Monthly Archives: July 2014

Speedmaster Sapphire Sandwich : the 3873.50.31

Omega Speedmaster Professional 3873.50.31

Omega Speedmaster Professional 3873.50.31

With the news of the updated Speedmaster Professional references and price increase, we thought a post regarding a ‘old’ Speedy Pro would be fitting. Our choice for today is one we’ve written very little about – the Speedmaster sapphire sandwich on alligator, the Speedy Pro 3873.50.31.

While most aficionado’s prefer the classic 3570.50.00 (to be replaced by the 311.30.42.30.01.005), there is something to be said for the Speedmaster Sapphire Sandwich. The increased heft, the possibility to admire the movement in all its glory and the scratch-proof crystal all are valid point which may sway one towards the 3873.50.31 – soon to be replaced by the 311.30.42.30.01.002.

Omega Speedmaster Professional 3873.50.31

Omega Speedmaster Professional 3873.50.31 caliber 1863

A bit of background: the Speedmaster Sapphire Sandwich got its nickname by having a sapphire glass on both the front as well as the back, while the classic Speedmaster Professional uses a hesalite (plexi) crystal and a closed caseback. It is fitted with caliber 1863 instead of the 1861 used on the Speedies with closed back.

The difference between the 1863 and 1861? The latter uses the ‘Delrin‘ (nylon) chrono brake, while in the former this part is executed in stainless steel. In the picture above, it is the part held by the bigger screw beneath the three brass coloured gears. It is said that the Delrin brake was introduced (in 1974) to enhance reliability, but in real life an advantage to either side is more of an academic question – we’d love to hear how many timing operations need to be performed for an opinion to slide to the 1861 in favour of the 1863 or vice versa. Omega simply reintroduced the metal brake for more visual appeal for Speedmasters fitted with a see-through caseback.

Side note – while the bracelet is the obvious choice, the Speedmaster looks great (and chic) on alligator!

Check out our preferred AD Ace Jewelers for the latest pricing on Speedmasters.

Apollo 11 at Monochrome-Watches.com

Omega Speedmaster Professional Apollo 11 45th Anniversary 311.62.42.30.06.001

Omega Speedmaster Professional Apollo 11 45th Anniversary 311.62.42.30.06.001

Celebrating the 45th anniversary of the moonlanding, our friends over at Monochrome-Watches.com did a nice write-up on the Speedmaster Apollo 11 45th Anniversary. A must-read with pictures supplied by SpeedyWatches.com!

“That’s one small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind.” These words from Neil Armstrong still resonate in the heart of everyone on earth, even 45 years after the Apollo 11 team landed on the Moon. Of course, Armstrong, Aldrin and Collins had tons of the best equipment with them but the one that clearly appeals most to us is the small, rudimentary, basic, old-fashioned mechanical Omega Speedmaster strapped onto each of their wrists. Omega can be proud of this history; and to celebrate the 45th anniversary of Apollo 11, they introduced a new limited edition of the Speedmaster Professional. Today’s photos, made by our friends at SpeedyWatches, makes a perfect way to celebrate this monumental milestone in men’s history. 

Jump over to the Monochrome blog for the full story – Weekly Watch Photo: Omega Speedmaster to celebrate 45th Anniversary of Apollo 11

Press release – OMEGA and VANITY FAIR celebrate the 45th anniversary of Apollo 11 moon landing with Buzz Aldrin

Gregory Swift, Colonel Buzz Aldrin, Teo Halm, Sergio Harford, & Jean-Claude Monachon

Gregory Swift, Colonel Buzz Aldrin, Teo Halm, Sergio Harford, & Jean-Claude Monachon

OMEGA and VANITY FAIR marked the 45th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing with astronaut Buzz Aldrin at a cocktail event on July 16, 2014. The evening benefitted the MAK Center for Art and Architecture and took place at the renowned Sheats-Goldstein House in Los Angeles, California.

July 17th 2014 – read more below the gallery

OMEGA also celebrated the launch of the OMEGA Speedmaster Professional Apollo 11 45th Anniversary Limited Edition wristwatch. Only 1,969 models of this timepiece will be produced; the number of the limited edition timepieces reflects the significant year that the first humans walked on the moon.

A highlight of the celestial-themed evening was the display of an actual moon rock, on special loan from NASA. Telescopes were positioned throughout the property for stargazing and provided a panoramic view of the Los Angeles skyline.

The overall event echoed a theme of modern innovation and classic design and included a 20’ LED video screen showcasing a video montage of archival VANITY FAIR images and historic images from OMEGA and NASA, including pictures of the moon landing. The interactive visual presentation also highlighted six historical OMEGA Speedmaster timepieces from each of those four decades.

Representing the current decade in the interactive display was the OMEGA Speedmaster Professional Apollo 11 45th Anniversary Limited Edition wristwatch. Recalling the colors of the Moon and the Apollo 11 lunar and command modules, the Limited Edition timepiece features a 42 mm completely brushed grey grade 2 titanium case with a touch of gold. The black PVD dial, with its 30-minute and 12-hour recorders and small seconds sub-dial, has been produced using a special laser, which creates the design elements on the watch’s face by removing the material surrounding the name, sub-dial numerals and hour markers.

Furthering the evening’s tribute to innovative design, the event benefitted the MAK Center for Art and Architecture, which is a contemporary, experimental, multi-disciplinary center for art and architecture headquartered in architect Rudolph M. Schindler’s House and Studio in West Hollywood, California. The cocktail event took place at the famed Sheats-Goldstein House designed by American architect John Lautner in the 1960s. The expansive and open space house blurs the lines between the interior and exterior and has been featured in numerous films.

[SpeedyWatches.com note – check out our own pictures of this stunning watch right here]

Breaking News: Speedmaster Professional new reference number, price increase and new packaging

Omega Speedmaster Professional 311.33.42.30.01.001 New Box

Omega Speedmaster Professional 311.33.42.30.01.001 New Box

Breaking news: the Speedmaster Professional gets a new reference number, a new box (with goodies), an updated bracelet and a price increase.

The new box includes an Omega black NATO strap, a velcro strap resembling the one used by NASA, a loupe (with tachymeter!), a strap changing tool and a Speedmaster plate/ coin with the Seahorse logo. Also included are instructions for strap changes and a book detailing Speedmaster highlights.

It is quite a departure from the box that was used to date and very fitting for an icon such as the Speedmaster. The extra straps seem to indicate that Omega is listening to collectors – both are popular choices among Speedmaster-aficionado’s.

According to our information it will also be available separately – sans watch but including the other goodies. [We will update this post once we have confirmation of this.]

UPDATE:

  • Moonwatch box has ref. 9410.63.14. Price is EUR 540 incl. VAT
  • Bracelet on the new reference is the screwed 9300 type – no more folding pins
Moonwatch Box 9410.63.14

Moonwatch Box 9410.63.14

Omega Speedmaster Professional 3570.50.00

Omega Speedmaster Professional 3570.50.00

The new reference numbers are in line with the PIC system as explained here, in line with the other watches in the Omega collection and as explained here, are as follows:

Omega Speedmaster Professional Hesalite on bracelet:

  • OLD reference Omega Speedmaster Professional 3570.50.00
  • NEW reference Omega Speedmaster Professional 311.30.42.30.01.005

Omega Speedmaster Professional Hesalite on strap:

  • OLD reference Omega Speedmaster Professional 3870.50.31
  • NEW reference Omega Speedmaster Professional 311.33.42.30.01.001

Omega Speedmaster Professional Sapphire on bracelet:

  • OLD reference Omega Speedmaster Professional 3573.50.00
  • NEW reference Omega Speedmaster Professional 311.30.42.30.01.006

Omega Speedmaster Professional Sapphire on strap:

  • OLD reference Omega Speedmaster Professional 3873.50.31
  • NEW reference Omega Speedmaster Professional 311.30.42.30.01.002

Check out the prices at Authorized Dealer Ace Jewelers:

We invite you to share your thoughts in the comments below!

 

Omega Speedmaster Professional Apollo 11 45th Anniversary pics

Omega Speedmaster Professional Apollo 11 45th Anniversary 311.62.42.30.06.001

Omega Speedmaster Professional Apollo 11 45th Anniversary 311.62.42.30.06.001

Our friends over at Ace Jewelers recently took delivery of their first Omega Speedmaster Professional Apollo 11 45th Anniversary reference 311.62.42.30.06.001, which gave us the opportunity to take a few up-close pictures of this BaselWorld 2014 release.

Omega Speedmaster Professional Apollo 11 45th Anniversary 311.62.42.30.06.001

Omega Speedmaster Professional Apollo 11 45th Anniversary 311.62.42.30.06.001

Omega really went all-out on this Speedmaster. Aside from the movement and the crystal, every single part is unique. The case, the caseback, the dial, hands and strap all are 100% unique to this reference. While titanium and Sedna gold might not be the obvious choices for a Speedmaster Professional, the combination works surprisingly well.

The dial of the Apollo 11 45th Anniversary is equally surprising. Completely matte grey except the lume and applied hour indexes, the contrast on the printed details comes in the form of difference in height. The dial is laser cut – material is removed around the higher parts to create the contrast in height.

Omega Speedmaster Professional Apollo 11 45th Anniversary 311.62.42.30.06.001

Omega Speedmaster Professional Apollo 11 45th Anniversary 311.62.42.30.06.001

As noted so often before, this Speedy Pro is -a first- fitted with a NATO strap in brown – a subtle nod to the collectors community who have often expressed a deep love for this type of strap.

Omega Speedmaster Professional Apollo 11 45th Anniversary 311.62.42.30.06.001

Omega Speedmaster Professional Apollo 11 45th Anniversary 311.62.42.30.06.001

As so much is written on this model already, we’ll stick to this and conclude this post with the technical details of this wonderful watch:

Omega Speedmaster Apollo 11 45th Anniversary Limited Edition

  • Case: Titanium /Sedna gold
  • Strap: NATO
  • Diameter: 42mm
  • Movement: Caliber 1861
  • Misc.: limited to 1969 pieces
  • Reference number: 311.62.42.30.06.001
  • Pricing indication: Check at Authorized Dealer (please note that this watch is sold out per our latest information)
Omega Speedmaster Professional Apollo 11 45th Anniversary 311.62.42.30.06.001

Omega Speedmaster Professional Apollo 11 45th Anniversary 311.62.42.30.06.001

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