Omega Speedmaster 145.022

The Omega Speedmaster Professional ref. 145.022 was introduced in 1968 and remained in production through the 1970s (with some reference code updates in the 1980s). This reference marked the transition from the earlier caliber 321 “Moonwatch” models to the newer caliber 861 movement. The initial batches appeared in late 1968 – often called the “Transitional” models – carrying over the look of the preceding 145.012 but with the new movement inside. Omega produced several sub-reference iterations of the 145.022 from 1968 into the late 1970s, each with slight modifications. The major versions were:

• 145.022-68 “Transitional” (1968–69): First version with caliber 861, while still using the dial style of the 321-powered models (applied metal Omega logo and long hour indices). Casebacks are stamped -68 and the bezel is the older “Dot Over 90” type (see Bezel Styles below).
• 145.022-69 (1969–1971): Introduced after the moon landing. It adopted a printed Omega logo on the dial (instead of applied) and slightly shorter hour index markers. Early examples in 1969 still used the DO90 bezel, while by 1970 many had the newer Dot Next to 90 bezel. During its run, Omega added commemorative casebacks (marking the Moon landing – see Caseback Variations).
• 145.022-71 (1971–73): Largely similar to late -69 dials (still a stepped dial), this sub-reference is known for introducing the engraved NASA dedication caseback inscribed “Flight-Qualified by NASA…” along with “First Watch Worn on the Moon”. It is the last version to feature the dial with a step in it (the subtle recess around the minute track).
• 145.022-74 (1974–76): The first flat dial (no step) became standard on this iteration. Late -74 dials lost the step, though some early examples still carried over a stepped dial as Omega used remaining stock. The dial printing and other elements were very similar to -71 aside from the absent step.
• 145.022-76 and 145.022-78 (1976–78): Continued with the non-stepped dials and Dot Next to 90 bezels. Minor font and logo spacing differences are noted by collectors (for instance, some -76 dials have a slightly elongated “S” in “Speedmaster”), but overall these late-1970s models closely resemble the -74. All used tritium luminous paint (marked “T SWISS MADE T” on the dial). The caseback for -76 and -78 carried the same NASA moonwatch inscription as the -71. By 1981, Omega transitioned the reference number to ST 145.0022 (while the caseback still often read 145.022) to align with a new coding system.

In summary, 145.022 was the longest-running vintage Speedmaster reference, spanning from the late 1960s until the early 1980s. Within that period, its core design remained the classic 42 mm asymmetrical Speedmaster case and tri-compax chronograph layout, but details like the dial finish, bezel print, and caseback engraving evolved over time as noted above.

Case Materials

The original 145.022 was produced primarily in stainless steel (Omega’s designation “ST 145.022”) as the standard Moonwatch case. All the regular production models of this era feature a stainless steel 42 mm asymmetrical case with lyre-shaped lugs and a brushed/polished finish, along with a domed Hesalite crystal (acrylic). In addition to steel, Omega also made the 145.022 in precious metal versions during the vintage era. Notably, in 1969 Omega introduced a limited edition in 18K yellow gold (reference BA145.022-69) to commemorate the Apollo 11 moon landing. This was the very first Speedmaster crafted in solid gold, produced in a numbered series of 1,014 pieces. It featured a gold case and bracelet, a unique burgundy-red tachymeter bezel, and was presented to NASA astronauts and dignitaries at a gala in November 1969. (A commercially sold version was also offered to the public with a different inscription on the caseback.) The gold 145.022 has a distinctive look: its dial is metallic champagne gold with black onyx hour markers, and the hands are black with gold centers for contrast.

Omega did later experiment with bi-metal (two-tone) versions of the Speedmaster Professional during the early 1980s, which are direct descendants of ref.145.022. For example, in 1983 Omega released a two-tone variant (ref. DD 145.022) combining a steel case with a solid gold bezel and accents. These two-tone models kept the same caliber 861 movement and basic design but offered a dressier steel-and-gold appearance (gold bezel, crown/pushers, and a dial with gilt tones). All such variations remained true to the Moonwatch form factor established by the 145.022. Aside from these gold or two-tone cases, no other case materials were used in the original 145.022 production – titanium and other exotic metals would only appear in later Speedmaster projects (e.g. the Alaska prototypes), which were beyond standard commercial production.

Dial Variations

One of the key distinctions among 145.022 models lies in the dial design and details, even though all share the same basic layout (black dial with three sub-dials at 3, 6, 9 o’clock and “Speedmaster Professional” branding). The color of the dial was essentially always matte black on the regular steel models, with white printed indices and text. However, subtler variations in dial construction and print occurred over the years:

• Stepped vs. Flat Dials: Early 145.022 Speedmasters retained the stepped dial design carried over from the 1960s models. A “step” refers to the slight recessed ring that separates the central dial area from the outer minute track; on these dials the minute track sits on a lower level, creating a raised edge or step around the dial. The 145.022-68 and -69 references featured this stepped dial architecture, which is similar in appearance to the preceding 145.012 dial (deep sub-registers and a step). Beginning in 1974, Omega phased out the stepped dial – so the 145.022-74 (most examples) and all later versions have a flat dial without the inner step. Collectors value the stepped dials for their vintage look; thus, a 145.022-71 (the last of the step-dial models) is often more sought-after than a -74 or -76 with the flat dial purely due to this feature.
• Applied vs. Printed Logo: The very first iteration (the 145.022-68 Transitional) uniquely used an applied metal Omega logo on the dial, exactly like the older caliber 321 models. This white metal Omega emblem is affixed above the word “OMEGA.” Starting in 1969, Omega switched to a painted white logo on the dial for all standard models. Thus, the 145.022-69 onward have the Omega branding printed in white ink. The applied logo dial is a hallmark of the Transitional ’68 – if a 145.022 does not have an applied logo, it isn’t considered a true -68 Transitional by collectors. All later dials (through the 1970s) kept the printed logo.
• Hour Index Length: Along with the logo change, there was a slight reduction in the length of the hour markers on the dial. The Transitional -68 dial (and earlier 321 models) have longer hour indices that extend closer to the minute track, whereas the standard 145.022-69 dial introduced shorter indices at the hours. This is a subtle difference: on the 1968 applied-logo dial, the lume plots nearly touch the step/minute track, but on 145.022-69 and later, there is more gap (the markers are a bit shorter).
• “T SWISS MADE T” and Dial Text: All vintage 145.022 dials were marked with “T SWISS MADE T” at 6 o’clock, signifying the use of tritium lume. Notably, on the step dials of the late ’60s, the two “T”s are widely separated on either side of “SWISS MADE” (sometimes called wide-spaced T’s). This spacing became slightly closer in later decades, but throughout the 145.022 era the dials used tritium (until the early 1990s when luminova replaced tritium). The dial printing otherwise consistently includes “Omega Speedmaster Professional” across all 145.022 variants (since the “Professional” designation and the asymmetrical case were already standard by this time). Minor font changes occurred in the 1970s – for instance, some mid-70s dials show a taller, elongated “S” in “Speedmaster” – but these are small typography nuances only noticed by astute collectors.
• Special Dial Variants: While the vast majority of 145.022 models have the classic black dial, a few rare dial variations appeared in this reference during the vintage years:
  • “Racing” Dial (1968–69): Omega produced an extremely scarce variant of the Speedmaster Pro dial with an exotic multi-colored design intended for motorsport timing. The so-called Racing Dial features a grey background with orange-red index markers and an outer track in alternating black and orange segments, plus an orange Omega logo and hands. The exact origin is a bit mysterious, but it’s believed these were trial dials or special-order models around 1968, coinciding with the introduction of caliber 861. The high-contrast orange elements were meant to enhance legibility for reading the chronograph. Only a handful of original racing-dial 145.022s were made, making them highly sought after. (This dial style later inspired modern limited editions, but the true vintage originals are very few.)
  • Apollo XI 1969 Gold Dial: As mentioned, the BA145.022-69 in 18K gold had a unique dial: it was made of solid gold (marked with “OM” – Or Massif – on the dial) and had black onyx inlays for hour markers. The hour and minute hands on this model are a matching gold color with black inserts (and all sub-dial hands and the chronograph second hand are black), providing contrast against the gold dial. This is a notable departure from the white hands/markers of the steel models.
• “Tropical” Dials: Though not a factory variation per se, many vintage Speedmaster dials from this era are known to age to a brown tone. Through the 1970s production, Omega’s black dials sometimes faded or turned chocolate-brown with prolonged exposure to heat and UV light. Collectors dub these “tropical” dials, and a 145.022 with an even, brown-toned dial is considered very desirable. For example, some 1969–70 serial number ranges are notorious for producing tropical dials. This is simply an aging phenomenon – all 145.022 originally left the factory with black dials, but it’s a characteristic “variation” that vintage enthusiasts appreciate.

In summary, the 145.022 dials can be grouped into two main types by construction (stepped pre-1974 vs. flat post-1974), and two types by logo (applied on the 1968 Transitional vs. painted on all others). All share the same basic markers and layout, aside from the special racing and gold editions. These subtle dial distinctions often help determine a watch’s production period and originality.

Movement (Calibers)

All Omega Speedmaster 145.022 models are powered by Omega’s Caliber 861 hand-wound chronograph movement. This caliber was a direct successor to the famed Cal.321 and represents one of the biggest changes that came with reference 145.022. Here are the key points about the movement in this reference:

• Caliber 861 Introduction: Omega introduced Cal.861 in 1968 as a replacement for Cal.321, and the 145.022-68 was the first Speedmaster to house this new movement. The Caliber 861 is based on the Lemania 1873 ebauche (Lemania was Omega’s movement partner). Technically, it differs from its predecessor by using a cam-and-lever chronograph switching mechanism (sometimes called a shuttle cam system) instead of the column-wheel of Cal.321. This change made the movement simpler to produce and service, and more robust in daily use. The 861 also features a higher beat rate of 21,600 vibrations per hour (3 Hz) compared to the 18,000 vph (2.5 Hz) of Cal.321. This higher frequency can theoretically improve accuracy and gives a smoother chronograph seconds motion (and later allowed Omega to simplify the dial’s seconds divisions to 3 increments per second). In practice, Cal.861 proved to be very reliable and was cheaper to manufacture, helping Omega meet the surging demand after the Moon landing.
• 17 Jewels, Manual Wind: The Cal 861 in the vintage era was a 17-jewel movement (it wasn’t until the 1990s that Omega updated it to 18 jewels). It remains a manual-winding chronograph with a 48-hour power reserve. Notably, unlike Cal.321 which had a metal chronograph minute counter jumper, the 861 uses a different design for the minute counter and a simpler regulator.
• Movement Evolutions (861 family): During the two-decade run of 145.022, the Cal.861 itself saw minor improvements. The earliest Cal.861s (ca. 1968–1970) used a metal brake for the chronograph mechanism, but around 1971 Omega switched to a Delrin (polymer) brake component. The Delrin (a type of nylon) brake was more resistant to wear and reduced friction on the chronograph wheel, improving longevity. Functionally it made no difference to the user, but collectors note that an 861 movement from the late ‘60s will have a metal (steel) brake whereas ones from the ’70s have a white plastic-looking brake lever. Throughout the 145.022 years, Omega also introduced special variants of the 861: for example, a gilt-finished version often called Cal.861L (Luxe) used in the gold Speedmasters, and eventually in 1980 a higher-grade Cal.863 (with rhodium plating and decoration) for display-back models. Those later variations (863, 864 chronometer grade, etc.) came toward the end of the vintage era and are essentially refinished 861s. All steel 145.022 Speedmasters used the base Cal. 861 in 17-jewel form.
• Accuracy and NASA Use: The Caliber 861 maintained the NASA flight qualification for the Speedmaster. In fact, after Apollo, NASA re-qualified the Speedmaster with the new 861 movement in 1972, and it continued to be used on manned missions through the Skylab and Apollo-Soyuz era and beyond. The movement’s design proved robust in the lunar environment as well.

Mechanically, the 145.022’s use of Cal.861 is what defines it against earlier references. Omega continued to use and evolve this 861 movement (and its descendants 1861, 3861, etc.) in Speedmasters for decades. Thus, the 145.022 introduced a movement architecture that would persist well into the 21st century Moonwatch models. Enthusiasts appreciate the 861 for its reliability and ease of maintenance – it may lack the romance of the column-wheel 321, but it set the stage for the “modern” Moonwatch.

Hands and Handset Styles

The Speedmaster Professional’s hands are another element that saw a subtle update with the switch to reference 145.022, though the overall style remained consistent. All 145.022 models use the same general handset type:

• Hour and Minute Hands: These are white-painted baton (stick) hands on all standard models. This design had been used on the Speedmaster Professional since 1965. The hands are elongated slim rectangles with luminous tritium filling. In the steel 145.022s, they are painted white; on the gold 1969 edition, the hour and minute hands are gold with black inlay for contrast. The length of these hands reaches just to the hour markers and minute track respectively. There was no change in the shape of these hands throughout the 145.022 production. (Omega did not use the earlier “Alpha” or “Broad Arrow” hand designs on any Pro models after the mid-60s; the baton style became standard.)
• Chronograph Second Hand: The central chrono seconds hand is a thin metal pointer with an arrow tip. The front end of the hand is a needle point with an elongated triangle shape near the tip; the rear counterweight end has a distinctive shape that actually changed with the 145.022 introduction. Pre-1968 Speedmasters (caliber 321 models) used a second hand whose tail end was a tear-drop shape (a small droplet or oval counterweight). With the advent of the 145.022 and Cal.861, Omega introduced a flat/square-ended counterweight on the chronograph hand. In other words, the tail of the chrono hand became a straight flat line with a square edge, instead of a rounded drop. This change occurred around 1968–1969: the 145.022-68 transitional often still had the older drop-style chrono hand, since Omega was using up existing parts (some transitional examples have been seen with the drop counterweight, though others came with the new flat type). By the 145.022-69 and onwards, the flat counterweight “spear” hand was standard. This is a quick visual cue to distinguish a 145.012 vs 145.022 at a glance – the former’s chrono hand tail looks like a teardrop, the latter’s is straight. Aside from the counterweight shape, the chrono hand is white lacquered on steel models (and black on the gold edition). The pointed tip sweeps the seconds track at the dial edge.
• Sub-Dial Hands: The three sub-dials (60-second running seconds at 9; 30-minute counter at 3; 12-hour counter at 6) all use small white stick hands. These are simple needle-shaped hands, painted white (or black on the gold model), with no lume. They remained the same style throughout the 145.022 era. Typically, aging can turn the white paint to an off-white or pale cream, but originally they were white.

It’s worth noting that Omega sometimes sourced minor part variations (for example, service replacement hands), but in period, all 145.022s should have the above hand styles. The switch from the “drop” chronograph hand to the “flat” tail hand is the main historical change in the handset that occurred with this reference. Otherwise, the hands of a 1968 example and a 1978 example are alike in design (white baton style).

One special note: the “Ultraman” Speedmaster (a nickname for an exceedingly rare 1968 batch with an orange chrono hand, famously seen in a Japanese TV show) is sometimes mentioned in this context. However, that model is actually believed to be a late 145.012 or transitional 145.022-68 with a factory-installed orange chronograph seconds hand. It’s a bit of a specialty collector piece. The standard production 145.022 did not come with orange hands, except the Racing dial version which had all-orange handsets. The Racing dial 145.022 variants in ’68–’69 used bright orange hands for all chronograph functions (seconds and sub-dials) and an orange chronograph seconds hand, to match the dial’s orange accents. Those were extraordinary exceptions; regular Moonwatch models maintained white hands.

Bezel Styles (Tachymeter Bezels)

The 145.022 features the familiar black tachymeter bezel that is a hallmark of Speedmasters. This bezel is an anodized aluminum insert in a steel bezel ring, with a tachymétrique scale used for calculating speed. While the overall look of the bezel stayed consistent (black with white markings, “BASE 500” scale ascending from 60 to 500 units), there are a few important variations in the bezel print during the vintage 145.022 years:

• “Dot Over 90” vs. “Dot Next to 90”: Early examples of the 145.022 carried over the bezel design from the 1960s, often referred to as “DON” (Dot Over Ninety). On these bezels, the little dot marking 90 on the tachymeter scale is printed directly above the numeral 90. Sometime in 1970, Omega revised the bezel to a new design where that dot is positioned to the upper right of the 90 — this style is referred to as “Dot Next to 90” (DN90). The 145.022-68 and most 145.022-69 models (i.e. 1968–69 production) were originally fitted with DON bezels. These DON bezels are the same type used on all earlier Moonwatch references and are today quite valuable. Later 145.022-69 (especially those produced in 1970 or delivered in ’70/’71) and subsequent references came with the new DN90 bezel. By the 145.022-71 reference, the Dot Next to 90 was standard. In short, 1960s and very early 1970 Speedmasters have DON, and mid-1970 onward have the DN90. Aside from the dot placement, the bezels are very similar in font; one minor difference is that DON bezels have an accent over the “É” in “TACHYMÈTRE”, whereas the later bezels dropped the accent (spelling “TACHYMETRE”).
• “220” Misprint Bezel (1970): A fascinating variant occurred briefly in 1970: Omega produced a batch of bezel inserts where the tachymeter scale had a printing error – the marking that should read “200” (at about the 2 o’clock position) was printed as “220”. These so-called 220 bezels appeared on some Speedmaster 145.022-69 models produced in 1970 (with serials in the 30.5 million range, circa fall 1970). The mistake was quickly corrected and the vast majority of Speedmasters have the standard “200”. But a small number of 145.022s in that period were delivered with this error bezel. Today, the 220 misprint is a quirky collectible detail for Speedmaster enthusiasts – if a 1970 Speedmaster has an original 220 bezel, it adds rarity.
• Burgundy Bezel (Gold model): The gold Apollo XI 1969 edition (BA145.022) came with a unique burgundy red bezel insert instead of black. It still had the same tachymeter scale (with dot over 90) but printed in gold color on a burgundy background. This was a distinctive trait exclusive to that gold limited edition. All steel 145.022 watches used the black bezel.
• Graduation and Text: All 145.022 bezels are the “BASE 500” type, meaning the scale goes from 500 units at the “60” mark down to 60 units at the “tachymètre” mark, with “BASE 500 UNITS PER HOUR” implied (this is the standard since 1963). The actual text “TACHYMETRE” (or “TACHYMÈTRE”) is printed at the 12 o’clock position on these vintage bezels. This remained unchanged through the 145.022 era. Only very early Speedmasters (like the 1957 CK2915) had a different 1000-unit scale; all Professional models including 145.022 use the 500 scale.

Aside from the DON vs. DN90 placement of a few dots and the rare misprint, the bezel design didn’t fundamentally change – a testament to the timelessness of the Speedmaster’s form. Collectors do pay close attention to bezels because having the correct original type on a given year can affect the watch’s value significantly. For example, a 1969 Speedmaster that should have a Dot Over 90 bezel but is missing it (perhaps replaced with a service bezel later) will be less valued by collectors. By the late 1970s (145.022-78), all watches had the newer DN90 bezel and that remained the standard in the 1980s. In modern times Omega has even re-issued DON-style bezels on some anniversary models, underscoring how iconic that early design was.

Caseback Variations

Over the course of the 145.022’s production, the caseback inscriptions went through notable changes, reflecting the Speedmaster’s journey from “pre-Moon” days into post-moon landing celebrations. All 145.022 case backs are the screw-down type with a seahorse (hippocampus) emblem, but the engraved text on the back evolved as follows:

• Pre-Moon Caseback (1968– early 1969): The earliest 145.022 examples were produced before the Apollo 11 landing (and immediately after, when Omega hadn’t yet changed the engravings). These have the classic hippocampus logo in the center and the word “Speedmaster” engraved, but no mention of the Moon or NASA. This design is identical to the late 1960s Speedmaster 145.012 caseback. It’s a relatively sparse caseback: seahorse emblem and the model name, with a single outer step along the edge. Collectors call this the “Pre-Moon” caseback. Some 145.022-68 and 145.022-69 carry this caseback style, especially those produced up to mid-1969.
• Commemorative Moon Landing Casebacks (1969–1971): After the success of Apollo 11 in July 1969, Omega began commemorating it on the Speedmaster. Late in 1969 and into 1970, many 145.022-69 pieces were issued with an inscription on the rear: “THE FIRST WATCH WORN ON THE MOON”. These casebacks still have the seahorse logo, but above it (or around it) is engraved that phrase. There were two main versions:
  • Straight Writing (First Watch…): A version with the text engraved in a few straight lines, reading “THE FIRST WATCH WORN ON THE MOON”. This is often paired with a second line or version that includes “APOLLO XI 1969” as well. On some, the Apollo XI 1969 appears as an additional line. These engravings were filled with black paint originally (though often the paint wears out over time). Collectors refer to these as “Straight Writing” casebacks, and they were mostly seen on Speedmasters produced in 1970 (many of which are actually stamped 145.022-69 inside). They are relatively rare and very collectible. One variant is the “Apollo XI 1969” straight-writing back, which is rarer than the one without the Apollo XI mention.
  • Straight Writing (Apollo XI Presentation pieces): In addition, the special gold BA145.022-69 had its own inscription (each of the 32 gifted pieces was engraved with the recipient’s name and an inscription about Apollo 11). The publicly sold gold units had a similar inscription to the steel, mentioning Apollo XI 1969 and the Moon, in circular text (and some were filled with red paint). These gold casebacks are a separate topic, but worth noting as part of the 145.022 family.
• “Flight-Qualified” NASA Caseback (1971 onward): In 1971, with the introduction of the 145.022-71, Omega rolled out a new standardized caseback engraving that would become the template for decades. This featured a central seahorse medallion and around the perimeter read: “FLIGHT-QUALIFIED BY NASA FOR ALL MANNED SPACE MISSIONS” and “THE FIRST WATCH WORN ON THE MOON”. On these, the text is arranged in a circular fashion along the outer portion of the caseback (unlike the straight horizontal lines of 1970). The very earliest -71s in early 1971 may have still had straight-writing leftovers, but by later 1971 production, the new NASA inscription caseback was in use. This design persisted through the -74, -76, -78 and beyond. Essentially, from 1971 forward every Speedmaster Pro proclaimed its Moonwatch status and NASA flight qualification on the back. The 145.022-71 caseback is notable because it was the first to bear the “Flight-Qualified…” phrase (commemorating not just Apollo 11, but the NASA testing approval). According to sources, the -71 caseback engraving still had a single thin step along the edge (one minor variation: some -71 backs have two bevel steps, but that’s a fine detail). The content of the text remained consistent.

By the end of the 145.022 production (late 1970s), all casebacks featured the seahorse with the circular NASA text – this remained the standard engraving on Speedmasters well into the 1980s and 90s. Collectors differentiate the “Pre-Moon” backs, the “Straight Writing” backs of 1969–70, and the later “Moonwatch” inscription backs. The straight-writing ones (especially the Apollo XI 1969 variant) are the most sought-after among these, due to their connection to the very first lunar landing celebration and their relative rarity. It’s also worth noting that service replacement casebacks exist; Omega at times supplied a version of the moon inscription caseback with slightly longer engraving font or differences (as Speedmaster101 notes, service casebacks can be identified by longer groove slots, etc.

In summary, if you pick up a 145.022:

• If it has no moon mention on the back, it’s likely a pre-Moon example (from 1968–69).
• If it has a simple text in block letters about the Moon, it’s one of the 1969–70 special casebacks (very collectible).
• If it has the full circular inscription, it’s a post-1971 piece (which became the norm going forward)

Notable Special Editions and Variants (1968–1980)

During the vintage production run of ref.145.022, Omega created a few special versions and limited editions that are historically significant (these are original to the era, not later tributes). While the focus is on standard models, a brief mention of these notable variants provides a complete picture of 145.022’s legacy:

• 145.022-68 “Transitional”: As discussed, this 1968 model is a transitional piece bridging old and new. It’s essentially a 145.022 with the new Cal.861 but still sporting the 145.012’s dial and hand style (applied logo, long indices, DON bezel). Collectors prize these for their unique mix of features. They were only produced for a short period (late 1968 into early ’69) and are relatively uncommon. All are stamped 145.022-68 in the case and fall in the 26–27 million serial range. If all correct parts are intact, a Transitional looks almost like a 1967 Speedmaster, except if you opened it up you’d find the caliber 861 movement.
• Apollo 11 18K Gold Commemorative (BA145.022-69): Omega’s celebration of the first Moon landing took the form of a luxurious gold Speedmaster. Launched in 1969, this was the first limited edition Speedmaster and the first in gold. Only 1,014 were made, each numbered. The first batch (about 30 pieces) were gifted to Apollo astronauts and officials, engraved with their names. The rest were sold to the public in 1969–1973. As detailed earlier, it has a unique gold dial with onyx markers, burgundy bezel, and a special inscription on the caseback. It carried the reference BA145.022-69 (BA for “Béton Armé” meaning 18k yellow gold in Omega’s code) and used the same Cal.861 (gilt finished). This model is often nicknamed “Tribute to Astronauts” or simply the Apollo XI 1969 Commemorative. It remains one of the most collectible vintage Speedmasters, as it’s a piece of history itself.
• Apollo–Soyuz 1975 Limited Edition: In July 1975, the Apollo-Soyuz Test Project marked the first international manned space mission (a docking between U.S. and Soviet craft). Omega, being deeply tied to space exploration, released a special commemorative Speedmaster for this in 1976. It was essentially based on the 145.022 and often considered a variant of it. About 500 pieces were produced for the Italian market. Key features include a distinctive dial that replaced the “Speedmaster Professional” text with the mission patch logo at 12 o’clock – making it the first “patch dial” Speedmaster. The dial lacks the word “Speedmaster” entirely, showing the Apollo-Soyuz emblem and “ASTP” text, and it interestingly has longer indices like the old pre-’69 dials. The watch also had extra-large pushers (0.5mm larger than standard) and a special engraved caseback with the Apollo-Soyuz mission insignia and a unique numbering (I-XXX/500). Collectors sometimes refer to this as reference ST 145.0022 (Apollo-Soyuz) since by 1976 Omega’s internal reference system had updated, but it’s firmly part of the 861-powered vintage lineage. The Apollo-Soyuz edition was the first limited Speedmaster with a mission emblem on the dial, a practice Omega would continue for later commemoratives. Original examples are rare and valuable, especially with the correct dial, caseback, and even the uncommon “Oyster”-style 1168 bracelet it came with.
• Alaska Project Prototypes: While not commercial releases, it’s worth noting that in the early 1970s Omega worked on special prototypes under the codename “Alaska II” (1970-72) and “Alaska III” (1978) for NASA. These were variants of the Speedmaster 145.022 made to test improvements for space (for example, white dials to reflect heat, or radial numeral dials for easier legibility). The Alaska II (1970) prototypes had a white/silver dial and an external red thermal shield case; Alaska III (1978) had a black dial with radial numerals on the sub-dials (produced for NASA Space Shuttle missions). Both were based on the Cal.861 movement. Though these were not sold to the public at the time, they have since become legendary, and Omega has made reissues. They illustrate the versatility of the 145.022 platform and its ongoing role in Omega’s space efforts.

These special editions underscore that the 145.022 reference wasn’t just one static watch but a platform for innovation and commemoration during that era. Omega leveraged it to celebrate milestones (Apollo 11, Apollo-Soyuz) and to experiment with design for NASA (Alaska projects), all within the “Speedmaster Professional” family. Importantly, the user has asked to avoid modern reissues or tribute watches – so we note these only as contemporary (1970s) variations. We do not include here the numerous modern commemorative Speedmasters (e.g. 20th, 25th, 30th anniversary editions, etc.), which fall outside the vintage period. Our focus has been the original production era of ref.145.022 and its direct offshoots in the late 1960s to early 1980s.

In conclusion, the Omega Speedmaster ref.145.022 is a true workhorse Moonwatch that saw the Speedmaster through the moon landing era and beyond. Its production period (circa 1968–1981) saw subtle yet significant shifts: a new movement that would become the backbone of the Moonwatch line, changes in dial and bezel that modernized the look slightly, and inscriptions celebrating mankind’s greatest adventure. Through stainless steel regular models and a few gold or limited variants, the 145.022 remained faithful to the spirit of the Speedmaster. Collectors today cherish these references – from the Transitional 1968 with its mix of old/new, to the last tritium dial models of the late 70s – as they represent the continuous lineage of the Moonwatch during the golden age of space exploration. Each aspect, be it the stepped dial or the engraved caseback, tells a piece of the story of how the Speedmaster evolved as “Omega’s living legend” in its vintage years.