The Omega Speedmaster Professional 145.022 has a lot going for it. It is a vintage reference that is still relatively affordable, and a big reason for that is how many were made. The 145.022 had a 13-year production run, from 1968 to 1981, which makes it the longest-running Speedy Pro to date. The watch it replaced, the 145.012, was only around from 1967 to 1968, so there are simply far more 145.022s to go around.
In 1981 the 145.022 gave way to the 145.0022 reference, which kept the same case number and stayed in the catalog until 1988. The 145.022 itself never went to the moon, but it did make it to space, on the wrist of Apollo 17 command module pilot Ron Evans.
What changed
The most important change with the 145.022 was the movement. The 145.012 was the last Speedmaster to use the Caliber 321, and the 145.022 was the first to come with the Caliber 861. The much-loved 321 used a column-wheel chronograph with a horizontal clutch. It is generally considered the more refined design, but it was also expensive and complicated to make.
With demand expected to surge after the moon landing, Omega wanted a movement it could build faster and at scale, which is what the 861 delivered. The 145.022 also brought a printed Omega logo on the dial for the first time. Before it, the logo had been applied.
The caseback changed too. The Omega seahorse, the Hippocampus, was now joined by the line "The First Watch Worn On The Moon." There were small variations over the years, eventually settling into the medallion caseback with the seahorse at the center, ringed by text.
Prices
Back to where we started. Prices on the 145.022 have climbed over the last few years, but it is still affordable, especially next to anything running a Caliber 321.
As of writing, they run roughly $5,000 to $10,000 depending on condition and whether the paperwork is there.
For comparison, the current Hesalite Moonwatch (310.30.42.50.01.001) is $6,300. It is not entirely fair to line up a new reference against a vintage one, but the point stands: you can get a vintage Speedmaster with room to appreciate for less than it costs to get into a new one.
If you are around Silver Spring or anywhere in the DC area and have been thinking about a vintage Speedmaster, the 145.022 is one of the smarter ways in. We buy and sell certified pre-owned Omega, so come have a look, or see what is in stock in our Omega collection.
