. The back of the lugs have some scratches and marks. The engraving on the caseback is clearly visible. The dial was originally black and has turned to a consistent brown color throughout with some lighter spots. The hands have developed patina. The lume on the hands has darkened and developed patina. The lume on the dial has developed patina. The bezel has turned from black to a green color, depending on the light it looks greenish-blue. The DON bezel shows signs of wear with scratches throughout. The dial, crown, case, movement, and crystal are all signed by Omega.
