1972 Omega Speedmaster Professional Mark II “Racing” ref. 145.014

Mark II Speedmasters were the first radical departure from the traditional Speedmaster case, and instead of an exposed lug design, the MK II was designed with a tonneau shape featuring hidden lugs but was fitted with the same chronograph movement – the famous caliber 861 – that was also used in the Speedmaster Professional of the time (ref. 145.022).  The stainless steel case was chunkier and executed in a tonneau/barrel style, which was an aesthetic that was trending in 1970s watch design.

The steel versions were offered in a simple black dial nearly indistinguishable from the original, as well as a colorful orange and grey "Racing" dial seen here.  The tachymeter scale was moved from the exterior bezel of the watch to a position located on the underside of the flat mineral glass crystal. The most striking part of the watch is the dial design. The checkered seconds track on the periphery of the dial is in alternating shades of orange and red. Known as a "racing" dial, the look immediately jumps out. The neon red/orange chronograph hands not only increase the watch's legibility, but also call attention to the center of the dial. It is also rather unusual for the Omega logo under 12 o'clock to be executed in orange.

While larger in size than a standard Speedmaster, they are extremely comfortable to wear, and wonderful to behold.

Omega has reintroduced the "racing" dial pattern several times since the 1970s, most prominently in a 2004 Speedmaster limited edition for the Japanese market (ref. 3570.40) and the Speedmaster "Tintin" (ref. 311.30.42.30.01.004) from 2013. Omega brought the Speedmaster Mark II back to life in 2014, just in time for its 45th anniversary, with a reedition (ref. 327.10.43.50.06.001) that remains largely true to the original release.

Condition:

§  Case: The case has been professional restored to its original factory condition.  The rear engraving is strong and clear.

§  Dial & Hands:  The dial and hands are brand new, genuine, Omega service replacements.  The lume is super-luminova.

§  Movement:  The movement has been checked, cleaned and adjusted by our watchmaker. It is currently gaining only 7 second per day with an amplitude of 288.  Crown action is smooth and chrono buttons have crisp action.

§  Bracelet: The watch is paired with brand new, Uncle Seiko bracelet which is a higher quality than the original Omega 1162/173.  A black leather “rally strap” is also included.

Specifications:

§  Case No: N/A; Movement No: 32191860

§  Material: Stainless steel 

§  Dimensions: 42mm diameter; 14mm thickness 

§  Crystal: Mineral glass 

§  Lume: Yes, super-luminova

§  Caliber: Manual winding 861 

§  Bracelet/Strap: Replica 1162/173 Uncle bracelet.

§  Lug Width: 20mm

§  Box/Papers: No