The Speedmaster 145.022 was a long-standing reference and is consi🌟dered a turning point in the Speedmaster’s continuous development. It is indeed the first Speedmaster reference to be powered by the new caliber 861, a cam-switch movement deemed easier to produce in larger quantities, sadly marking the end of the caliber 321 era. The reference 145.022-69’s was produced between 1969 and 1971. Interestingly, its chronology can be split into two main periods: pre𒅌-moon and post-moon.

In J🍬uly 1969, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin were the two first men to ever walk on the lunar surface. Omega had already begun production of the 145.022-69 and started selling them after this date. However, in 1971, the Swiss brand issued a series of examples bearing a new commemorative caseback layout. These celebrative pieces were produced between 1971 and 1974 within the 31.009.xxx – 32.857.xxx serial range. The most collectible feature of these pieces is therefore the rare horizontal “The first watch worn on the Moon” ink-filled engraving located at the center of the caseback. Collectors naturally refer to these pieces as “Straight Writing” Speedmasters.

The present S🅺peedmaster “Straight Writing” reference 145.022-69 was manufactured in 1971, with almost no change♑s compared to the pre-moon examples. The main features of the stepped dial are short hour markers which stop at the minute track, a spaced T SWISS MADE T inscription at 6 o’clock and a set of luminous baton hands with a drop-style seconds hand.

Movement-wise, the offere💦d watch is powered by the first 𒉰execution caliber 861 with the steel chronograph brake. However, the pièce-de-resistance of the present watch is undoubtedly its Straight Writing caseback, a highly sought-after piece of both watchmaking and space exploration history.