Omega Speedmaster*** 145.012-67*** 1968

Omega Speedmaster 145.012-67 1968

OUR ARCHIVE » Omega Speedmaster 145.012-67 1968

OMEGA Vintage Speedmaster Professional Chronograph ‘PRE MOON’ Ref. 145.012-67, Cal 321
Serial # 26074XXX
Circa: 1968

DESCRIPTION:
Omega vintage ‘Pre-Moon’ Speedmaster Chronograph, Beautiful Patina Circa 1967

MOVEMENT:
Caliber 321, hand-wound mechanical column-wheel chronograph, 17 jewels

DIAL:
Original iconic black dial with three registers, beautiful patina evenly aged luminous baton markers, T SWISS MADE T

CASE:
41.7mm, Stainless Steel, originally aged case in fair condition, original plexiglass

BRACELET:
Omega stainless steel stretch bracelet Ref 1035, Date stamped 2 67.

MANUFACTURER: Omega

NOTES:
The highly collectible Omega chronograph Calibre 321 was first introduced in 1942 and was a collaborative project between Omega and Lemania, one of Omega's subsidiaries at the time, who supplied it as an ebauche (Lemania cal. 2310). The Calibre 321 is recognized as one of the best example of lateral clutch, column wheel controlled chronograph and Breguet, Patek Philippe and Vacheron Constantin sourced it as a base movement for a variety of chronographs. In 1946, the movement was further improved by developing its anti-magnetic shield and shock absorption, which would both allow it to become the champion during the NASA testing for the Apollo 11 mission.
Curiously, Omega only learned about the Speedmaster’s journey into space after seeing a photograph of Ed White taken during America’s first spacewalk as part of the Gemini 4 mission in June of 1965. The watch was attached to the arm via a long nylon strap secured with Velcro.
Following the discovery, Omega decided to add the word "Professional" to the product name, thus becoming Omega Speedmaster Professional. The new reference number was 145.012.