1970s Omega Speedmaster Professional Ref. 145.022-69ST 'Straight Writing' Why This Watch Matters Good enough for NASA is good enough for us – here's a classic Moonwatch with a relatively rare caseback and nicely faded bezel! The Full Story On June 20, 1969, Apollo 11 landed on the Moon, and right there with Armstrong and Aldrin was an Omega Speedmaster Professional. After the Moon landing, Omega updated the caseback of the Speedmaster to read: "FLIGHT QUALIFIED BY NASA FOR ALL MANNED SPACE MISSIONS THE FIRST WATCH WORN ON THE MOON." When Omega first added this text to the Speedmaster's caseback, part of it was in straight lines, as seen here. They eventually changed it to a more arch-like form, with a medallion in the center of the caseback. These "straight writing" versions are sought out by collectors because they're the first Speedy Professionals to mention the moon landing on the watch. Omega introduced the ref. 145.022-69 in 1969, and it was in production until approximately 1971. 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 – sort of. These watches are some of the last Speedmasters to feature a step on the dial, a prominent feature in the early references and one that was brought back in the new Speedmaster Professional . The example we have here today is like a 91 mile per hour fastball right down the middle – what you see is what you get. Great vintage Speedmasters just have a look that's immediately identifiable on the wrist and unique to the model. The result of some combination of that matte black dial and crisp white features like the printing and the hands, this look is just stunning. If you're looking for a solid example of one of the most famous and collectible wristwatches ever produced, look no further. This Speedmaster makes an excellent case for a one watch collection; it was all Armstrong and Aldrin needed. We paired this Speedmaster with our Sedona Strap in Ash Grey. The combination invokes feelings of the Moon with the tone and the Sedona's dusty texture; plus, it matches the faded bezel quite nicely. The Fine Print Maker: Omega Model: Speedmaster Professional Reference: 145.022-69ST Year: Early 1970s Case No: N/A Movement No: 32219110 Material: Stainless steel Dimensions: 42mm diameter; 14mm thickness Crystal: Plexiglass Lume: Yes, tritium Caliber: Omega, manually-wound, caliber 861 Bracelet/Strap: HODINKEE The Sedona Watch Strap In Ash Grey Lug Width: 20mm Box/Papers: No What We Love And What You Should Know Things We Love: - Classic Moonwatch - Stepped dial - "Straight writing" caseback - Faded bezel Things To Know: - Later replacement bezel - Service replacement hour and minute This Speedmaster is in overall nice, honest condition. The case is strong with scratches and some light nicks. The facets on the twisted lugs are clearly visible. The back of the lugs have some scratches and marks. The "straight writing" engraving on the caseback is all clearly visible. The black paint in the text on the caseback is all gone. The dial is in excellent overall condition with light patina. The hands have developed patina and show some light wear to the white paint. The lume on the hands has developed light patina throughout. The lume on the dial has developed patina, aging to a pleasing off-white color with a hint of green undertone, which is not uncommon from this period. The hour and minute hands are later service replacements, and the lume matches the seconds hand and dial well. The bezel is in good condition and has faded to a dark grey color depending on the light. The bezel appears to be a later circa 1980s replacement. The dial, crown, case, movement, and crystal are all signed by Omega. This watch was photographed on a 175mm/6.9inch wrist.
