Omega
1973 Omega Speedmaster Professional MARK II (Ref. 145.014) Racing Dial 'Cal. 861'
Fresh from the personal collection of style icon, automobile enthusiast, and Urban Outlaw himself, Magnus Walker, comes a 1973 Omega Speedmaster Professional MARK II in fantastic condition.
<>With the immense success Omega saw from the Speedmaster Professional series, especially after its iconic trip to the moon, they decided to expand the Speedmaster model with the ever-evolving MARK series of chronographs. The MARK II debuted in 1969 with a bold, sunburst-finished tonneau-style case. The MARK III was introduced in 1971 and was the first Speedmaster to employ an automatic winding movement using the Lemania cal. 1340. The MARK IV was introduced in 1973 and melded the MARK II case style with the same Lemania-based movement of the MARK III. After a short hiatus, Omega created the MARK V which featured a very evolved aesthetic that many refer to as 'futuristic'.
The Speedmaster MARK II came with the same Lemania-based movement as the original Speedmaster Professional "Moonwatch", reference 145.022. This watch contains Omega’s original caliber 861 movement and was in production from 1968 and lasted until 1996 when Omega introduced the Caliber 1861 movement. Unlike the Speedmaster Professional, the Omega Speedmaster MARK II has a barrel-shaped case that has polished chamfers and a brushed top and sides, giving it a different look from the standard Speedmaster Professional case worn by NASA Astronauts. The classic timing scale that the Speedmaster is known for is also different; it is under the mineral glass crystal and not located on the outside of the crystal as an external bezel, in essence, protecting the timing scale from scratches or disruption. Unlike modern timepieces with scratch-resistant sapphire crystals, pieces of this era were assembled with mineral glass crystals.
Finally, as you may expect from a man with such auto-centric ties, this particular MARK II features a "racing dial", with red and white checkering on the outer edge of the dial. Considering the watch's connection to the automobile world, it's no wonder Magnus had one of these in his collection – but it's now ready for it's next wrist. This is a great opportunity to own an incredible watch with a very unique history.
SPECS
Stock # | WOSMMKII70-MW/2 | |
Brand | Omega | |
Style | Speedmaster Professional "MARK II" | |
Model | 145.014 | |
Serial | 32XXXXXX | |
Size | Men's | |
Material | Stainless Steel | |
Dial | Matte Grey "Racing" | |
Millimeters | 41 | |
Bracelet | Omega 1162 / 173 Stainless Steel Bracelet |
CASE & BRACELET
The extremely crisp and impressive barrel-shaped case appears to have been professionally polished in the past to showcase factory-like edges and bevels throughout while showing honest signs of use. The mineral glass crystal is in excellent condition, showing no notable signs of wear. The Omega signed crown and pump pushers are original to the watch. The original factory engravings on the case back remain crisp and fully present. The watch comes supplied on an Omega No. 12 oyster-style bracelet with 306 end pieces. The bracelet retains 14 links that show light stretch and will fit up to a 7 1/4-inch wrist.
DIAL & HANDS
The matte grey "exotic" racing dial is in excellent vintage condition, showing some minor marks and spots from age that are invisible to the naked eye. The tritium markers feature a creamy coloration that is common for these dials and show no degradation under UV light inspection. The hands, including the chronograph and subsidiary hands, are replacement Speedmaster luminova service units.
ACCESSORIES
None. The watch is keeping time, but the service history is unknown. A movement service can be provided upon request.