Omega Speedmaster Mark II 145.014

The Speedmaster Mark II (Ref. 145.014) was a notable departure from the slim-lined design of the original Speedmaster. The two models enjoyed a side-by-side release, where the Mark II, while appealing to a niche audience of its own, would continually be side-lined in the shadow of its elder sister. Where the original Speedmaster makes reservations for elegance in its design, the Mark II is purely utilitarian. On paper, this second coming of the Speedmaster is a superior tool for aerospace activity. Its bulbous, barrel-shaped cased houses an almost-identical monochrome dial with three signature subdials shielded by a flat crystal. The tachymetre ring is displayed internally, lining the dial’s circumference beneath the glass. The original Mark II’s real treasure lies beneath its caseback, boasting Omega’s Calibre 861 movement – one that is highly sought-after by the Omega faithful. Furthermore its tonneau-shaped case and tri-link bracelet carry a certain retro charm, appealing to the emerging flamboyance 1970s design. The Mark II Speedmaster is a meticulously designed chronograph built to withstand the testing environment of outer space, despite having never made the voyage. This reference features a matte black dial protected by a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal. Furthermore there is a small seconds sub-dial at 9 o'clock, a 12-hour recorder at 6 o'clock and a 30-minute recorder at 3 o'clock, as well as a central hour, minute and chronograph seconds hands. The transparent tachymeter scale on the sapphire crystal is illuminated from beneath by an aluminium ring filled with Super-LumiNova. The 42.40 mm stainless steel case is presented on a matching bracelet, all preserved in outstanding condition. This speedmaster is powered by the OMEGA manual winding calibre 861 movement. This example comes alongside its original box.