Omega Chronostop Ref. 145.009

Omega Chronostop Ref. 145.009 – A Chronograph That Broke the Rules (circa 1969)

Some watches are born to stand in the spotlight — others, like the Omega Chronostop Ref. 145.009, create their own. Released during the boldest stretch of Omega’s 1960s output, this Genève-line oddity turned the concept of a chronograph on its head: no sub-dials, no reset button, no complication for complication’s sake. Just pure, intuitive functionality packed into one of the coolest case profiles Omega ever produced.

This example dates to circa 1969 and features a stainless steel, cushion-shaped case that measures 34.5mm — compact on paper but incredibly modern on the wrist. The brushed finish across the lugs and flanks gives it a grounded, utilitarian edge, while the case’s curved geometry adds a touch of space-age charm. You get a satisfying asymmetry too, thanks to the single pusher at 2 o’clock, which controls the stopwatch function, and the crown nestled at 4 o’clock for time-setting.

Inside beats the manually wound Calibre 865, a stripped-back 17-jewel movement developed specifically for the Chronostop series. Its simplicity is deceptive — this movement allows for split-second timing with one pusher: press to start, hold to read, release to reset. It’s a tactile, analog delight that encourages interaction and rewards precision.

The dial here is a deep, almost graphite-toned grey with a semi-matte finish, framed by a tight minute track and accented with thick, applied hour markers. The wide-set hands and bold orange central seconds hand — bright as a pit-lane marshal’s flag — give the dial a shot of late-'60s racing energy. It’s a design born from motorsport, reimagined for everyday timing needs.

Why it matters: The Ref. 145.009 Chronostop is a rare breed — a mechanical chronograph that strips away everything you don’t need, and leaves behind only what you do. It’s a watch for people who love mechanical purity, iconoclastic design, and Omega’s more daring chapters. Lightweight, wearable, and packed with character, this is a must-have piece for the collector who craves something off the beaten path.