Omega Speedmaster Ref. 145.012-67 'Tropical dial'

The Speedmaster reference 145.012 was only produced between 1967 and 1968, some a bit later, and then replaced by the 145.022-68 ‘Transitional’. This is the last reference with the sough-after column wheel caliber 321. The 145.012, together with the 105.012, was also the Speedmaster that Omega sent to NASA for use during Extravehicular Activities (EVA) by astronauts during the Apollo missions. We know now that the 105.012 reference was actually used by Neil Armtrong and Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin during Apollo 11. Aldrin’s watch was worn on the Moon in July 1969, as the legend has it that Armstrong’s watch was left behind in the command module. However, Apollo 11 astronaut Michael Collins was wearing the Speedmaster Professional 145.012. Also astronauts of later Apollo missions had the 145.012 instead of the 105.012 (and the occasional 105.003 that was still in use).

This example offered here is a first owner ‘drawer find’ all original condition reference 145.012-67. The dial features an applied metallic Omega logo, a perfect black licorice color background (it’s a different kind of black than other references, more intense and only seen in the 145.012s from 1967) without any mark/scratch/stain/spot at all and with a gorgeous yellow-ish lume on the hour markers. The 145.012-67 is the only one that came with three different variants for the chrono hand; the ‘Straight Bottom’, the ‘Tear Drop’ and the orange one so called ‘Ultraman’. This example here features a correct ‘Tear Drop’ chronograph hand with awesome patina (very commonly seen aging differently than the rest of the lume). The original hour and minute hands also have a very nice matching patina. The original DON (Dot Over Ninety) bezel is in great shape too. The crystal plexi has very few minor scratches and has the Omega logo engraved on the centre.

The case remains in original and untouched condition, pairing with the rest of the watch, and presenting unpolished sharp bevels that give the watch so much character. The case back remains also unpolished. It is correctly engraved on the inner case back. With correct serial number range, this piece was manufactured in 1968 and was delivered to Spain (where we bought it off from the first owner) on August 8th 1968 as stated on the Extract from the Archives from Omega, which prove originality and provenance. The cal. 321 is running good and keeping time although service history is unknown.

It is suited on a 20mm Omega stainless steel bracelet ref. 1171/1 with 633 endliks.