For an Omega connoisseur, few things are more exciting than finding an example of one of the company's sought after chronograph models in extremely fine original condition.

Today's offering showcases this prime example of one of these pieces. Featuring a rugged case that epitomizes the vintage 1960's look sought after today, a luxurious gold dial, and a high grade Omega movement, this beauty fits in well under the cuff of a pilot, auto enthusiast, or business executive.

Reference 145.016 chronographs are most often seen in steel. Since the Omegamania offering twelve years ago, this model has become increasingly collectable. 18K gold examples are especially uncommon.

Here are a few of its features:

• Powered by the famous Omega Caliber 861 movement, widely known for its role in the Speedmaster line of professional chronographs, the watch's timekeeping and ruggedness were capable of meeting the expectations of even the most demanding owners.
• Omega chose to house the fine movement in an oversized and heavy case. Rugged and waterproof, it was nearly indestructible and easily up to the task of protecting the delicate inner workings from the abuse taken during sporting and diving activities.
• Stylish and masculine gold dial with "wide boy" markers
• Fine and rare model sold from 1969-1973. Omega records indicate this model was not officially introduced until 1969 as part of that year's international collection.

It is all-original and in beautiful condition.

It case top has never been polished. It retains its original factory applied satin and the lugs have wonderfully crisp facets. It dial is original and mint, attesting to how well these cases protects their contents.

One of our watchmakers has disassembled it down to its last screw and cleaned and oiled it. It's keeping close to chronometer grade time in five testing positions.

When we acquired it its original Omega crystal had grown slightly brittle. We replaced it with the correct vintage new-old-stock Omega crystal for it, and we have the factory original one if you would like it. That was the only part changed during our servicing.

For the finishing touch we have equipped it with a brand new crocodile strap making it ready for immediate enjoyment.

Like always, Included with the purchase is a one-year C.O.T. international warranty on the movement and its function, a custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity, and a new timing certificate.

• Manufacturer: Omega
• Country of origin: Switzerland
• Serial no.: 27,710,271
• Year built: c. 1969
• Model: Reference BA 145.016
• Functions: Hours, Mintues, Chronograph, Subsidiary Seconds
• Designed for: Men
• Case material: 18K Gold
• Case markings (outside): Seamaster with hypocampus logo
• Case markings (inside): Omega Watch Co., Swiss Made, 18C .750, 145.016
• Case condition: Better than near mint. The top has never been polished and has light wear and a few hairlines. The back has the remnants of one scratch that was lightly polished from where it was previously opened.
• Dial: Two-tone gold with faceted applied and painted wide baton indexes, outer minute/seconds and 1/5th second divisions, outermost tachometer graduated to 700 UPH, subsidiary dials for the seconds, the 12-hour and the 30-minute registers, original and untouched, mint condition
• Dimensions: 38mm wide x 43 mm. Thickness 13 mm.
• Movement markings: Omega, Swiss, Seventeen Jewels, 861
• Width between the lugs: 20mm
• Band: Crocodile, fully stitched, padded, brand new and unworn
• Crystal type: Genuine Omega and correct for the model, armored hesalite, new-old-stock. When we acquired it its original Omega crystal had grown slightly brittle. We replaced it with the correct vintage new-old-stock Omega crystal for it, and we have the factory original one if you would like it. That was the only part changed during our servicing.
• Serviced: One of our watchmakers has disassembled it down to its last screw and cleaned and oiled it making it ready for immediate enjoyment. Your watch is important to us, and we will take care of it for its lifetime. We provide the best after sale care in the business with an experienced team of watchmakers both of whom each have over forty years of experience and a large number of parts.
• Timing: Timed to precision on a state-of-the-art computerized system. It's keeping close to chronometer grade time in five testing positions.
• Warranty: 1-year international warranty. Please email concierge@cotwatches.com for details.
• Box/Papers: BOX - Connoisseur of Time watch presentation box; PAPERS - Custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity; New timing certificate
• Returns: 7 days full refund. 100% satisfaction guarantee

We offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee for all of our watches. If you are in any way unsatisfied with the watch we will fully refund the purchase price anytime within 7 days after the watch has been received. Our goal is to exceed our client's expectations throughout the buying experience.

All watches are packaged carefully and mailed double boxed in specially constructed, reinforced shipping boxes designed for high value items. All watches are sent fully insured with signature required. Most of our domestic shipping is done through FedEx. At times we will also use USPS Express Mail, and we can accommodate most requests for your preferred carrier. International shipments are sent USPS International Express Mail or FedEx.

The purchase price will be the declared value of the merchandise on any required customs forms. The payment of all customs duties, tariffs, and taxes are the responsibility of the buyer.

Also note that water resistance of vintage watches can no longer be guaranteed and is not covered under the watch's warranty. We do not recommend getting a vintage watch wet, even one that was originally designed to be waterproof.

To get an idea of how this watch will look on the wrist, please use the Watch Sizing Guide