Unpolished Omega Speedmaster Ref. 145.012-67

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 Armstrong 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 145.012-67s) without any mark, scratch or stain 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 matching patina (very commonly seen aging differently than the rest of the lume). The original hour and minute hands also have a very nice patina, also matching. All paint on the hands is original and extremely well-preserved, as these are seen on many occasions with paint loss. The original DON (Dot Over Ninety) bezel is in great shape too, in accordance with the condition of the rest of the parts of this fabulous example. The original crystal with the old Omega logo engraved on the center has very few minor scratches and spots, letting visible the lovely face of this piece. 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. A clue to notice this are the sharp edges of the holes where the case back tool is placed to open it. The Seahorse and Speedmaster engravings are also clearly visible, being it another proof of lack of polishing. It is correctly engraved on the inner case back. With correct serial number range, this piece was manufactured in 1967. The cal. 321 is looking very clean, running good and keeping time although service history is unknown. It is suited on a 20mm Omega stainless steel extensible bracelet ref. 1039 with 516 end links and date stamped 3/70. Indeed, this is an opportunity to own a historic piece in museum condition.