THE ESSENTIALS
MAKE: OMEGA
MODEL: 145.0040
YEAR: 1984
BOX/PAPERS: NO/NO
CASE DIAMETER: 42mm
CASE MATERIAL: BEAD BLASTED STAINLESS STEEL
BRACELET MATERIAL: BEAD BLASTED STAINLESS STEEL
MOVEMENT: MANUAL WIND
The Omega Speedmaster Teutonic - a horological testament to the daring and unconventional 1980s. Revisiting this era, we find ourselves face to face with a timepiece that boldly defied conventions and traditions: a black dial Speedmaster variant, specifically created for the German market. This isn't just another Speedmaster, it's the black sheep of the illustrious Speedmaster lineage.
Originally conceived for Germany, the Teutonic Speedmaster's name is inherently tied to its origins. A stark departure from the rounded case Speedmasters, the Teutonic is encased in an aggressive, industrial-like case with sharp lines and angles. The bold geometry is not just a design quirk, but a deliberate reimagining of Omega's Speedmaster design ethos, intended to cater to the aesthetic preferences of the German market during the 1980s.
In a fascinating display of contrast and subtlety, the black dial of the Teutonic is a hypnotic sight. Bold white hands and markers assert their presence against the dark backdrop, assuring optimum legibility even in diminished light. The dial also accommodates three sub-dials and the symbolic tachymeter scale, cementing the Speedmaster's longstanding ties with speed and motorsports.
Underneath the dial, the Teutonic houses the tried-and-true Omega 861 movement. This manually wound caliber, successor to the legendary 321, has powered a multitude of Speedmasters. Its reputable robustness, accuracy, and reliability continue to uphold the Speedmaster's celebrated legacy.
But the Teutonic wasn’t just a stylistic shift, it marked a technical change as well. It featured mineral glass as opposed to the acrylic used on most Speedmasters of the time. Furthermore, the case, although it visually seemed monocoque (single piece), was actually a two-piece design. The bezel and crystal assembly were detachable, although the case back was not - another departure from the traditional Speedmaster case design.
Embodying the audacious spirit of Omega in the 1980s, the Speedmaster Teutonic with its black dial stands as a stark reminder of a time when Omega broke away from its own mould. It may have been the black sheep, but today, its distinctive persona and rich backstory make it a prized catch for collectors and Omega enthusiasts. With the Teutonic, you're not just wearing a watch, you're wearing a piece of Omega's bravest history.