Omega - START-STOP-RESET: 88 Epic Stainless Steel Chronographs Geneva Friday, May 13, 2016 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Omega
    Year: 1968
    Reference No: 145.012-67 SP
    Movement No: 26’542’285
    Model Name: Speedmaster “Racing Dial”
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 321, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Nylon
    Clasp/Buckle: Metal
    Dimensions: 39.5mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by an Extract from the Archives confirming date of production on October 9, 1968 and delivery to Switzerland.
    Literature: A similar example is illustrated in the book Moonwatch Only, by Grégoire Rossier & Anthony Marquie, pg. 459.

  • Catalogue Essay

    The mythical Speedmaster is very likely Omega’s most recognizable model. Originally targeted for an “active clientele”, it was later selected by NASA to be used for their space flight missions.

    This particular Speedmaster, reference 145.012-67 SP, features “lyra” style twisted lugs with an asymmetric case incorporating crown guards and a tachometer scale on the bezel. Housed inside the case is caliber 321, which is highly desirable amongst collectors. The “SP” designation in French indicates the watch was equipped with “special poussoirs”, which in English means “special pushers”, providing greater water resistance than those without the ‘SP’ designation.

    What makes the present lot exceptional is the utterly rare “exotic”, matte black dial known as the “racing dial”. This configuration does not appear often, and it is believed that there are as few as ten examples known to the market. It carries a “two liner” with Omega and Speedmaster only, and omits the designation Professional as found on later examples. Also, the T does not flank the Swiss Made script at the bottom of the dial for Tritium, another indication of its early origins. A nearly identical example is shown in the Moonwatch Only book. The colors of the dial and hands are vibrant, and together with the well-preserved condition of the case, make it an exciting addition to any collection of rare sports watches.

  • Artist Biography

    Omega

    Swiss • 1848

    Omega's rich history begins with its founder, Louis Brandt, who established the firm in 1848 in La Chaux de Fonds. In 1903, the company changed its name to Omega, becoming the only watch brand in history to have been named after one its own movements. A full-fledged manufacturer of highly accurate, affordable and reliable watches, its sterling reputation enabled them to be chosen as the first watch company to time the Olympic Games beginning in 1932. Its continued focus on precision and reliability ultimately led their Speedmaster chronograph wristwatch to be chosen by NASA in 1965 — the first watch worn on the moon.

    Key models sought-after by collectors include their first, oversized water-resistant chronograph — the reference 2077, early Speedmaster models such as the CK 2915 and 2998, military-issued versions of the Seamaster and oversized chronometer models such as those fitted with their prestigious caliber 30T2Rg.

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Ref. 145.012-67 SP
An extremely rare, attractive and important stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with black ‘racing’ dial, tachometer bezel, and screw-down caseback.

1968
39.5mm diameter
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
CHF30,000 - 60,000 

Sold for CHF72,500

Contact Specialist
Livia Russo
+41 22 317 81 86

START-STOP-RESET: 88 Epic Stainless Steel Chronographs

Geneva Auction 14 May 2016