The Omega Speedmaster Professional, a watch synonymous with lunar exploration and enduring style, boasts a rich and fascinating history. Within that history, a particularly coveted and iconic variant stands out: the Speedmaster ref. 145.012-68, affectionately known as the "Ultraman." This article delves into the allure of the 1968 Omega Speedmaster Ultraman, exploring its unique features, historical significance, and, most importantly, its price in 1968 and its current market value. Understanding the price in 1968 requires a journey through the watch's history and context.
The Birth of a Legend: The Omega Speedmaster Ref. 145.012-68
The story of the Ultraman begins not on the moon, but in the realm of Japanese television. The 1966-1967 television series "Ultraman" featured a character, Captain Hideki Anno, who sported a distinctive Omega Speedmaster with an unusual orange-red second hand. This wasn't a mere prop; Omega, recognizing the show's popularity in Japan, created a special edition Speedmaster to capitalize on the burgeoning market.
The resulting watch, the ref. 145.012-68, maintained the core design of the Speedmaster Professional, famed for its robustness and reliability. However, it incorporated a key differentiating feature: the bright orange second hand, a direct homage to Ultraman's signature color. This seemingly small detail transformed the watch into a highly sought-after collector's item, cementing its legendary status among watch enthusiasts. Beyond the orange hand, the 145.012-68 often features a slightly altered dial layout compared to its standard Speedmaster counterparts, adding to its unique appeal.
The Price in 1968: A Matter of Speculation
Determining the exact price of a 145.012-68 in 1968 is challenging. Unfortunately, precise sales records from that era are scarce. However, we can gain some perspective by considering the price of similar Omega Speedmaster models at the time. Standard Speedmaster Professionals likely retailed in the range of several hundred US dollars—a substantial sum in the late 1960s. Given its limited production run and the special features, the Ultraman likely commanded a premium over the standard model. A reasonable estimate would place its original retail price somewhere between $350 and $500 USD, possibly higher depending on the retailer and location. This is, however, a reasoned estimation based on comparable models and the rarity of the Ultraman. Precise documentation supporting this price range is unavailable.
The Ultraman Today: A Meteoric Rise in Value
The Omega Speedmaster Ultraman's value has skyrocketed in recent decades. What was once a relatively accessible watch—though still a premium item in its day—has transformed into a highly sought-after collector's piece. Its limited production run, its connection to popular culture, and its enduring design have all contributed to its impressive price appreciation.
Today, a well-preserved Omega Speedmaster Ultraman ref. 145.012-68 can fetch tens, even hundreds of thousands of dollars at auction and from reputable dealers. The price varies significantly based on condition, originality (including box and papers), and the presence of any desirable features or variations within the model itself. A pristine example with its original box and papers would be at the higher end of this spectrum.
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