Omega Speedmaster Professional

Why We Love It

Take a poll amongst wristwatch collectors, and we'd bet the consensus would be that there might be nothing more important or iconic in a watch collection than an Omega Speedmaster.

Due to its legendary standing, virtually every iteration of the Speedmaster became a resounding success. Of course, with this success also comes perpetually increasing values, which puts once-attainable models from the 'Apollo Era' out of reach for many. Fortunately, the design language and materials used in the 1960s and 1970s was carried on through the mid 1990s- allowing enthusiasts access to bargain-priced timepieces that are virtually indistinguishable from their forefathers.

This particular example, a Reference 145.022, dates to the early 1990s, and shares the same design cues as Apollo Era Speedmaster Professionals. The instantly recognizable 41mm stainless steel twisted lug case houses the same Calibre .861 used since 1968, and the classically un-cluttered matte black dial features richly patinated Tritium luminous indices with a matching handset.

Regardless of age, the Speedmaster Professional consistently takes our vote for one the best-wearing and best value chronographs. When asked to recommend a chronograph with a price tag under $5,000, we'd be hard pressed to come up with a better answer than an Speedmaster from the 80s or 90s.

All of the style. All of the history. All of the patina.

Half the price.

The Story

With the 50th Anniversary of the Moon Landing looming like the Death Star on the horizon, collectors are focusing on space-related ephemera. Major auction houses are holding sales of anything that an astronaut might have even breathed on. 

But there is a piece of space history that anyone can own: The Omega Speedmaster.

Since 1965, this little machine has been issued to the crew of every manned space mission. Ed White, Buzz Aldrin, Jim Lovell—these are just a few heroes who strapped the Speedy to their wrists as they headed to the final frontier. As one of Omega’s longest-running models, the Speedmaster has seen variants as numerous as stars in the sky, from special editions honoring spaceflights to the simpler black-dialed “Moon watch” that everyone knows and loves.

There's something to be said for the popular appeal of the Reference 145.022. Produced from the late 1960s to the 1980s, the Reference 145.022 straddles the period between the pre-moon and post-Moon landing Speedmasters. Like the references that came before it, the Reference 145.022 represents a pivotal era in the development of the Speedmaster.

While the earlier References of Speedmaster contained the Caliber .321 movement, the Reference 145.022 was the first to contain the Caliber .861. Additionally, the sub-reference 145.022-69ST was the first to feature a caseback that commemorated the 1969 Moon Landing, which still adorns the backs of Omega Speedmasters today. 

The 145.022 was amongst the last references to feature Tritium luminous material on dials and hands; it wasn’t until the introduction of the Reference 3570 in the mid 1990s that Omega started using the non-radioactive Super Luminova.

Our Pledge

Analog:Shift stands behind the authenticity of our products in perpetuity.

Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a one-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.