Omega Speedmaster Professional 'Sapphire Sandwich'

Why We Love It

Timeless. Cliche, yes and no?

In the case of the Speedmaster, timeless is an accurate description of this iconic watch. Virtually unchanged since the mid 1960s, while this watch is only a year old - you could be forgiven for mistaking it for one of its NASA used relatives. The design is both instantly recognizable and extremely modern. 

Truth be told, you could walk into any room full of watch collectors - from Swatch to Patek - and if you're wearing a Speedy, you'll get looks of respect. It's a watch that's been around since 1957 and truly been a witness to history. You would be hard pressed to name three other models enduring the same lifespan with the same widespread admiration.  

The example we have here is known in collector circles as the 'Sapphire Sandwich' for its sapphire crystal and sapphire case back showing the Omega Cal 1863 - a decorated version of the venerable 1861 which is still flight approved by NASA and has been in production since 1969.

Complete with the oversized Omega suitcase full of spare straps (and bracelet) strap changing tool, Speedmaster loupe, and lots of other 'case candy' this is sure to be a loved piece in anyone's collection - or a great start down the wrist watch rabbit hole. 

The Story

With 2019 marking the 50th anniversary of the Moon Landing focus is now on space-related ephemera. Major auction houses will no doubt hold sales of anything that an astronaut might have even breathed on. Now, with demand for those items soaring high, it might put a damper on anyone’s aspirations to own a piece of history.

But there is a piece of space history that anyone can own: The Omega Speedmaster.

Since 1965, this little machine has been issued to the crew of every manned space mission. Ed White, Buzz Aldrin, Jim Lovell—these are just a few heroes who strapped the Speedy to their wrists as they headed to the final frontier. As one of Omega’s longest-running models, the Speedmaster has seen variants as numerous as stars in the sky, from special editions honoring spaceflights to the simpler black-dialed “Moon watch” that everyone knows and loves.

There's something to be said for the popular appeal of the Reference 145.022. Produced from the late 1960s to the 1980s, the Reference 145.022 straddles the period between the pre-moon and post-Moon landing Speedmasters. Like the references that came before it, the Reference 145.022 represents a pivotal era in the development of the Speedmaster.

While the earlier References of Speedmaster contained the Caliber .321 movement, the Reference 145.022 was the first to contain the Caliber .861. Additionally, the sub-reference 145.022-69ST was the first to feature a caseback that commemorated the 1969 Moon Landing, which still adorns the backs of Omega Speedmasters today. Also, the 145.022 retained the tritium that adorned the dials of previous iterations; it wasn’t until the introduction of the Reference 3570 in the mid 1990s that Omega started using the non-radioactive SuperLuminova.

Our Pledge

Analog:Shift stands behind the authenticity of our products in perpetuity.

Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a one-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.