1971 Omega Speedmaster Professional 'No NASA' Ref. 145.022-71 ST

Why This Watch Matters

The result of a delay in negotiations, this plain caseback is now coveted by Speedmaster collectors.

The Full Story

Omega introduced the ref. 145.022-71 in 1971, and it was in production until approximately 1974. It was the second Speedmaster Professional to use the 861 movement, after the 145.022-69. Carried over from the -69 reference is the painted Omega logo, something that continues today – sort of. These watches are some of the last Speedmasters to feature a step on the dial, a prominent feature in the early references and one that was brought back in the new Speedmaster Professional.

The major change in the -71 Speedmaster is on the back. This is the first Speedy to have the Hippocampus medallion on the caseback. The example we have here is known to collectors as a "No NASA" caseback. While the vast majority of these Speedmasters and all those following read "Flight-qualified by NASA for all manned space missions" surrounding the Hippocampus medallion, you'll find the "No NASA" blank around the medallion.

This caseback is very rare and was only produced for a short period of time while Omega & NASA came to an agreement on the inscription officially to be used on the Speedmaster's caseback.

The example we have here is in nice condition and is complete with an Omega Extract of the Archives confirming the watch was produced on October 20, 1971, and delivered to Iran. It is fitted to an Omega ref. 1039 "flat-link" bracelet to complete the vintage Speedy look.

The Fine Print

What We Love And What You Should Know

Things We Love:

- "No NASA" caseback
-Omega "flat-link" bracelet
- Extract of the Archives included
- Iconic vintage Speedy look

Things To Know:

- Scratches on case and bracelet
- Wear to bezel
- "Flat-link" bracelet will fit a 6.75in wrist

This Speedmaster is in overall great condition. The case is strong with scratches and some light nicks. The facets on the twisted lugs are visible.The back of the lugs have some scratches and marks. The Hippocampus medallion on the caseback is very crisp. The rear of the lugs have some scratches and marks from the bracelet.

The dial is in great condition with a slight patina to the matte black surface. The hands have developed patina and show slight wear to the white paint. The lume on the hands has developed patina throughout and aged to an off-white green hue. The lume on the dial has developed patina and aged to a creamier color. The bezel has some scratches and signs of wear throughout.There is a minor nick on the bezel at nine. It is missing some paint in areas and has a more noticeable mark at "100."

The dial, crown, case, movement, and crystal are all signed by Omega. There are some light scratches on the crystal. The Omega "flat-link"  bracelet is in good condition with some stretch between the links. The clasp is dated "4 71," indicating it was made in the fourth quarter of 1971, corresponding to the production date in 1971. This watch was photographed on a 175mm/6.9inch wrist.