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These are the rarest, and to me, most attractive speedmasters.
This is seen in two executions, a professional dial and a non-professional dial.
This is seen in two executions, a professional dial and a non-professional dial.
There are no definitive numbers known, and so we have to go by perceived wisdom. This currently suggests that there are up to 20 known in all.
Questions:
Are they Factory original?
I think yes, for the most part. Most of the correct ones I have handled have had Extracts of the Archives that specify Black dial with red markers. I have seen two Black racings, both sold in UK with original Omega Guarantees, that failed the extract. On further discussion with the Museum, they informed me that both these watches had movement issued to 18kt gold chronographs. At the time, an18kt Gold Chronograph was very expensive and a slow seller. The individual at the museum suggested that they may have scrapped the gold, and used the movement in these Exotic watches.
Are they Factory original?
I think yes, for the most part. Most of the correct ones I have handled have had Extracts of the Archives that specify Black dial with red markers. I have seen two Black racings, both sold in UK with original Omega Guarantees, that failed the extract. On further discussion with the Museum, they informed me that both these watches had movement issued to 18kt gold chronographs. At the time, an18kt Gold Chronograph was very expensive and a slow seller. The individual at the museum suggested that they may have scrapped the gold, and used the movement in these Exotic watches.
There is a theory that was proposed by Davidoff Brothers and supported by the then head of the Omega Museum, that the Ultraman was a small run of watches to invigorate flagging sales of the (by then) long in the tooth 145.012 that may have been falling out favour with the public. By that logic, it might be possible the Black Racing dials were a similar experiment to market test designs, or just to try and generate interest in a flagging model. One of the supporting facts is that the serials 2607xxxx that are seen in many blacks are similar to the Ultraman. In addition, some of the Black Racings also have the long central Chrono Hand, although obviously in white.
I have seen all three shapes of Chrono Hand on the Black Racings, and so I cannot say with certainty that one is more correct or original than another as the sample size is too small.
Loose Dials?
I have heard of loose dials circulating. Some are Prototypes, or from dial manufactures “look-books” and so have no feet. These loose dials have been built up into watches. I would say I can spot these. Often they are paired with hands that are incorrectly painted or the wrong size. Unless you have seen a lot of them, then it might be hard to replicate. However, I remain vigilant.
The Extract Situation
Most have extracts of the archives specifying a black dial with red markers. A few do not as mentioned above. The extract is based on a computer punch card record in the archives that is an indication of “Special Equipment”. This is the same indicator used to verify the Ultraman – hence the Museum asked us to send photos when requesting extracts. I do not know what the museum will do going forward, when or if the museum will reopen the service. It is possible they will refuse to document any exotic.
Values
Values range from $50,000 to $120,000 and entirely depend on quality. One was sold at Antiquorum for $212,000, but I consider it an anomaly.
Black Racing Dials
These are seen in Professional and non-Professional versions. Unlike the standard dial, the Professional Black Racing has smaller subdials, and consequently shorter subdial hands. The central Chrono seconds is seen in several executions.
Unusually, the professional version is more sought after by collectors – perhaps because of the unique dial plate with smaller subdials.
Values range from $50,000 to $120,000 and entirely depend on quality. One was sold at Antiquorum for $212,000, but I consider it an anomaly.
So far, the consensus between people who might know is that no more than 10 of each are known. However, we all know that consensus is not the best foundation for any conclusion.
The Ultraman
is a 145.012 with an orange hand. This example was sold at Sothebys in July 2019.
The length of the hour hand is particular to this reference and is often replaced with a shorter easily obtainable service item.
MWO is an excellent source of info for these.
And I wrote a resource page here
BA145.022-69 18kt
Initially there was a small run of 100 watches and this was increased to 1014 watches. The first were presented by Omega to the President and Vice President of the USA, and then all NASA flown astronauts at the time of November 25, 1969.
The dials are marked OM and are 18kt gold.
The best article on these Gold Speedmasters is here, written by Bradley Jacobs.
Prices have ranged between $30,000 and $110,000 (January 2022) and are depends on quality and presence of papers and the very rare original crater box.
Grey Racing Dial
Seen in 145.022-69. Numbers are very limited, and some sources quote 50 pieces. (recently some are saying 150)
Note the centers of the hour and minute hands, these are painted black, and original.
Prices have risen strongly in the last four years, and now $40,000 to $85,000 depending on condition. (January 2022)
Very few have been presented at auction in the last few years, but I know of several sold privately.
Further discussion and links here
The Apollo Soyuz
This is one of the most desirable of these specials. It has a unique dial and case, with 5.5mm pushers and an oyster style bracelet. Prices are ranging from $40,000 to $80,000 (January 2022) and I detect a very strong demand for them.
They have a numbered case back, a modified mid-case and 5.5mm pushers.
They very rarely come onto the market and when they do, even watches with problems get sold.
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