Manufacturer: Omega Year: 1988 Reference No: ST 345.0809 Movement No: 48’223’626 Model Name: Speedmaster “Speedymoon” Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Manual, cal. 866, 17 Jewels Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Omega bracelet endlinks stamped “809”, max length 195mm Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Omega deployant clasp stamped “1450” Dimensions: 42mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed Accessories: Further accompanied by original Omega presentation box Literature: For another example of a reference 345.0809, please see Omega Sportswatches by John Goldberger, page 128 and 129.
Catalogue Essay
Launched in 1985, the ref. 345.0809 was the first ever Speedmaster produced by Omega to feature moonphases. With only approximately 1300 examples produced, the ref. 345.0809 is considered quite rare. Fitted with the cal. 866, an upgrade from the robust and famous cal. 861, the movement is reliable.
The present example is presented in overall very good condition with an attractive matte black dial and aged luminous accents which compliment the look of the present piece to another extent. The case retains its sharp edges on the lugs and is further charmed by the presence of its original box.
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.