Description
Launched in 1969, the Mark II was Omega’s response to the changing tastes of the era. The traditional straight-lug Speedmaster case gave way to a bold, brushed stainless steel “tonneau” case with integrated pushers — not just stylistic but also engineered for comfort and protection. The visual language shifted from the Moon to the racetrack, especially in its more colorful “Racing Dial” variants. But even in its standard configuration, as in this example, the Mark II retains a stoic, utilitarian charm.
Inside beats the Calibre 861, a hand-wound chronograph movement introduced by Omega in 1968 as a successor to the legendary Calibre 321. It offered greater production efficiency and reliability without compromising precision — it remained the movement of choice for Speedmasters worn on NASA missions well into the Shuttle era. Though the Mark II itself was never flight-qualified by NASA, it shares the same mechanical heart as its Moon-faring siblings.
One of the Mark II’s most distinctive innovations lies in its tachymeter scale, which is printed on the underside of the crystal and illuminated by a brushed metal rehaut. This design gives the dial a striking clarity and depth while protecting the scale from the wear and tear that bezels are often exposed to.
This particular watch, bearing the serial number 29xxxxxx, dates to circa 1969 and reflects the transitional period of Omega’s post-Moonwatch experimentation. It’s a model that has seen a quiet but significant resurgence among collectors — respected for its durability, historical connection, and distinctive 70s aesthetics. While never as famous as the Ref. 105.012 or 145.022, the 145.014 stands on its own merits as a serious collector’s piece with a growing cult following.
What we love:
- Beautiful dial
- All period correct
- Great case condition
What you should know:
- Unless otherwise stated, it is common for vintage watches to not come with box and papers. In the rare example that a watch does come with box and papers it will be mentioned in the description. All purchases come with a bespoke black wooden watch box and warranty card.
