Omega Speedmaster 145.022ST: The Transitional Moonwatch

Introduction

The Omega Speedmaster 145.022ST holds a special place in the history of chronographs and remains one of the most recognisable references of the Speedmaster Professional line. Introduced at the tail end of the 1960s, it marked an important transitional period for the model, bridging the era of column-wheel chronographs with the newer, more robust cam-switching calibres. By 1970, the Speedmaster had already cemented its reputation as the official NASA-issued chronograph, worn on the surface of the Moon. The 145.022ST carried this legacy forward while also introducing the calibre 861, a movement that would power the Speedmaster Professional for decades.

The example from this early production period, distinguished by a “Dot Over Ninety” (DON) bezel and often paired with the 1067 bracelet, is particularly emblematic of the reference’s transitional character. It is both a product of its time and a blueprint for the Speedmasters that followed.

The Evolution of the Speedmaster to the 145.022

The Speedmaster story begins in 1957 with the reference CK2915, part of Omega’s “Professional” trio alongside the Seamaster 300 and Railmaster. The Speedmaster was initially conceived as a racing chronograph, with its tachymeter bezel designed for timing speed. Over the years, successive references—CK2998, 105.002, 105.003, and 105.012—saw the model evolve in both form and function.

By the mid-1960s, the Speedmaster had become associated with NASA’s space programme. After passing a series of rigorous qualification tests, it was adopted as the official watch for astronauts. The references 105.012 and 145.012 accompanied Apollo crews into orbit and onto the lunar surface.

When Omega introduced the 145.022, the most significant change lay within the movement. The calibre 861 replaced the calibre 321, a column-wheel movement that had powered all previous Speedmasters. The 861, designed by Albert Piguet and produced by Lemania, used a cam-switching system that was less costly to produce, more robust, and easier to service.

The Case and Bezel Design

Externally, the 145.022 retained the asymmetrical case introduced with the 105.012, measuring 42mm with twisted lugs and integrated crown guards. This case design, with its bold curves and brushed surfaces, has become the defining shape of the Speedmaster Professional.

One of the most distinctive features of early 145.022 examples is the DON bezel. The tachymeter bezel insert, graduated to 500 units, features the characteristic dot positioned directly over the number 90. This detail, while minor in functional terms, is one of the most recognisable traits of early Speedmasters and an important transitional feature that disappeared from later bezels. The DON bezel was phased out by the early 1970s, making these examples an important link between the calibre 321 era and the later Speedmasters.

The Dial and Hands

The dial of the 145.022ST remained consistent with the professional layout established in the 1960s. It featured a black matte finish with three recessed sub-dials at 3, 6, and 9 o’clock for the chronograph minutes, hours, and running seconds. The luminous markers were filled with tritium, giving the dials a warm glow that has often aged into shades of cream or amber over time.

The applied Omega logo seen on earlier references was replaced with a printed logo, a change that has since become a defining marker of the reference. This transition illustrates Omega’s shift towards a more modern and streamlined dial production process.

The hands followed the established Speedmaster format, with white baton hour and minute hands, a central chronograph seconds hand, and white stick sub-dial hands. Over time, tritium on the hands has often developed patina, harmonising with the dial markers and contributing to the watch’s vintage appeal.

The Calibre 861 Movement

The introduction of the calibre 861 was arguably the most significant aspect of the 145.022. Designed as a replacement for the 321, the new movement operated at a higher frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour, compared to the 18,000 vph of the 321. This change allowed for more precise timekeeping.

The calibre 861 employed a shuttle cam chronograph mechanism instead of the traditional column wheel. While some purists favoured the craftsmanship of the column wheel, the cam system proved more robust and easier to produce at scale. This made the calibre 861 the cornerstone of the Speedmaster Professional line for decades, only eventually replaced by the calibre 1861 and later the 3861.

Despite the movement change, NASA continued to approve the Speedmaster for use in manned spaceflight, confirming the calibre 861’s reliability. This continuity ensured that the 145.022 remained part of the lunar heritage of the Speedmaster line.

Bracelet: The 1067

The 145.022ST was paired with various bracelet options, but the 1067 bracelet stands out as one of the period-correct fits. The 1067 was a lightweight flat-link bracelet, offering both comfort and flexibility. Its construction, with hollow links and a simple clasp, reflects the utilitarian roots of the Speedmaster as a professional instrument.

The 1067 bracelet has since become highly recognisable, and its lightweight feel is distinct from the more substantial bracelets introduced in later decades. While many vintage Speedmasters today are found on replacement bracelets, the presence of an original 1067 adds authenticity and period character to an example from this era.

A Watch of Its Era

The 145.022ST with DON bezel and 1067 bracelet embodies the transitional period of the Speedmaster in the early 1970s. It combines design elements from the earlier 321-powered models, such as the DON bezel, with the modernity of the 861 movement and printed logo dial. This blend of old and new makes the watch historically significant, capturing the moment when Omega shifted its production methods while preserving the essential DNA of the Speedmaster.

The broader cultural context is equally important. By 1970, the Speedmaster had been worn on the Moon by Apollo 11 astronauts and had survived the harsh environment of space. The reference was no longer just a chronograph; it was the Moonwatch, a symbol of human achievement and exploration. The 145.022 carried this narrative forward, solidifying the Speedmaster’s identity as a professional tool with unmatched history.

The Apollo 13 Connection

The early 1970s also saw the Speedmaster play a crucial role in one of NASA’s most dramatic missions: Apollo 13. When an onboard explosion crippled the spacecraft, the crew used their Speedmasters to time critical engine burns that allowed them to return safely to Earth. While the specific watches worn included both 321- and 861-powered references, the mission underscored the Speedmaster’s reliability in extreme conditions. The 145.022, with its calibre 861, carried the legacy of this achievement and reinforced Omega’s place in space history.

Long-Term Significance

The significance of the 145.022 lies not only in its design details but also in its role as the foundation for all subsequent Speedmaster Professionals. The calibre 861 remained in use for over 30 years, powering the watch through multiple generations and special editions. The printed logo dial and DON bezel exemplify a design language that is both functional and aesthetically balanced.

Today, early 145.022 examples with DON bezels and period-correct bracelets like the 1067 are highly regarded for their authenticity and historical connection. They serve as a reminder of a time when the Speedmaster was simultaneously evolving and solidifying its reputation as the Moonwatch.

Final Thoughts

The Omega Speedmaster 145.022ST from 1970 represents a pivotal moment in the history of the Speedmaster Professional. It retained the iconic case shape and lunar legacy while introducing the calibre 861, a movement that would carry the line into the future. The presence of a DON bezel links it visually to the earlier references, while the 1067 bracelet roots it firmly in its period.

More than a chronograph, the 145.022ST embodies the spirit of exploration, innovation, and resilience. It stands as a testament to Omega’s ability to evolve the Speedmaster without losing sight of its origins. As such, it remains one of the most historically significant watches in the Speedmaster lineage, a bridge between the pioneering 321-powered models and the long-standing 861 era.

• Case in great condition, light hairlines visible, no major wear, dents or corrosion. 
• Bracelet is 1067 flat link bracelet, some stretch as to be expected. 

• Dial very strong tropical brown
• Hands oxidised