The Omega 145.022 Speedmaster Racing - A Rare and Iconic Speedy

We have discovered some incredible Speedmasters recently, that we have loved offering to you guys. Today we are introducing @TheMasterOfSpeed, Matteo Leoni, one of the world’s foremost vintage Speedmaster experts. Here he shares with us his passion for and knowledge of a very rare and important Speedy…

Today we are happy to share with you the Omega Speedmaster Racing, also known as the Exotic Speedy, reference 145.022-69 with calibre 861 movement. The watch is easily noticeable due to its unique chromatic scheme, one that significantly differentiates itself from the all-black scheme of previous models.

Only about 150 pieces officially identified

Interestingly, 2 generations of racing dials exist. The first generation racing was still based on the calibre 321 with a more standard black dial featuring red accents on the minute track.

The second generation, however, has a different, more modern dial layout, with a grey coloured dial and orange printed indices and Omega (Ω) logo. The central chronograph hand is of the same orange colour, whilst the correct hour and minute handset remains white. Though many handset configurations have been observed on this model, the following configuration can be considered the most correct:

Furthermore, all the orange details of the watch are prone to UV stimuli, reflecting vividly under blue light, unlike in previous generations (Black Racing 1st gen. and Ultraman), where the handset and other details actually did not react under UV light.

To date, one official small production batch has been identified of about 150 examples destined for the Swiss market around the 26’609’xxx serial, delivered between May and June 1970.

This model has to be considered amongst the very first non-numbered limited editions produced by Omega, distinguishing itself from the standard Speedmaster production line through the use of eclectic colours, fitting with the 1970’s style and evolution of design. This watch really was a reinterpretation of the model.

The 2004 Japanese Racing Re-Edition

In the early ’70s, following the release of the Speedmaster Racing, Omega would introduce the Mark II with a virtually identical layout to the aforementioned Racing model. Later still, in 2004, Omega released an official Racing re-edition for the Japanese market limited to 2004 examples.

The Energy of an Era

The look of the watch allows us to relive the fast-paced energy of the era, an era of continuous and significant innovation both in terms of design and technology, an era of breaking records and setting trends, bearing in mind that the Speedmaster was born in 1957 as a means to measure time and speed for the evolving world of racing.

Used in the most extreme missions, accompanying mankind through the test of our limits – today wearing this timepiece allows use to perceive the essence of great men that have made history. Feeling the adrenaline rush from our wrist to our hearts, making us ever more passionate about the stories that make a difference, full of emotions and details that make us relive, step by step, the journey of this iconic watch.

Matteo Leoni is the owner of www.themasterofspeed.com and on Instagram is @TheMasterOfSpeed


Thank you Matteo and looking forward to your next article about another super rare and special Omega Speedmaster