OMEGA | SPEEDMASTER, REFERENCE 145.012-67 SPSTAINLESS STEEL CHRONOGRAPH WRISTWATCH WITH BRACELETMADE IN 1968

Dial: black Calibre: cal. 321 manual winding, 17 jewels  Movement number: 26'540'815 Case: stainless steel, screw-down back Closure: stainless steel Omega bracelet with integrated folding clasp Dimensions: 42mm diameter, bracelet circumference approximately 180mm   Signed: case, dial and movement Accessories: Omega Extract of the Archives confirming subsequent delivery to the United States in 1968

DIAL: dial and hands in good condition, there are some minor white speckles towards the sub-registers and centre of the dial. The luminescent indexes have taken a darker patina and display darker spots at their dial-side extremities. The subdial hands bear minor scratches, with a loss of white paint to the 3 o'clock sub-register hand. The minute hand shows minor losses of luminescent material. The plexiglass bears scratches throughout and one dent at 11. CASE: retains strong proportions, with sharp edges. The case bears scuffs throughout, mainly to the case profiles and lugs. The crown shows signs of oxidation. The back bears heavier scratches, most probably due to previous opening attempts. Bracelet: clasp stamped 1039 2/67, endlinks are later and bear no reference. The bracelet bears some inevitable stretch and 5 links located at both sides of the clasp are elastic and non-folded. MOVEMENT: running at the time of cataloguing, chronograph starts, stops and resets. The movement bears the OXG engraving, indicating an American export watch. Please note that the movement has not been tested for the accuracy of its timekeeping. Please note that Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement and that a service may be required at the buyer's discretion.
"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 Professional 145.012 was the very last Speedmaster model to run on the legendary Lémania-based Caliber 321 manual-wound chronograph movement. This reference is also the last one to have the dial with applied Omega logo and long hours indexes as well as the DoN (dot over ninety) bezel, as attractively exemplified by the present lot. Several astronauts used the 145.012 such as Michael Collins, Alan Shepard or Tom Stafford. 
This piece is homogeneous with a well-preserved naturally patinated dial, matching the faded bezel and a case with well defined lines and fitted on a 1039 bracelet.