1974 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:  Original tritium dial “T Swiss Made T”.   The lume is evenly faded to warm honey color, the red outer track has also faded with age.

Movement:  The movement has been checked, cleaned and adjusted by our watchmaker.  Crown action is smooth and chrono buttons have crisp action.  The movement has been tested and is running very strongly & accurately for its age 0 sec with amplitude of 280. 

Bracelet: The watch is paired with a matching Omega 1116/154 bracelet in good condition.

Specifications:

Reference: 145.014
Year: 1974 
Case No: N/A; Movement No: 323306XX
Material: Stainless steel 
Dimensions: 42mm diameter; 14mm thickness 
Crystal: Mineral glass 
Lume: Yes, tritium 
Caliber: Manual winding 861 
Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Omega No. 1116 bracelet with No. 154 end-links  
Lug Width: 20mm
Box/Papers: No