It is not often that we come across collectors who have this gold Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch BA145.022 in their collection. We have covered this specific model a couple of times in our Speedy Tuesday feature, but it remains to be a rare find and sight. The price on these watches drastically grew over the last couple of years, which might have something to do with the rare sightings of these gold Moonwatch models. Besides that, a number of collectors feel that the Speedmaster was meant to be in stainless steel.The first Speedmaster Professional in gold was introduced in 1969 and in production till 1973. A beautiful commemorative edition for the Apollo XI moon landing. The all-gold Speedmaster Professional came back in 1980 (till approx. 1988) as a numbered edition (click here) once more. Then, since 1992 there were gold Moonwatch models on and off. Even the regular Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch was available in gold, but that stopped a couple of years ago as well. There was little demand for it. However, this year we got served again with some gold greatness with the 272 pieces of the Apollo XVII Tribute to Cernan watch.Today we talk about the first Omega Speedmaster Professional in gold though, the reference BA145.022-69 with its typical 1960s rich dial (look at those square onyx markers and brushed finish of the gold dial).
Astronaut Thomas Stafford in 1977, wearing his gold Speedmaster Professional. Image via TLI GuyEarly Gold Speedmaster Wide Oval OIf you want to read more background story on the gold Omega Speedmaster Professional BA145.022, you might want to read this and this article. This gold Speedmaster Professional was produced in the years 1969 to 1973, to commemorate the Apollo XI mission of 1969.
In short, the story is that there are?a total of 1014 of these watches, 1 was offered to President Nixon and 2 was offered to Vice President Spiro Agnew. Both declined the watch though, for compliance reasons. During a banquet on the 25th of November 1969, 19 watches were offered to the NASA astronauts. Later on, other astronauts who couldn't join the banquet or who did later missions (than 1969) also received their gold piece. This watch has the engraving to mark man's conquest of space with time, through time, on time.? There seems to be a bit of an uncertainty whether Apollo 13's Jack Swigert and Fred Haise received one, but I've been told that they were offered one later on as well.
Astronaut Thomas Stafford in 1977, wearing his gold Speedmaster Professional. Image via TLI GuyEarly Gold Speedmaster Wide Oval OIf you want to read more background story on the gold Omega Speedmaster Professional BA145.022, you might want to read this and this article. This gold Speedmaster Professional was produced in the years 1969 to 1973, to commemorate the Apollo XI mission of 1969.In short, the story is that there are?a total of 1014 of these watches, 1 was offered to President Nixon and 2 was offered to Vice President Spiro Agnew. Both declined the watch though, for compliance reasons. During a banquet on the 25th of November 1969, 19 watches were offered to the NASA astronauts. Later on, other astronauts who couldn't join the banquet or who did later missions (than 1969) also received their gold piece. This watch has the engraving to mark man's conquest of space with time, through time, on time.? There seems to be a bit of an uncertainty whether Apollo 13's Jack Swigert and Fred Haise received one, but I've been told that they were offered one later on as well.