Press Release – BASELWORLD 2014 – Omega Speedmaster Mark II

Omega Speedmaster Mark II Co-Axial 327.10.43.50.06.001

Omega Speedmaster Mark II Co-Axial 327.10.43.50.06.001

1969 was a memorable year for humankind. For the first time, we broke our terrestrial bonds and set foot on another world – and the astronauts who took those first steps on the lunar surface were equipped with OMEGA Speedmaster Professional chronographs.

March 27th 2014 – read more below the gallery

The same year, OMEGA introduced the new-look Speedmaster Mark II, a timepiece with a streamlined case that was powered by the same space-tested, hand-wound calibre 1861 found inside the Moonwatch”.

In 2014 OMEGA has reintroduced this classic Speedmaster Mark II and updated it to include an automatic movement and tachymetric scale that is visible in the most limited light – a first in the iconic Speedmaster family.

The polished and brushed stainless steel case is barrel-shaped and has a polished crown and pushers. A date corrector is located at 10 o’clock on the case. The dial is complete with the three recognisable sub-dials: a 30-minute recorder at 3 o’clock, 12-hour recorder at 6 o’clock and small seconds sub-dial at 9 o’clock. A flat scratch-resistant sapphire crystal protects the matt black or grey dial.

The transparent tachymetric scale on the sapphire crystal is illuminated from beneath by an aluminium ring filled with Super-LumiNova. The varnished white and black hour and minute hands are coated with Super-LumiNova as is the central chronograph hand.
For OMEGA fans and Speedmaster fanatics who are looking for an iconic design with a bit of colour, the Speedmaster Mark II with the grey dial features a fluorescent orange central chronograph seconds hand and a matching minute track.

The case is fitted with a brushed stainless steel bracelet, complete with OMEGA’s patented extendable foldover rack-and-pusher clasp. The watch is presented with a tool that makes adjusting the date quick and easy.

Distinguishing the new Speedmaster Mark II from the 1969 watch that inspired it is the Co-Axial calibre 3330, a self-winding movement equipped with an Si14 silicon balance spring and a column-wheel chronograph mechanism.

The new OMEGA Speedmaster Mark II is water resistant to 10 bar (100 metres / 330 feet) and is delivered with a full four-year warranty.

BaselWorld 2014 Omega Speedmaster Apollo 11 45th Anniversary

BaselWorld 2014 Omega Speedmaster Apollo 11 45th Anniversary

BaselWorld 2014 Omega Speedmaster Apollo 11 45th Anniversary

For the first time -Alaska project prototypes aside- Omega has created a Speedmaster Professional with handwound movement in titanium. And wow – can you spell STUNNING?

BaselWorld 2014 Omega Speedmaster Apollo 11 45th anniverary Ace Jewelers (1)

BaselWorld 2014 Omega Speedmaster Apollo 11 45th Anniversary

The titanium case works wonderful with the matte grey dial. The tone-on-tone print gives this Speedmaster a very unique look. The Sedna gold bezel ring and details on the dial add a touch of warmth to a otherwise monochrome design. The overall design is very well-balanced. While staying true to the classic looks of the Speedmaster Professional, the Apollo 11 45th Anniversary has an avant-garde touch. The bezel inlay on this Speedy is ceramic by the way.

BaselWorld 2014 Omega Speedmaster Apollo 11 45th Anniversary

BaselWorld 2014 Omega Speedmaster Apollo 11 45th Anniversary

BaselWorld 2014 Omega Speedmaster Apollo 11 45th Anniversary

BaselWorld 2014 Omega Speedmaster Apollo 11 45th Anniversary

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

 

A quick walk through Antiquorum’s Hong Kong 22 February Auction

Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonphase 145.0022 [sic]

Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonphase 145.0022 [sic]

In the last decade, watch auctions have changed from relatively obscure places where retail vintage dealers bought their stock, to well-documented happenings where dealers and private individuals bid alike.

Besides the thrill of live auctions and opportunity to buy rare pieces, the auction houses also serve another purpose: their archives often contain high quality pictures of rare watches and the results can give you an estimate of the market value of certain pieces. Granted – the aforementioned thrill of an auction, plus commissions may make for quite a mark-up from ‘street value’, but still..

So, are you ready to check out some recent results from Antiquorum’s Februari 22nd Hong Kong auction?

First up is lot #1: the Speedmaster Professional Moonphase. The lot went unsold, but is was labelled incorrectly as a 145.0022 (more likely a ST-345.0809) and the dial was listed as ‘reprinted’, which explains the somewhat crooked layout.

Omega Speedmaster Teutonic 145.0040

Omega Speedmaster Teutonic 145.0040

Next Speedmaster in this auction is the so-called Teutonic with it’s signature smooth eighties styling. Somewhat of an acquired taste, but quite unique and undervalued. In fact, it’s the cheapest way to get an 861 Speedy! This example with silver dial was sold right in the middle of its estimate at 12.500 HKD (USD 1.650, CHF 1.500).

Omega Flightmaster Speedmaster X-33 Prototype

Omega Flightmaster Speedmaster X-33 Prototype

Now here’s a rare one: lot 46, the Omega Flightmaster / Speedmaster X-33 Prototype second generation.

Food for thought: this watch uses a Seamaster-type case, bears the Flightmaster name and would eventually evolve into a Speedmaster – the X-33 nonetheless, an astronaut’s favourite ’till this very day. Omega history in a nutshell!

This lot was sold for 137.500 HKD or approx. 18.000 USD / 16.000 CHF.

Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonphase 3576.50.00

Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonphase 3576.50.00 [sic]

We’ll conclude this post with a modern counterpart of the Speedmaster Moonphase posted above: lot 50, the Speedmaster Professional Moonphase 3876.50.31 (listed as 3576.50.00, the bracelet model).

One might note the subtle changes compared to the vintage model; the flatter dial, now with rings around the subdials, the updated Swiss-designation at 6:00 and various other subtle differences. Rarely seen, this model is a great choice for Speedmaster-aficionados looking for something a bit different.

Still available to day (check out the brand new models at our friends over at Ace Jewelers), the watch sold for 23.750 HKD (approx. USD 3.100 / CHF 2.800).