Manufacturer: Omega Year: 1997 Reference No: BA 145.0122 Movement No: 48’377’318 Case No: 48’377’318, 01/40 Model Name: Speedmaster Professional “Golden Panda” Material: 18K yellow gold Calibre: Manual, cal. 1861, 18 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Omega pin buckle Dimensions: 42mm diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed Accessories: Accompanied by Omega International Warranty, outer packaging and fitted presentation box. Further delivered with an Omega Extract from the Archives confirming the date of production of the present timepiece on 17th October 1997 and its subsequent delivery to Hong Kong.
Catalogue Essay
Handsome, rare and sought-after by Speedy enthusiasts, “The Golden Panda” was first released in 1997 specifically for the Japanese market. With its obvious nickname deriving from the attractive white dial with black registers and chaptering, the appeal against its solid 18K yellow gold case is with no doubt a crowd pleaser. Contrasting beautifully with all of its other elements, the black bezel insert heightens the appeal of the “Panda” dial. A similar design was used in the 2016 Omega Speedmaster Limited Edition with blue tachymeter bezel, white dial, and blue sub-registers, to much success.
The present example Omega Speedmaster ref. BA 145.0122 “Golden Panda” is certainly the most desirable example to ever appear at any auction as it is numbered 1 of a limited edition of 40 pieces, being the very first one produced. Not only that, but it is also well-preserved with an unpolished case and comes complete with its original guarantee and presentation box as well as an Extract from the Archives confirming the production of the present timepiece with its corresponding movement numbers in 1997. A sight to behold, this present “Golden Panda” will surely garner excitement within the Speedy community.
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.
Ref. BA 145.0122 A very fine and rare limited edition yellow gold chronograph wristwatch with warranty and presentation box, numbered 1 of a limited edition of 40 pieces made for the Japanese market
1997 42mm diameter Case, dial, movement and buckle signed