1968 Omega Speedmaster Professional Transitional 145.022-68 Cal. 861 - SOLD
The caliber 321 powered Speedmasters are quickly becoming a very sought-after commodity in the watch collecting world, and for good reason. The classic styling with just the right amount of detail and perfect proportions are something that mostly carried into the later models, but the long hour markers and applied logo dial will always be the hallmarks of the 321 powered models. Unfortunately, caliber 321s are becoming more difficult to maintain and service due to lack of parts availability. So what's a collector to do when they want the styling of the older models, but the reliability and easy maintenance of the later caliber 861 movement?
That's when the transitional model comes in to play. For approximately a year, the reference 145.022-68 used the new at the time caliber 861 movement while retaining all the styling cues of the caliber 321 models. The importance of this as these watches approach 50 years old is certainly being noticed as the rare transitional models are trending up in desirability along with their column-wheel brethren.
What we've got here is a great example of the transitional 1968 Omega Speedmaster Professional pre-moon, reference 145.022-68. This watch retains all of its signature original parts, like the stepped and applied metal logo 321-style dial, skinny logo crown, and an excellent original dot over 90 bezel.
Condition is per the photos and as follows:
Case: Original case in very good condition with minor signs of wear throughout as shown.
Bezel: Original dot over 90 configuration bezel in excellent condition with only minor marks on the painted surface as shown.
Dial/Hands: Original stepped dial with applied metal logo and hour markers extending to the edge. The markers have developed to a wonderful creamy patina with no loss of lume. The hands are original tritium, with consistent darker aging.
Caseback: Original pre-moon seamonster caseback in good condition that shows minor wear. All engravings are present and easily legible. Marked 145.022-68 inside.
Crystal: Brand new OEM Omega hesalite crystal in perfect condition. Crystal has the embossed Omega symbol in the center.
Movement: Cal. 861 movement functioning well and keeping great time. All functions work as they should and the chronograph resets to zero. Movement serial number is 273XXXXX.
Bracelet/Strap: Like new vintage style leather strap.
Accessories: None, sold as watch only.