The transitional Speedy 145.022-68 has an applied metal Omega logo

However, 145.022-68, made for one year starting in 1968, is called a transitional model because it still retained some design details of its predecessor, the Speedmaster ref. 145.012 while also equipped with the then-new Caliber 861. For instance, the Speedmaster 145.022-68 still has the applied Omega logo (instead of the printed one found on later sub-references). Also, its caseback still featured the Omega seahorse and the “Speedmaster” inscriptions without any mention of the moon landing (which would only happen in 1969), thus explaining its “Pre-Moon” Speedmaster status. The inside of the caseback is stamped with “145022-68ST.”



The bezel of the 145.022-68 has a dot over 90 (DON) and a dot on the lower right of 70

Furthermore, the transitional Omega Speedmaster 145.022-68 has what vintage Speedmaster collectors call a DON bezel. DON stands for “Dot Over Ninety” because if you look closely at the bezel, there is a dot over the number 90. Future Speedmaster bezels (starting with some 145.022-69 examples and all 145.022-71 examples), would have the dot next to the 90. Then there’s the dot placed by the lower right side of the number 70 (which would later shift up on later 145.022 models) and the accent above the “e” in “TACHYMÈTRE” (which would later disappear on other 145.022 sub references).



The caseback of the Speedmaster 145.022-68 with the Omega Seahorse emblem

To recap, telltale signs of the transitional Omega Speedmaster 145.022-68 include:



Applied Omega logo on the dial

Caliber 861

Dot Over 90 Bezel with dot next to 70 (lower right) and accent in “TACHYMÈTRE”

Exterior caseback with Omega Seahorse and Speedmaster inscription

Interior caseback stamped with 145022-68ST