The Omega Speedmaster debuted in 1957, with ref. 2915-1. This was the first chronograph to feature a bezel with a tachymeter on it, as the Speedmaster was originally intended for driving enthusiasts to measure speed. However, that is not what we think about when somebody says the name Speedmaster – we think about the moon landing in 1969!

While the watches that went to the moon used Calibre 321, the present example – a 145.022-69 – is the first iteration of Speedmaster to use the hugely improved calibre 861. Swapping its column wheel for a cam-activated chronograph movement, the calibre 861 was a high beat more reliable movement than the 321. With this particular example, the showstopper is really its dark brown chocolate dial!

Over time, this once-black dial has aged to a deep attractive brown color. Set against a crisp white handset – there is so much to love about this Speedmaster. Still with a faded and aged Dot-Over-90 bezel and period-correct flat-link bracelet.