Omega

• cal. 321 manual winding nickel lever movement, 17 jewels, mono-metallic balance • black dial, luminescent baton indexes, luminescent hands, three subsidiary dials for constant second, 30-minute and 12-hour registers, outer minute and second divisions • stainless steel polished and brushed case, black bezel with tachometer scale, screw-down back • case, dial and movement signed • with a stainless steel Omega bracelet 

Please note that the movement has not been checked for timekeeping accuracy and Sotheby's will not be held responsible for any repairs should they be required. Movement is in working order while cataloguing, the chronograph is functioning. Dial in good condition, indexes and hands are no longer glowing. Bezel with visible scuff at 1 and 8 o'clock and dent at 11 o'clock. Case with very light scuffs from moderate wear mainly on the back. Bracelet loose between the lugs. Overall in very good condition due to its age.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping.

Important Notice regarding importation into the United States of Rolex watches
Sotheby's cannot arrange for the delivery of Rolex watches to the United States because U.S. laws restricts the import of Rolex watches. The buyer or a designated agent may collect the property in the country of sale."

The  present lot is a historically significant example of Omega’s Speedmaster chronograph. The watch is one of four Speedmaster Ref. 145.012 watches produced by Omega for the American explorer Ralph S. Plaisted and his four man team’s Expedition to reach the exact geographic North Pole, at 90 degrees latitude north.  Each of the four watches were engraved “Plaisted Polar Expedition 19-4-1968″ to their case back. 

Today the Omega Speedmaster is recognised as one of the most iconic of all vintage wristwatches. Originally launched in 1957, the model later became the official watch of the Apollo space program. Notable wearers of the Omega Speedmaster have included the astronaut Edward White in 1965 for the first spacewalk as well as Buzz Aldrin and Neil Armstrong in 1969 during the Apollo 11 mission.