Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces
Monaco, Jan 18, 2022
LOT 25
Omega.
Ref. 145.012-67 SP Speedmaster Professional, Orange Chronograph Hand, Minute And Hour Counters, So-Called “Ultraman”, Stainless-steel
EUR 20,000 - 30,000
USD 22,600 - 33,900 / HKD 178,000 - 266,000 / CHF 20,800 - 31,200
Sold: EUR 24,700
Stainless steel, manual-winding, vertical “tonneau”-shaped, gentleman’s wristwatch, water-resistant with screwed case-back, movement protected inside a soft iron calotte (protective container) against magnetic fields, bezel with black insert, black colour dial with radial luminous indexes, orange chronograph hand, subsidiary seconds at 9 and three horological complications:
• 1/5 second chronograph (activated by the two round-shaped push-pieces located on the case-band), with orange chronograph hand and tachometric scale graduated on the bezel for 500 units per hour
• Half-instantaneous 30-minute counter (subsidiary dial at 3 o’clock)
• Dragging 12-hour counter (subsidiary dial at 6 o’clock)
Case-back stamped in the centre with the Omega logo, a seahorse and the name “Seamaster”.
• 1/5 second chronograph (activated by the two round-shaped push-pieces located on the case-band), with orange chronograph hand and tachometric scale graduated on the bezel for 500 units per hour
• Half-instantaneous 30-minute counter (subsidiary dial at 3 o’clock)
• Dragging 12-hour counter (subsidiary dial at 6 o’clock)
Case-back stamped in the centre with the Omega logo, a seahorse and the name “Seamaster”.
| Grading System | |
|---|---|
Grade: AAA |
Excellent |
Case: 2-8 |
Very good Slightly scratched |
Movement: 2* |
Very good Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense |
Dial: 2-01 |
Very good HANDS Original |
Brand Omega, Bienne / Biel
Model “Speedmaster Professional” so-called “Ultraman”
Reference 145.012 – 67 SP
Year Circa 1968
Movement No. 26 078 160
Material stainless steel
Bracelet Black leather “tropical” strap; stainless steel Omega buckle
Caliber 321 (based on Lemania 2310)
Dimensions 47.5 x 41.7 mm. / 39.8 mm. (bezel)
Signature Case, dial and movement
Accessories Omega later fitted box
Notes
Lot in temporary importation and subject to additional fees (see our general terms and conditions of sale)
--
An Extract from the Archives is being compiled by the Omega Heritage Department which confirms that the watch was originally fitted with an orange chronograph hand.
--
Recognisable among all “Speedmasters” thanks to its orange chronograph hand, the “Speedmaster” reference 145.012 takes its name from the hero of the Japanese television series Ultraman, created by the Japanese director Eiji Tsuburaya (1901-1970) – co-creator of the original series Godzilla –, probably a watch collector himself because many of his creations featured a lot of interesting watches.
Indeed, during the episode “The Return of Ultraman” released in 1971, this model of “Speedmaster” had made its appearance in the series. Similar to a traditional “Speedmaster”, however, this watch had an orange central hand, matching the outfits of the scientific team behind the hero Ultraman. The reference 145.012 was manufactured in 1968 in approximately 3 000 pieces; the number of “Speedmaster” “Ultraman” remains unknown to this day, although very limited. Unconfirmed, it is said that less than 50 “Ultraman” watches are identified.
With the introduction of “Ultraman” “Speedy Tuesday” limited edition in the summer of 2018, interest in vintage “Ultraman” “Speedmasters” has increased considerably. The model presented is preserved in a very good condition. Equipped with the famous confirming the presence of the orange chronograph hand. The watch was produced on June 11, 1968 and delivered in Switzerland. It is surprising to note that a number of known “Ultraman” “Speedmaster” were issued in Sweden. One of the most sought-after “Speedmaster” models!
--
An Extract from the Archives is being compiled by the Omega Heritage Department which confirms that the watch was originally fitted with an orange chronograph hand.
--
Recognisable among all “Speedmasters” thanks to its orange chronograph hand, the “Speedmaster” reference 145.012 takes its name from the hero of the Japanese television series Ultraman, created by the Japanese director Eiji Tsuburaya (1901-1970) – co-creator of the original series Godzilla –, probably a watch collector himself because many of his creations featured a lot of interesting watches.
Indeed, during the episode “The Return of Ultraman” released in 1971, this model of “Speedmaster” had made its appearance in the series. Similar to a traditional “Speedmaster”, however, this watch had an orange central hand, matching the outfits of the scientific team behind the hero Ultraman. The reference 145.012 was manufactured in 1968 in approximately 3 000 pieces; the number of “Speedmaster” “Ultraman” remains unknown to this day, although very limited. Unconfirmed, it is said that less than 50 “Ultraman” watches are identified.
With the introduction of “Ultraman” “Speedy Tuesday” limited edition in the summer of 2018, interest in vintage “Ultraman” “Speedmasters” has increased considerably. The model presented is preserved in a very good condition. Equipped with the famous confirming the presence of the orange chronograph hand. The watch was produced on June 11, 1968 and delivered in Switzerland. It is surprising to note that a number of known “Ultraman” “Speedmaster” were issued in Sweden. One of the most sought-after “Speedmaster” models!