1968 Omega Straight Lug Speedmaster ref. 145.003 w/ Original Hang Tag, Boxes, Unpolished

Up for grabs is an Omega Speedmaster 

A seldom seen reference 145.003 with straight lugs and pre-professional dial. 

254422XX serial number circa early 1968 production. 

There is not much known about reference 145.003. The watch is not stamped 145.003 anywhere, but rather has 105.003-65 inside as most every other example of 145.003 I have ever seen is. It is my belief that 145.003 was the last batch of “Ed Whites” which were being sold by Omega as “left over” straight lug watches during that time, together with twisted lug models besides them. Typically, the only way to find out if your late serial number watch with 105.003-65 caseback is actually a 145.003 is to get an extract from archives. In this case, we actually have an original Omega hang tag which has a matching serial number to the watch and below it is the reference number: ST 145.003. This printed hang tag, in my opinion, beats any hand written warranty papers in terms of rarity and addition of value to the package. 

Aside from being an uncommon reference, this watch has a fantastically preserved case. The case is clearly unpolished and still retains its factory finish and chamfers. 

Dial is original, has nice yellow patina on plots and hands. Hands are original and match to the dial. 

Pushers and crown are original. Skinny logo on crown. 

Very nice DON bezel is original with very light signs of wear. 

Caseback is original, unpolished, with crisp Hippocampus on back. No major tool marks/scratches. Inside is correctly stamped 105.003-65. 

Crystal is original hesalite Omega with logo in center. 

Bracelet is original and correct 1035/506 in very tight condition. All spring loaded links are tight and working. The clasp is still “sticky’ when opening and closing. All extra links were also found inside the box and are included. 

The watch was found and comes with Omega boxes. The red square box with gilt Omega logo is period correct for this watch along with beige colored outer box. 

The watch runs and winds smoothly. The chrono runs, stops, and resets back to zero. There is the typical cal. 321 hour totalizer “creep”, but if you hit reset, it goes back to zero. Service history is not known.