Lot 230

Omega

Speedmaster 220 Bezel Pre-Moon

A legendary and very rare vintage wristwatch with chronograph, step dial, "Omega" steel bracelet, ref. 1171 and rare 220 misprint bezel

Sold

This watch is part of a small edition of Omega Speedmaster Pre-Moon models delivered with a misprint on the bezel inlay, carrying a 220 designation instead of the expected 200 label. The misprint was discovered and corrected quickly. It is suspected that the watches went on sale unnoticed for about seven weeks in the 3rd quarter of 1970.
The Speedmaster reference 145.022 was an extremely long-lived reference and is regarded as the turning point in the continuous development of the Speedmaster. It is the first Speedmaster model featuring the legendary caliber 861, a cam switch movement that was easier to produce in large numbers. The Speedmaster reference 145.022 was produced from 1969 to 1971 and can be categorised as "before the moon landing" and "after the moon landing". Before the moon landing in July 1969 the Speedmaster models still carried the Speedmaster logo on the case back, as this one does; after the moon landing, the Speedmaster logo with the famous NASA engraving.
The steel case is in beautiful condition for its age, with crispy edges and spiky lugs. The matte black stepped dial is flawless. Only the tritium luminous material in the indexes and hands is slightly darkened, which gives the watch a very appealing overall effect.