The Omega Speedmaster 861 145.022: A Legend of Space Exploration

The Omega Speedmaster 145.022 is one of the most iconic models in the famous Speedmaster collection. Launched in 1968, this reference marked a significant transition in the production of Speedmaster watches, both in terms of movement and design. Today, it is highly sought after by collectors due to its links to space exploration and its role in the continuation of a legendary series of chronographs.



The history of the Speedmaster began in 1957 when Omega first presented this model, originally designed for motor racing. It stood out due to its tachymeter on the external bezel, a major innovation at the time that facilitated speed measurement. However, the watch would gain fame far beyond the race tracks by becoming the official chronograph of NASA astronauts. In 1965, after rigorous testing, NASA selected the Speedmaster as the official chronograph for its space missions, including the Gemini and Apollo missions. The Speedmaster would later become known as the “Moonwatch” after being the first watch worn on the Moon by Buzz Aldrin during the Apollo 11 mission in 1969.



The reference 145.022, introduced in 1968, is a significant technical evolution from earlier Speedmaster models, such as the 105.012 and the 145.012. It marked a major change with the introduction of the Omega 861 movement, which replaced the 321 caliber, a column-wheel movement that had been used in previous models. The 861 caliber, designed to be simpler and more robust, uses a cam system rather than a column wheel. This change made the movement easier to mass-produce while maintaining a high level of precision and durability. The 861 caliber beats at a higher frequency than the 321 (21,600 vibrations per hour versus 18,000), providing better stability and timing.

The 861 caliber movement was introduced in 1968 and remained a cornerstone of the Omega lineup for over two decades. It is a movement that embodies technological evolution, precision, and robustness, while also having a deep connection with major historical events, notably space exploration. In 1968, Omega decided to replace this movement with the new caliber, the 861, for reasons of production simplification and increased reliability.

The 861 caliber was developed by Albert Piguet of Lemania, a company integrated into the SIHH organization, of which Omega was a part, which supplied movements to the brand. The goal was to create a movement easier to mass-produce while maintaining the precision and robustness that were already the hallmarks of the 321 caliber. The Omega 861 is a manual-winding chronograph movement, featuring 17 jewels, oscillating at a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour (3 Hz). This represented an improvement over the 321 caliber, which beat at 18,000 vibrations per hour (2.5 Hz). This increase in frequency allowed for better timekeeping stability.

One of the most notable differences between the 861 caliber and its predecessor, the 321 caliber, is the adoption of a cam system to control the chronograph functions, instead of the traditional column-wheel system used in the 321. The cam mechanism is easier to manufacture and maintain, which allowed Omega to streamline production while maintaining much of the precision required for a high-quality chronograph watch. Although some purists regret the loss of the column wheel, the cam system has proven its reliability and robustness over time. The 861 caliber also featured a horizontal clutch, a system commonly used in mechanical chronographs. It is equipped with a 30-minute and 12-hour counter, as well as a sub-dial for the small seconds, all controlled by a single pusher to start, stop, and reset the chronograph.

Although the 321 caliber is famous for being the movement used during the first mission to the Moon in 1969, it was the 861 caliber that propelled the Omega Speedmaster in the decades following that historic mission. Indeed, the 861 caliber was adopted for most of the Speedmasters produced after 1968 and accompanied several space missions, including the final Apollo missions and the Skylab missions. The 861 caliber, like the 321 before it, passed NASA's rigorous tests to become one of the most reliable chronograph movements in extreme conditions, whether in zero gravity or extreme temperature variations in space. It proved its durability in these hostile environments, which strengthened its reputation among collectors and watch enthusiasts.


The 861 caliber was used by Omega for more than two decades before being replaced in 1996 by the 1861 caliber, an updated and improved version. The main difference between the 861 and 1861 is the treatment of the movement: the 1861 caliber adopted rhodium-plated components to improve corrosion resistance and aesthetics, while the 861 primarily used copper-plated components. Despite this evolution, the 861 caliber remains a reference for vintage watch enthusiasts, notably because it represents a pivotal time in Speedmaster history and in horology in general. Today, Omega Speedmaster watches equipped with the 861 caliber are particularly sought after in the collector's watch market, due to their proven robustness and historical connection to space exploration.

The Omega 861 caliber marked an important transition in the production of Speedmaster chronographs. While simplifying certain technical aspects compared to its predecessor, it did not sacrifice reliability and precision, essential qualities for a watch in this category. Its place in history is firmly anchored not only through its performance on Earth but also in space, where it accompanied astronauts in their exploration of the unknown. Today, collectors who acquire a Speedmaster watch equipped with the 861 caliber hold not only an exceptional piece of horology but also a testament to the space race era and a piece of horological history in space.

In addition to the change of movement, the 145.022 introduced some subtle modifications to the design. The “stick” hands replaced the “alpha” or “dauphine” hands of earlier models. The dial, however, retained the traditional three sub-dial layout for continuous seconds, minutes, and chronograph hours. The black tachymeter bezel, a central feature of the Speedmaster, remained unchanged, as did the 42mm stainless steel case with its distinctive straight lugs.


One of the distinguishing features of the 145.022 models produced between 1968 and the 1990s is the use of tritium for the luminous indexes and hands. Tritium, a radioactive substance that emits a faint luminescence, was used to provide visibility in the dark. Over time, tritium ages and develops a particular patina, often changing color to yellow or cream tones, which adds an aesthetic dimension sought after by collectors. The patina of a Speedmaster 145.022 can vary considerably from one watch to another, depending on exposure to light, humidity, and wear conditions. This natural aging gives each watch a unique character, increasing its appeal to vintage watch enthusiasts.


Although the Speedmaster 145.022 was introduced after the first moon landing in 1969, it remains closely associated with the legacy of the “Moonwatch.” Subsequent space missions, including Apollo 14 and Apollo 17, used Speedmasters equipped with the 861 caliber, which gives this model a legendary status. NASA continued to use Speedmaster watches during the Skylab missions in the 1970s and during the Apollo-Soyuz mission in 1975. It is noteworthy that many non-U.S. astronauts, such as French astronauts Jean-Loup Chrétien or Claudie André-Deshayes, also used this chronograph in the STS or Skylab missions.

This continuous connection between the Speedmaster and astronauts has cemented the reputation of the 145.022 as a watch that is not only beautiful and reliable but also ready to face the most extreme conditions. The reference 145.022 was produced for several years with notable variations, allowing collectors to categorize the different versions based on dial, case, and movement details.

The 145.022-68 version: The first version of the 145.022, introduced in 1968, is often sought after by collectors for its similarities to earlier models, notably its case back marked “First Omega in Space” and its dial with the “Professional” inscription. The Speedmaster 145.022-69: Introduced in late 1969, this version is marked by the transition to more modern stick hands and the continued use of the 861 caliber. It retains the case back engraving with the mention of the first moon landing. The Speedmaster 145.022-71 chronograph and later: Throughout the 1970s, subtle modifications were made, including adjustments to logos and case finishes. Omega continued to use this reference until the introduction of the 1861 caliber in 1996, marking the end of the 861 caliber era.


Today, the Speedmaster 145.022 is a highly sought-after model by vintage watch enthusiasts, not only for its classic aesthetic and robustness but also for its intimate connection to the history of space exploration. It combines technical innovation with a rich and fascinating history. Enthusiasts and collectors particularly appreciate models in good condition with original components, such as dials with patinaed tritium, vintage tachymeter bezels, and engraved case backs. This reference, produced over several decades during a key period of the space race, offers a wide range of variants, allowing each collector to find a version that fits their taste and aesthetic criteria.