Omega Speedmaster 145.022

Genesis of the reference

Omega unveiled reference 145.022 in 1968, replacing the 105.012/145.012 “Moon-landing” models and marking the debut of the cam-switched calibre 861. The new movement simplified production, improved shock resistance and lifted the beat rate to 21,600 vph, yet kept the 42 mm asymmetrical case, triple-register dial and external tachymeter that defined earlier Speedmasters. Omega offered four numbered case-back iterations between 1968 and 1978 (-68, -69, -71, -74/-76/-78), each created when a minor part, dial or supplier changed. 

From calibre 321 to calibre 861

Where the column-wheel calibre 321 excelled in refinement, the cam-lever 861 prized reliability and straight-forward servicing—vital for NASA-approved tool watches expected to survive launch vibrations and EVA temperature swings. Key tweaks included a larger balance, a Delrin chronograph brake and more generous oil reservoirs around the pivots. Externally, early 145.022 dials kept the stepped minute-track and tritium plots but adopted a painted Ω logo in place of the applied metal emblem seen on transitional -68 pieces.

Case-back evolution: straight writing to “Flight-Qualified”

The earliest 145.022-69 watches gained Omega’s first commemorative case-back: the famous straight-text “FIRST WATCH WORN ON THE MOON – JULY 21 1969”. By 1971 the company settled on the now-familiar hippocampus medallion surrounded by the double legend “FLIGHT-QUALIFIED BY NASA FOR ALL MANNED SPACE MISSIONS” and “THE FIRST WATCH WORN ON THE MOON”. Every subsequent Moonwatch, including late 145.022s, kept that design until the Master Chronometer revamp in 2021. 

Production timeline and reference renumbering

Omega delivered the 145.022-xx sequence until the stamped -78 case-backs ran out in the early 1980s. In 1981 the factory adopted the internal code 145.0022, aligning Speedmaster part numbers with the broader Omega catalogue, yet many cases still left Bienne with the older 145.022 engraving inside. That changeover explains why collectors encounter 1980s and even early-1990s Moonwatches whose movements and serials post-date the suffix stamped (or omitted) inside the case-back. 

The 48 million-series example

The movement serial on this watch sits in the 48.0 million block, a batch Omega issued around 1990, four years before the calibre 861 gave way to the rhodium-plated 1861. Its case-back carries the flight-qualified engraving with no “-XX” suffix—typical of late service cases that Omega treated as generic Moonwatch shells once the suffix system was retired. Because “145.022” had effectively become a part number for the steel case itself, Omega no longer bothered adding a date code. 

Design continuity amid subtle shifts

A 1990 145.022 looks almost identical to its 1968 ancestor: 42 mm lyre-lug stainless case, Hesalite crystal, and black aluminium bezel with a 500 units tachymeter. The differences hide in the details—no step on the dial after 1975, the wider “long S” in Speedmaster from 1976, thinner tritium plots as the 1980s progressed, and a switch to the 1479 or 1450 bracelet range in place of the earlier 1171. Hands remained white-painted batons, luminous with tritium that now shows a soft cream patina.

Where this watch fits in the Moonwatch timeline

Collectable Moonwatch history generally divides into three eras:

• 1957-1968: calibre 321 references CK2915 to 145.012
• 1968-1981: calibre 861, suffix-coded 145.022-xx case-backs
• 1981-1996: calibre 861, reference 145.0022/3590.50 with residual 145.022 stampings

This unsuffixed, flight-qualified 48 million Speedmaster sits squarely in the third era—one of the last 861-powered Moonwatches to leave Omega before the transition to calibre 1861 and PIC coding in 1996. It offers the same space-flight lineage as earlier models while benefiting from late-production finishing tolerances.

Design details worth noting

Despite losing the stepped dial and applied logo, late 145.022s retain their tool-watch charm. The asymmetric case still shields pushers from accidental knocks, the Hesalite crystal can be polished rather than replaced, and the calibre 861 remains Omega’s most widely supported hand-wound chronograph movement. Lume tone, bezel font (“dot next to 90” gives way to later variants), and minute-track alignment are the main tells when authenticating pieces from this period.

Final Thoughts

Reference 145.022 has carried the Moonwatch torch longer than any other single Omega designation. This 48 million-series example, with its suffix-free flight-qualified case-back, represents the last stretch of the calibre 861 era—an honest, well-made Speedmaster produced just before subtle modernisations crept in. It bridges the gap between the romantic Apollo age and the contemporary Master Chronometer line, reminding enthusiasts that the core design laid down in 1968 still defines Omega’s flagship chronograph today.

Excellent condition with little to no wear visible on the case. Lugs remain very sharp and intact. Factory brushing is still visible. Bracelet in excellent vintage condition.

Dial and hands are in great condition with nice even patina forming.