This is the Omega Speedmaster Apollo 11 reference BA145.022. Likely the model that’s most associated with the Omega brand, this iconic chronograph was introduced in 1957 as a sports and racing chronograph. Originally powered by the famous Calibre 321, the Omega Speedmaster was worn by astronauts on space missions as they needed a watch that could withstand the conditions of outer space and in 1964, only Omega’s Speedmaster passed the rigorous selection criteria.

Commissioned in 1969 to commemorate the successful Apollo 11 moon landing, this reference was Omega’s very first commemorative limited edition and the first Speedmaster ever to be produced in solid 18k yellow gold. Produced in a strict run of 1,014 pieces between 1969 and 1973, the first numbered examples were presented at a gala dinner in Houston to NASA astronauts by then President Richard Nixon to honour their exploits in space while numbers 33 - 1000 were available for public sale.

With a 18k yellow case with a matching yellow gold bracelet, the BA145.022 is a luxurious variant of the traditional Speedmaster Professional. Fitted with onyx hour markers and black hands creating a visual contrast against the yellow gold dial, it truly has a remarkable wrist presence. Bordered by the red aluminum bezel with the coveted "Dot Over 90", the refernece is powered by the reliable manual wind Cal. 861 which Omega introduced in 1968.

Produced in a limited run of 1014 pieces, the BA145.022 stands in a category of its own. Historically significant and visually distinctive, the reference represents what is arguably among the most important vintage Speedmasters ever produced.