Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces

Monaco, Jan 18, 2022

LOT 24

Omega.
Ref. 145.022, Speeedmaster Apollo / Soyuz N°499, Stainless-steel

EUR 30,000 - 60,000

USD 33,900 - 68,000 / HKD 266,000 - 530,000 / CHF 31,200 - 63,000

Sold: EUR 52,000

Historical, rare and fine stainless steel manual winding chronograph wristwatch with black dial and 3 registers.


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 Apollo / Soyuz

Reference 145.022

Year 1976

Movement No. 35580648

Case No. 499

Bracelet stainless steel Omega bracelet 1133 with deployant clasp

Diameter 42 mm.

Signature Case, dial and movement

Accessories Extract from the archives

Notes

Omega introduced its first Speedmaster chronograph in 1957, registered under the reference CK2915, the same year as the Railmaster and the Seamaster 300 models. From 1962, NASA acquired several chronographs from famous manufacturers such as Rolex, Hamilton, Longines and Omega. It is only two years later that an official call for tenders is launched. Becoming the symbol of the space conquest, the choice of the Speedmaster was therefore the fruit of a long reflection and heavy specifications from NASA.

Following this heavy heritage, few of the limited editions bring such envy and excitement to collectors as the Apollo Soyuz. Indeed, in July 1975 the USA and the Soviet Union, putting aside their political conflicts, carried out jointly the first international space mission. This was one of the strongest symbol of “détente” during the Cold War.
Few months later, the famous Omega Italian dealer, Fratelli De Marchi, ordered a limited edition of 500 Speedmaster timepieces to commemorate this major event, numbered xxx from 0 to 499. What makes this watch exceptional is the fact this the 499th of the limited edition, therefore the last one to be produced. The Apollo-Soyuz series were based on the legendary 145.022 – which was the first Speedmaster to use the caliber 861, which replaced the revered caliber 321 from the very first models – but featured a slightly modified case and a dial personalized with the Apollo-Soyuz logo. De Marchi became responsible for the whole distribution of Omega watches throughout Italy in 1921. Even if their partnership ended in 1970s, it is milestone in the watchmaking history, since this retailer was originally behind the very first limited series in steel in the brand history.