Omega Speedmaster 145.022-69 Apollo XI Japan 1972

Omega Speedmaster 145.022-69 Apollo XI caseback, Japan 1972
Serial: 31611318
Circa: 1972
Reference No.: 145.022-69

CASE: 42mm Stainless Steel, lyre lug moonwatch case, acrylic crystal, black tachymeter bezel & screw case back with Apollo XI special commemorative caseback.
Engraving in Japanese with Japanese date system corresponding to:
Kawata Iron Works
January 15, 1975

DIAL: Black matte dial with tritium hour markers

MOVEMENT: Caliber 861, hand wound mechanical chronograph, 17 jewels

BRACELET: Omega Stainless Steel 1116/575 bracelet

CONDITION REPORT: Overall excellent condition

NOTES: Produced between 1971 and 1972, the Speedmaster ST 145.022-69 "Apollo XI" is known with movement serial numbers ranging from 31.0xx.xxx to 31.62x.xxx, although earlier serial numbers have also been observed but remain within an uncertain attribution range. A small number of these watches were fitted with the exceptionally rare Apollo XI commemorative caseback, featuring an engraving closely related to that of the 18K gold Apollo XI 1969 – Tribute to Astronauts limited edition. Documented examples consistently show production in 1971 with delivery to Japan in 1972, and many retain the rare reference 1116/575 stainless steel bracelet. The uniformity of these characteristics strongly suggests that this uncommon variant was produced as a special order for the Japanese distributor.