A Watch Thread: 145-022 69

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I’m always a little reluctant to start a new thread for my own watch. Don’t want to be viewed as a “hey, look at me guy” but Spacefruit made a good point in a previous thread. This is a watch forum. Let’s see some watches. Thought I’d share my new 145.022-69 Speedmaster purchase. And who among us lacks the focus to enjoy a good Speedmaster? Anyway, if this thread crashes and burns I’ll start digging out some memes to post.

Like many, I’ve been looking for a solid Speedmaster example. My want is at the top of the speedmaster101 price list. My means is at the bottom. Found this 145.022-69 on the bay and decided to have a go at it as it checks all the boxes condition wise. Fortunately, it worked out for a decent price. Auction closed earlier this week and I received the watch yesterday.



I know, I know, it’s not a DON and it’s not a 1039 but the serial number is 313XXXX so it’s late in the production run. I believe the DN90 and 1171 is correct for this time period (please let me know if I’m wrong). It’s not as desirable as an early 145.022-69 but it is more affordable. It came with an “original, original” 1171/633 with the raised Omega clasp which is a nice bonus and seems correct given the serial number.



The seller called me up prior to delivery and said he was going to do me a solid and take it to a local jeweler to have it “polished up”. He meant well but all I could picture was a young apprentice at a strip mall jewelry store grinding the watch until he could see his own pimply face smiling back. Could probably read the serial number without even taking off the caseback. I had to assure the seller four or five times that his generous offer was completely unnecessary. I’m glad he called first.



It’s not a rare reference and it’s not a 321 but I’m happy with the watch. It scratches the Speedmaster itch for the time being. Looks like the chrono hand is leaning but should be an easy fix. Anyone else have a new purchase to show? Let’s keep the momentum going.
 
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Looks great! Love the dial, nice colour to the lume. Bezel looks right too.

Nice pick up I say!
 
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More and more I am considering cashing out a group of my watches (Omega and others) to finance a later model Speedmaster. I have a 2998-5
but it sees next to no wrist time because I wear my watches to work. I have, shall we say, an active job where damage is a possibility. I want another Speedmaster that I can put some mileage on.
Your watch is a perfect example of what I am going to look for.
 
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I don't believe the OP bracelet shown in the photo above would have been original to the 145.022-69. An original 1171 had the trapezoidal raised logo. See below. I believe the posted bracelet is a more modern 1171.
 
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MWO mentions that the first version of the 1171 includes a raised Omega clasp. To be honest, I don't think I've ever seen an example. The bracelet I have is not laser etched and it has screws instead of pins so I don't think it's one of the modern 1171s.
 
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Very nice purchase.., BTW , not all 145.022-69 had the DON bezels..
 
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Very nice Speedmaster, congrats !

Imagine your face if it had arrived shiny and polished 🤦
 
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Case is great condition & beautiful dial. I want one!
 
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Nice looking Speedy you got there! 🥰 Congrats! 👍 .and don't worry about digging memes, I'll help you with that just to complement your watch thread! 😀
 
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MWO mentions that the first version of the 1171 includes a raised Omega clasp. To be honest, I don't think I've ever seen an example. The bracelet I have is not laser etched and it has screws instead of pins so I don't think it's one of the modern 1171s.
I believe that I also had one of these.
 
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Very nice indeed...congrats! 👍