The first ever Solid Gold Speedmaster! Only 1014 examples have been made of this gold OMEGA Speedmaster Professional in 1969 of which 28 went to the White House and 26 of them were given to the NASA astronauts of that time. Number 1 was offered to President Nixon, but he declined it. This particular watch is on display in the Omega Museum in Biel.
(*Source:
https://www.fratellowatches.com/speedy-tuesday-speedmaster-professional-ba-145-022/
https://www.fratellowatches.com/rare-omega-speedmaster-professional/)
Needless to say, I've been searching high and low for this particular reference. After what seemed like an eternity, I managed to close a deal on an Unpolished and Untouched one. Not only is this watch Unpolished and Untouched with the Original Factory Finish, this particular example displays the following highly desirable traits.
1) Original Early Series "Wide O" Dial
2) Original Hands
3) Pristine Burgundy Dot Over Ninety (DON) bezel
4) Correct early period Crown and Pushers
5) Original Crystal showing the Flat Foot Omega Logo
6) Full length Factory Set Tight bracelet
7) Factory finish Clasp
8) UNPOLISHED, UNTOUCHED Factory Finish case
9) Insane Insane Patina
When I first received the watch...
Factory Set Bracelet seems to never have been removed before...So I'm gonna leave it as it is...
Affixing a clear caseback protector sticker on...
Partial ultrasonic wash with detergent, as I didn't dare/trust myself to remove the factory set bracelet. Bracelet pin is in the wash as well on the right side...
Other half of the bracelet...
This is the max level of immersion I dared to go.
Other half...
Now into an almost boiling hot water bath to rinse off the detergent...
Other half...
Finally cleaned and dried... Subsequently used some alcohol swabs for the case (not pictured).
Original period crown and pushers...
Unpolished from all angles...
Razor sharp...
Ouch!
Insane patina developing...
More patina...
Factory finish clasp.
More patina...
Highly desirable very early series "Wide O" dial...
Original Flat Foot Logo Crystal
Full length tight Factory Set bracelet...
Factory finish clasp...
Finally some wrist shots...
Shout out to
@incabloc and
@Cad290 for their invaluable advice on this particular reference as well as this particular example. Many thanks to OF for the platform to share my story... Needless to say, after a few weeks on the wrist, this watch will be off to Simon Freese Watchmakers (
http://www.simonfreesewatchmakers.com) for a full overhaul. Cheerios!
*Still Searching for a Moon Crater Box... If you know anybody/anywhere that has one for sale, do let me know.
The Box pictured above belongs to
@Cad290 ... Thanks mate!
