Omega Speedmaster 'Michael Collins'

There are vintage Speedmasters, there are Calibre 321 Speedmasters, and then there is the Ref. ST 145.012—the final chapter in one of the most important stories in watchmaking history. Produced from 1967 through 1968, with some deliveries extending into early 1969, the 145.012 represents the last standard-production Speedmaster to be fitted with Omega's legendary Calibre 321, the column-wheel chronograph movement that accompanied astronauts like Michael Collins, who donned this exact Reference while serving as Apollo 11's Command Module Pilot.

For many collectors, the 145.012 occupies a particularly special place within the Speedmaster lineage. It combines all of the hallmarks that define the classic pre-Moonwatch era: the celebrated Calibre 321, the applied metal Omega logo, the asymmetrical 42mm lyre-lug case, and the coveted "Dot Over 90" tachymeter bezel. It was also the reference that introduced the larger 5mm chronograph pushers, improving water resistance while preserving the unmistakable Speedmaster silhouette.

The matte black dial remains one of the most balanced chronograph designs ever created. Slender baton hands sweep across three recessed registers, while the spear-tipped chronograph seconds hand provides a subtle flourish of character. Every element serves a purpose, yet together they create a dial that remains as attractive today as it was nearly six decades ago.

What makes this piece extra special is its exceptional, near-mint condition. Not only is it equipped with a very, very clean, flat-link, 1039/516 stainless steel bracelet, but is also accompanied by its presentation box and an extract from Omega confirming its production in 1968.

The historical significance of the Calibre 321 cannot be overstated. Derived from the Lemania 2310, it was the movement that powered the Speedmaster through NASA's rigorous qualification trials in the mid-1960s. Competing against chronographs from Rolex and Longines-Wittnauer, the Omega emerged as the sole watch to survive the agency's punishing battery of tests, earning its place on the wrists of astronauts during both training and spaceflight. By the time the 145.012 entered production, the Speedmaster had already secured its place in history.

Importantly, the 145.012 is more than simply the final Calibre 321 reference. It served as the foundation for some of the most celebrated Speedmaster variants ever produced, including the coveted Ultraman and the exceptionally rare Racing Dial models. As a result, it occupies a unique position as both the culmination of the original Speedmaster era and the starting point for some of the model's most desirable collector references.

Today, the ST 145.012 stands among the most sought-after vintage Speedmasters. It offers the perfect combination of historical significance, mechanical pedigree, and timeless design. For many enthusiasts, it represents the last and most complete expression of the original Moonwatch formula—a watch that connects directly to the dawn of the Space Age and one of the greatest achievements in horological history.

The story of Omega is one that captivates generations of horological devotees. The second-largest watchmaker in the world in terms of annual turnover, the Bienne-based firm has been continuously producing watches since 1848, which it does today under the auspices of the Swatch Group.

Founded in La-Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland as La Generale Watch Co, Omega was well ahead of the horological curve from the beginning, developing the first minute-repeating wristwatch in 1892 as well as the eponymous “Omega” caliber in 1894. This 19-ligne movement was revolutionary in that its parts could be replaced by any watchmaker in the world without modification, while its winding and time-setting via the crown provided an industry standard.

Omega became the timepiece supplier of choice for the British Royal Flying Corps in 1917, while the Americans followed suit in 1918, choosing their watches for the U.S. Army. Awards for precision chronometry became almost commonplace, while 1932 saw them become the first watch brand to time an entire Olympic Games. Their Marine, which debuted the same year, is regarded as the first commercially available diver’s watch.

During the Second World War, Omega supplied well over 100,000 timepieces to British forces, making it the largest watch supplier to the British and her allies. These watches, from the unique 6B/159 to the famed “Dirty Dozen” W.W.W, remain highly collectible today.

1948 saw the launch of the original Seamaster: Built upon the tool watch legacy of the brand’s timepieces from the War, it’s since become a byword for reliability and legibility, both as a dress watch and, more recently, as a serious diver’s tool. The Speedmaster, released in 1957 and originally marketed for the auto-racing market, first rocketed to space on the wrist of American astronaut Wally Schirra in 1962. However, it became a household name when, in 1969, it accompanied Buzz Aldrin on the Moon, and later helped save the space-stranded crew of Apollo 13 in 1970 by timing a critical rocket burn.

Today, Omega’s watches — all of which feature in-house movements — run the gamut from svelte dress pieces to the venerable Speedmaster in all its guises. Providing an unquestionable value proposition, Omega is a brand that deserves to be at the center of every serious watch lover’s collection.

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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 two-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

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