For sale we have a pleasing example of a 1973 Omega Speedmaster MK II. It is the reference 145.014, on a reference correct 1162 (11) bracelet. It has the famous chunky helmet case, which is very much of its era. It measures 41.7mm wide, with a length of 44.5mm. The bezel has a brilliant sunburst finish which radiates around the dial. Inside it has the Omega calibre 861 movement. It has been recently serviced and is keeping accurate time.
After the triumph of the moon landing, a new age had dawned upon mankind. Omega encapsulated this new dawn in their modern design, the Speedmaster MK II. The Mark II was introduced in 1969, with the 145.014 running until 1975
The dial (bar the Mark II signing), hands and movement were all the same as the Speedmaster professional. In 1968, Omega replaced the calibre 321 with the calibre 861 which was the calibre of choice for the MK II.
The case has a chunky helmet shape, with a beautiful blend of brushed and polished finishes. The bezel has a sunburst finish, radiating around the dial. This leads into a polished bevel which breaks up the texture of the finishes, before the flat sides with the brushed finish. This creates a dynamic case which has much more interactivity with light, compared to the standard Speedmaster. It is a punchy watch that has a real presence, with its 41.7mm wide and 45.5mm long case. This is matched with its 14.5mm depth.
To the right-hand side are the two pushers, with the signed crown sandwiched in-between. They are rather flush to the case than on other speedmasters, which makes it a comfortable wear.
The crystal stands proud, just above the bezel. The Tachymetre scale sits on the underside of the glass, a neatly designed integration. This creates a level of depth and intrigue to the whole design
The matte black dial has a white second track, with 1/5 second graduations and baton hour indexes coated in Tritium luminous paint. At 9 O’clock is the sub-seconds dial, at 3 O’clock is the 30 minute register and at 6 O’clock, is the 12 hour register. The sub-dials are subtly recessed into the dial, with a dished effect which catches the eye on an angle.
The hands are of luminous baton style, with aged white paint and Tritium luminous. The central second hand has a narrowing taper, with the luminous arrowhead to the tip. The 3 sub-dial hands all match in their white tone.
To the rear is the screw down steel back, which has the engraved seahorse logo with Speedmaster signing. It is in good condition and is clearly defined, with a brushed finish to the face. Inside the case is signed with the reference 145.014, with the patent number 2750/67.
The manually wound calibre 861 movement is inside. It is a 17-jewel chronograph movement, which has the beautiful and classic rose gold tone finishing. This is in excellent condition with an even shine. After its recent service, it is functioning very well and keeping accurate time.
The watch is presented on a reference correct, 1162 (11) bracelet, with the signed folding clasp. It has a 20mm width, with 731 end links. It is in very good condition, having been re-pinned, with the finish refurbished.
Overall, this is a good and fresh example, having undergone a great deal of work. The quality of the case finish, combined with the subtly aged hands and dial is a real pleasure to look at.
Full condition report below. Please see the images as these compliment and aid the description provided below.
Dial:
The dial is in very good original condition. It has no obvious signs of wear or ageing. The matte finish is good and even. The lume is original and has aged to a darker tone.
Hands:
The hands are original, with original lume in-fill. The lume in-fill is original and has an aged darker tone. The central second hand is original with aged paint, as are the sub-dial hands.
Glass:
The acrylic crystal is a genuine Omega replacement and is perfect.
Pushers:
The pushers have been replaced with genuine Omega parts. The seals are fresh too.
Crown:
The crown is original and is in good condition with light surface scratching.
Case:
The case is original and is in very good condition, having been laser welded and re-finished. There are some slight nicks where the bezel meets the crystal. The sunburst finish is excellent, with polished bevel and brushed sides.
Caseback:
The case back is stainless steel and is in good condition with polished exterior and a brushed finish to the face. The seahorse motif is clearly visible with crisp edges. It has had the finish restored.
Strap:
The watch comes on a Stainless Steel Omega bracelet, which is in excellent condition having been re-pinned and refinished. It is the reference 1162 (11), with 173 end links.
Movement:
The movement is an Omega calibre 861. It is a shock protected manually wound chronograph calibre. It has a jewel count of 18 and a 48-hour power reserve. It displays the hours, minutes, central second, small seconds, 30 minute counter and 12 hour counter.
The movement has been recently serviced It’s keeping time to within +20 seconds deviation a day, with an amplitude of 340 degrees and a beat error of 0.1m/s.
Case dimensions:
Case width: 41.5mm
Case width with crown: 44.25mm
Case length: 45.5mm
Case Depth: 14.5mm
Lug width: 20mm