Amsterdam watch company
Categories , Tags , , , , , ,

Omega Speedmaster Professional Ref. ST 045022

The Omega Speedmaster Professional Ref. ST 045022 is a specific vintage model of the iconic Moonwatch, known for its classic design and manual movement.

As you probably already know, the Omega Speedmaster Professional gained worldwide fame in 1969 when it became the first chronograph to reach the moon with the Apollo 11 astronauts. Since then, the watch has been known as the Moonwatch.

In the history of Omega’s space-faring chronographs, several important Moonwatch references have appeared, including the reference 145.022, which never reached the moon but was the Speedmaster Professional that was officially designated a Moonwatch.

The Speedmaster 145.022, introduced in 1968, replaced the previous reference 145.012. The Speedmaster references will be the reference 145.012. 145.022 came at a truly exciting time in both Omega watch history and the world itself, roughly a year before NASA’s famous Apollo 11 lunar mission. Therefore, both “Pre-Moon” Speedmaster 145.022 and “Post-Moon” Speedmaster ref. 145.022 models exist.

In the early 1980s, Omega began changing the way reference numbers were assigned, and the Speedmaster 145.022 became the ST 145.0022. To further confuse future collectors, however, the 145.022 was still stamped on the inside of the caseback.

The Omega Speedmaster ST 145.0022 was produced from 1981 to 1988 and retained the signature 42mm steel case with twisted lyre-shaped lugs, a black tachymeter bezel, a black dial with three subdials, and the Caliber 861 movement of its six-digit predecessor.

Finally, the Omega Speedmaster 145.022 watches have proven to be exceptionally reliable. Combine all this with the Speedmaster’s illustrious NASA history, and you have a wonderful combination of excellent value, beautiful appearance, historical significance, and mechanical perfection that, at the right price, is simply irresistible. Although Neil Armstrong’s watch during the first moon landing was an earlier reference (105.012), the 145.022 became the epitome of the “Moonwatch” through its continued production and association with the later Apollo missions. 1980s versions, like this one, feature tritium lume on the dial and hands, giving them a vintage look as the material develops a patina over time.

Come admire this sporty watch in our store and experience infinite space, the speed of light.

Year

1985
Categories , Tags , , , , , ,

€ 4.690

Ask us anything
Add to Cart
Add to Cart

Contact us

Got your attention?
We’re here to help.

Speak to us right away

Phone

020 389 27 89

Whatsapp

CLICK HERE (06 392 72 263)

Or, send a message

Brand Omega
Diameter 42 mm
Model Speedmaster, Professional
Bracelet/strap: Leather
Year of production (circa) 1985
Buckle/clasp Aftermarket steel
Material Steel
Lug Width 20 mm
Crystal Acrylic
Set Content Watch only
Dial color Black
Warranty 2 year (AWCo)
Movement Hand-wound

The Omega Speedmaster was introduced in 1957, as a racing chronograph. Little did Omega know that a different fate altogether awaited their creation.

When John F. Kennedy announced that the USA would put a man on the moon before the end of the 1960’s, NASA went into overdrive. The Gemini and Apollo missions would all culminate in “One small step for man…” in 1969.

One detail within that endeavor, is the selection of a proper watch for the space missions. NASA started putting a number of chronographs from different brands under extreme stress. Shock, temperature change, vibration, humidity, the watches were spared no horror. The Speedmaster came out on top in 1965 and was selected as the watch of choice. No slick marketing deals here. Chosen on merit alone.

Coincidentally, astronaut Wally Schirra already wore his personal Ref. CK2998 Speedmaster on a Mercury mission in 1962. In 1965, Ed White would go on the first ever spacewalk wearing a NASA-issued Ref. 105.003-65.

From 1965 onwards, all Apollo astronauts wore Speedmasters. Including Buzz Aldrin when he set foot on the moon, wearing his Ref. 105.012. Neil Armstrong had left his Speedy in the lunar module when setting those legendary first steps.

In 1970, Apollo 13 got into serious trouble after a service-module oxygen tank ruptured. With most systems down, the astronauts had to manually time 14-second rocket bursts in order to get back to earth. They used Jack Swigert’s Speedmaster for the job. Omega was awarded the Snoopy award in recognition of the crucial role of the watch in a safe return. A comic character featured on many special editions since.

Aesthetically, the Speedmaster Professional has not changed much since those days. A rough division can be made between pre-moon and post-moon Speedies. The transition point is the inclusion of the “Flight qualified by NASA” inscriptions on the case back, although some people erroneously mark 321 caliber Speedies as pre-moon and 861 caliber variants as post-moon.

For the keen-eyed, there are tons of subtle variations within the Speedmaster line. And that is before we look at the broader Speedy-scope, with all its special editions and interestingly-shaped Mark  models. You can really go deep on Speedy-specifics. Regardless of which precise variant you settle on, you will have an iconic watch with the single best backstory ever.

At AWCo we put the safety of our shipments upfront at all times. Therefore, we ship all our packages insured.

We strive to promptly handle packages to minimize delays. Delivery times begin from the day of dispatch. While we make every effort to ensure smooth delivery, we cannot be held responsible for delays caused by destination customs, local duties, taxes, or lost items during transit.

Certainly, we understand that overloaded mail-order companies can also contribute to potential delays in the delivery process. Despite our best efforts, external factors beyond our control may affect shipping times. Rest assured, we remain committed to providing timely service and will work diligently to ensure your order reaches you as promptly as possible. For any inquiries or updates, feel free to reach out to us at info@awco.nl. Your satisfaction is our priority.