Omega

• cal. 321 nickel lever movement, 17 jewels, mono-metallic balance, metal dust cover • black racing dial, red baton indexes, three recessed engine-turned subsidiary dials for constant seconds with a red hand, 12-hours registers with blue hand and 30-minute registers with white hand, outer minute track with 1/5 seconds divisions accentuated with checkerboard configuration • stainless steel case, black bezel calibrated for tachymeter scale, chronograph pushers to the band, twisted lugs, logo to the screw down case back • case, dial and movement signed 

The movement is running and chronograph function working at time of cataloguing, however it was not tested for the accuracy of time or duration of the power reserve and may need service at the buyer's discretion. Please note that Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement. Dial with some staining to and around the subsidiary dials. Hands with some luminescent material lacking. Case with scuffs and scratches throughout, minor denting to lugs. bezel has been knocked from 75 to 85, and black coating is slightly chipped in places. Overall a hugely characterful and iconic chronograph wristwatch with conservative estimate. Recommended.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping."

The Omega Speedmaster deserves its place in chronograph history. Instantly recognisable and renowned for its high tolerances and reliability, it is hardly surprising that NASA selected it is as its timepiece of choice for space exploration and lunar landings. The present lot is particularly fascinating, with a wonderful aesthetic matched only by its rarity, as one of perhaps only ten examples known. 

The reference 145.012 was widely produced, and for good reason. The professional series watches are distinguished by their 'Dot over the 90' bezel, and dials signed 'Professional' and 'T Swiss T'.  

The case of the present lot immediately breaks away from the norm; still housing the iconic calibre 321, but this time within an asymmetric case with flamboyantly twisted 'Lyra' lugs. Further designated 'SP', this model comes equipped with 'Special Pushers', a feature providing the watch with a far higher resistance to water. It is the dial, however, that truly separates this Speedmaster from the rest.  

The rare and exuberant 'racing' dial, distinguished by its beautiful tri-colour hand configuration and 'checkerboard' 1/5 seconds divisions, is signed with only two lines of text beneath the logo - 'Omega' and 'Speedmaster' - and the tritium indication 'T' lacking from either side of the 'Swiss' mark at 6 o'clock, all features unique to this dial.