Omega Speedmaster Professional

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SKU AS01688
SKU AS01688

Why We Love it

In horology there are certain indelible associations. Perhaps the most enduring and the most iconic is the association with NASA and the Omega Speedmaster. The Speedmaster has set benchmarks that, in our opinion, are hard to surpass: the first watch to be flight-qualified by NASA for manned space missions, the first watch to be worn by an American astronaut during a space walk, the first watch to be worn on the moon. 

The fact that the Speedmaster came to be used by NASA is somewhat serendipitous. Since the dawn of military aviation, pilots had used chronographs to time their flights. When NASA developed their space program, the first astronauts were, as one can imagine, pilots. The Speedmaster was already known to NASA for its personal use by the astronauts: Wally Schirra wore his own Speedmaster, a reference CK2998, aboard the Mercury-Atlas 8 in 1962, and Ed White donned his Reference 105.003-64 for America's first EVA (extra-vehicular activity) on June 3, 1965.  

In 1965, NASA sent formal bids to twelve different brands whose chronographs the astronauts preferred for use in their flights. Chronographs from Breitling (already by then well-established for use in aviation), Rolex, and even a pocket-watch by Hamilton were considered by NASA. Ultimately a Rolex, a Longines and an Omega made the final cut, but the Speedmaster won out and was found to be the most durable and suitable of the bunch for use in the Apollo missions. The Speedmaster was one of the few pieces of equipment not made specifically for NASA, but given the watch’s outstanding quality, Buzz Aldrin went on to wear his on the surface of the moon. 

In 1968, shortly before the historical moon landing, Omega released a new reference of Speedmaster Professional with a new movement, the Caliber .861, an improvement on the redoubtable Caliber .321 that powered the astronauts' watches. This new Reference, 145.022, was produced from 1968 to 1971. The earliest of these, ranging from 145.022-68 and 145.022-69ST, are generally considered "Pre-Moon" references, since all subsequent Speedmaster Professionals would bear this engraving on the case back: "Flight-Qualified By NASA For All Manned Space Missions, The First Watch Worn on the Moon."

In 1971, Omega released the Speedmaster Professional Reference 145.022-71ST, the reference offered here. This model combines all the features of previous Speedmaster Professionals--most notably the stepped matte black dial--with a new case back featuring the Speedmaster hippocampus in a medallion in the center of the case back, with the engraved text surrounding it.

One of the most enduring legacies of the Omega Speedmaster Professional--aside from its extraterrestrial heritage--is the continuity of its design. Whether it's from 1971, or today, a Speedmaster looks like a Speedmaster--a horological icon that deserves to travel with its owner to the Final Frontier. 

A:S Guarantee

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Our Pledge

Analog:Shift stands behind the authenticity of our products in perpetuity.

Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a one-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

Shipping & Returns

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All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

Omega Speedmaster Professional

Omega Speedmaster Professional

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Omega Speedmaster Professional

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