I am looking for a Speedmaster made in 1969. I found one with a 2.9 million serial number and then I read Roman Hartmann's chart which placed that number well into 1970 as the year of production. I have also read the excellent Speedmaster101 article. I have since read a posting by a well known Speedmaster seller who had a 2.8 million which he listed as late 1968. I'm a now quite confused about trying to date a Speedmaster in 1969. Any clarification you can provide is greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

I believe that serial is ok for a 145.022-69. At least according to MWO- range 28.420xxx to 31.629xxx

 

Thank you for your reply. I am trying to see if 2.9 million was in fact made in 1969 or 1970. I was born in '69 so the difference of a year in the watch manufactured date makes it or breaks it for me.

 

I am holding a 1969 in my hand right now. Mine is a 30,XXX,XXX serial numbered, 861 movement. What I find funny is that I had someone claim that my bezel was incorrect (though the watch is as first delivered - so not sure if they are misinformed or what.)

 

Thank you for your repky. If you don't mind, please tell me how you dated your Speedmaster to 1969. The one I am interested in buying has 145.022-69 on the case back, a 2.9 million serial number, yet according to Hartmann's serial number chart was produced in 1970.

 

Inside the caseback it reads, "145.022-69ST" and the serial number is within range (keep in mind that it cannot be a 2.9MM serial number, that is way too early.

 

Birth year Speedmasters!

What counts as birth?

Date of caseback
Date of assembly
Date of release from factory
Date of sale

An omega extract is the only way to get a factory release date, but it may have been made earlier. An extract will cost you about 4% the value of the watch.

I would be happy with 69 in the back.

 

Thanks for all the feedback everyone. Sorry I repeatedly made a mistake with the decimal point; I meant 29. Mil. serial number. I have been reading more and more on this and just found a post from another Omega frequent poster with a 31. Mil. serial number which he said was made in 1969 according to Omega! I think going with a 69 case back may be the way to go.

 

Nice Speedie! Thanks for the photos.

 

My 145.022-69 has a 29 million serial number but I haven't request Omega archive yet. But as far as I have read, most of the 29 million ones were shipped out of factory in 2nd quarter 1970 (March to June)

 

.....and many 2911xxxx with a brown dial, some 2960xxxx too

 

1969 is also my birth year and I went through a similar search some years ago.
I eventually found this 145.022-69 with serial 2842xxxx - the extract that I purchased from Omega dated the production date to 29 Jan 1970.
So I'm pretty sure a 29mil 145.022-69 dates to 1970.
But do note that Omega serial numbers do jump around, so you can never be 100% sure..
Suffice to say that if you want one assembled in 1969, best to look for a 27mil Speedy!
Hope this helps.

 

I agree with you.

 

You've got to take the chart you quoted with a pinch of salt. It's really +/- 2 years.

What do you want from a birth year watch? One that was produced by Omega in 69 or the one you would have had your folks bought a Speedmaster on the day you were born?

If it's the former, an early 69 should do. But you'll need an extract. Sellers do occasionally have these. Especially private sellers on this forum.

However, if it's the latter, there's a good chance your folks may have bought a 68 or even a 67.

Personally, I'd just get a nice 29mil 69.

Then a 68.


Then maybe a 67.


65.......

 

In my opinion, arguably, Hartmanns has been superseded by the excellent research done by the MWO.

145.022 (1968-71) Production years 1968-1969 movement numbers seen: 26.555.xxx - 27.719.xxx
145.022-69 (pre-moon) production years 1969-1971 movement numbers seen: 28.420.xxx - 31.629.xxx

 

Thanks for all the great information -- very informative.

 

Another question for those who own 145.022-69 Speedmasters, how durable are they?

I hope to wear mine without worrying that I might break at any moment. Thanks in advance for your insights.

 

Wearing a Speedmaster won't make you break, your safe.