Omega - The Geneva Watch Auction: SIX Geneva Friday, November 10, 2017 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Omega
    Year: 1968
    Reference No: ST 145.012-67
    Movement No: 26'076'169
    Model Name: Speedmaster Professional
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 321, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel semi-expandable Omega bracelet, end links stamped 516, max length 205mm.
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Omega folding deployant clasp 4.68
    Dimensions: 40mm. Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Omega Extract from the Archives confirming sale of the present watch to Mexico and production of the present watch on 28 May, 1968 and fitted presentation box.
    Literature: Another reference ST 145.012-67 is illustrated in Moonwatch Only by Grégoire Rossier and Anthony Marquié, pages 288 and 289.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Launched in 1964, reference ST 105.012 marked the first time that "Professional" was printed on Speedmaster dials. It was also the first time that Omega modified the case to have "lyre" lugs, which is today synonymous with the Speedmaster model. Furthermore, the bottom of the dial was printed "T Swiss T", instead of "Swiss Made" like its predecessors. The model is inextricably linked with space travel - Neil Armstrong wore one during the Apollo 11 mission.

    The present watch is fitted with a dial that has turned a beautiful chestnut-brown colour with time. While the centre is slightly lighter in colour, it gradually darkens and becomes an incredibly rich brown tone as the colour emanates outwards.

    Other details are correct, such as the "Dot of 90" bezel and the single bevel case back with "Speedmaster" in the center.

    The watch is furthermore accompanied by an Extract from the Archives, confirming the watch was delivered to Mexico. It is replete with a Mexico Omega box with the five olympic rings, which most likely celebrates the 1968 Summer Olympics, which was held in Mexico City that year.

  • Artist Biography

    Omega

    Swiss • 1848

    Omega's rich history begins with its founder, Louis Brandt, who established the firm in 1848 in La Chaux de Fonds. In 1903, the company changed its name to Omega, becoming the only watch brand in history to have been named after one its own movements. A full-fledged manufacturer of highly accurate, affordable and reliable watches, its sterling reputation enabled them to be chosen as the first watch company to time the Olympic Games beginning in 1932. Its continued focus on precision and reliability ultimately led their Speedmaster chronograph wristwatch to be chosen by NASA in 1965 — the first watch worn on the moon.

    Key models sought-after by collectors include their first, oversized water-resistant chronograph — the reference 2077, early Speedmaster models such as the CK 2915 and 2998, military-issued versions of the Seamaster and oversized chronometer models such as those fitted with their prestigious caliber 30T2Rg.

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Ref. ST 145.012-67
A highly attractive stainless steel wristwatch with chestnut-colored "tropical" dial, bracelet and "Mexico 1968" fitted presentation box

1968
40mm. Diameter
Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed

Estimate
CHF15,000 - 25,000 
€12,900-21,600
$15,500-25,800

Sold for CHF31,250

Contact Specialist
Alexandre Ghotbi
+41 22 317 81 89
aghotbi@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: SIX

Geneva Auctions 11 - 12 November 2017