1969 Omega Speedmaster 145.022-69 ST Tropical

Brand: Omega

Model: Chronograph

Reference: 145.022-69 ST

Serial: 2911xxx

Year: 1969

Case: 40mm, Stainless steel, screwback

Dial: Black dial, Tritium luminous

Function: Caliber 861

Strap: Omega 

Accessories: Omega box, Company watch pouch

1969 Omega Speedmaster 145.022-69 ST

During the late 60s during a transitional period between the caliber 321 premoon and the caliber 861 in a small serial range (2911xxxx, 2960xxxx) the stepped dials painted logo Speedmasters with reference 145.022 had a paint defect that sometimes reacted  to exterior elements turning the dials a deep brown colour, this was very desirable when evenly distributed across the dial. We use the word "Tropical" or "chocolate" dial to describe them.

No two watches were created equal...as is the case with this example boasting an extraordinary chocolate brown dial with evenly graded tone across the dial with a beautifully formed patina with puffy lume in the hour indexes, and matching patina in the hands. The watch reacts correctly under UV and fades out.

The case is razor sharp, in fact it is like factory sharp, with all the brushed edges in tact, with thick assymmetric lugs. One of the best cases i've seen on one of these in fact.

The caseback hippocampus is also excellent, deep and has the original radial swirling.

The pushers, the plexi are original and the crown is a service replacement, we also have the original one included in this sale.

The original DON (dot over 90) bezel is in near MINT conditions.

The watch quality is outsanding, it is a collectors dream to find them from first owner and in such oustanding untouched condition as this.

If you're looking for the best 69' Speedmaster with chocolate dial around on the market, I would wager this was at the top of that list.

The watch is running well, and keeping good time, service history unknown. It comes from an estate in California, USA.

NB: Note that movement, and inside caseback photos can be provided upon request.