Tag Archives: Flightmaster

Rare and Unusual Omega Speedmasters @ AQ: part II

Rare and unusual Speedmasters from the AQ archives

Rare and unusual Speedmasters from the AQ archives

A few days back we highlighted some of the rarest and most unusual Omega Speedmaster models found in the Antiquorum archives and as promised, today we’re back for part two! This time we’re working our way up from 2003 – we sort of forgot at which page we left off last time 😉 .

Omega Speedmaster ref. unknown Racing Dial caliber 321

Omega Speedmaster ref. unknown Racing Dial calibre 321

First up is a Speedmaster in a rather peculiar configuration: a racing dial and telemeter bezel. While we don’t have our Moonwatch Only copy at hand and won’t comment on originality, it does seem legit and if so, it was a stellar buy at 3.080 USD including commission.

Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonphase 345.0809

Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonphase 345.0809

A moonphase display is a somewhat whimsical complication. While of little use to most of us, it adds a touch of romance to a dial that’s hard not to love. Omega first introduced this feature to the Moonwatch in 1985, in a limited run of 1300 pieces of the reference 345.0809. The differences compared to the current Speedy Moon are subtle yet noticable; the current version uses rings around the subdials for an arguably more luxurious look, while the vintage one has a more utilitarian feel to it – save for that charming face on the moonphase disc. This example was sold at the 2004 December 1st New York auction for USD 3.680 including commission.

Omega Flightmaster X-33 Prototype 09/22

Omega Flightmaster X-33 Prototype 09/22

Enter Omegamania, the auction that caused quite a stir and achieved top results for a huge number of lots. The prototype pictured above is a wonderful mash-up of Omega’s most iconic lines: named Flightmaster, it used a case similar to that of the Seamaster Chronograph and would grow out to become the Speedmaster X-33 ‘Mars Watch’. The hammer fell at 16.520 CHF including commission.

Omega Speedmaster Moonphase 'Teutonic' TA 345.0810

Omega Speedmaster Moonphase ‘Teutonic’ TA 345.0810

And another Speedmaster Moonphase – although this one is arguably more of an acquired taste. The distinct eighties style ‘Teutonic’ case in two-tone (titanium and yellow gold), the white dial, the moonphase – somehow it seems to work. This rare Speedmaster (300 pieces) in seemingly perfect shape was sold for a quite impressive 9.440 CHF including premium.

Omega Speedmaster Professional Alaska Project ST 145.0022-69

Omega Speedmaster Professional Alaska Project ST 145.0022-69

Boom. Holy grail alert – one of the original Alaska Project Prototypes. The Alaska Project was lead by Pierre Chopard from 1971 to 1973, trying to explore and improve the limits of the original Speedmaster Professional. Included in the sale was the red outer case, designed to improve its resistance to low temperatures. Final price? 64.900 CHF including commission. 

Omega Speedmaster Professional Italy DD 145.0022

Omega Speedmaster Professional Italy DD 145.0022

Indeed you’re right – we’re skipping a lot of the usual suspects and high-profile models. Here’s another one we love and that’s very rarely seen: the Omega Speedmaster Professional Italy DD 145.0022. Were it not for a friend of ours who owns one, we’d probably have a hard time locating one.. The two-tone is such a huge change compared to the regular Speedmaster look, although it -in our opinion- hardly detracts from the instrumental nature of the watch. This watch was made as a limited edition for the Italian market and sold at Omegamania for 14.160 CHF including premium.

We’re sorry guys – this is it for today. We’ll be back for more soon!

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).

November Auctions – Antiquorum November 10, Christie’s November 11, 2013

Omega Flightmaster 345.801 Christie's

Omega Flightmaster 345.0801 Christie’s

The last few days we’re exceedingly exciting for those of us following the auction world. Christie’s held the spectacular Rolex Daytona ‘Lesson 1’ auction on November 10 while Antiquorum hosted the Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces the same day, followed by Important Watches by again Christie’s the day after.

While the focus of the haute vintage collectors is still mainly Rolex and Patek Philippe, we thought it’d be fun to run past a few Speedmaster-related results.. Enjoy the show!

Christies Important Watches LOT 72: Omega Flightmaster Gold [pictured above]

The Flightmaster is a stunning watch in any disguise, but the crown is of course reserved for the full-gold model. The hammer price, excluding fees and taxes, for this particular model was CHF 30,000, which seems rather reasonable. FYI – a boxed&papered model in the 2007 OmegaMania auction commanded almost CHF 50,000. The price realized was right in the centre of the 20-40K CHF estimate.

Antiquorum Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces LOT 6: Omega Bullhead

Omega Seamaster Bullhead ST146.011

Omega Seamaster Bullhead ST146.011

Sure – the Bullhead is no Speedmaster.. But then again, it is one of the more intriguing chronograph designs Omega has presented us.. Breathing the spirit of the late sixties / early seventies. The example above was hammered off at CHF 5,650.

Antiquorum Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces LOT 7: Omega Speedmaster Professional Italia

Omega Speedmaster Professional Italia 3593.20.00

Omega Speedmaster Professional Italia 3593.20.00

For our frequent visitors it shouldn’t come as a surprise: the Italia is one of our favourite Speedies. The off-white dial is such a joy! This example, with box and papers, reached a respectable CHF 6,250 – not bad for a 15 year old Speedmaster!

Antiquorum Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces LOT 12: Omega Speedmaster Professional Mark II PVD

Omega Speedmaster Mark II ST 145.014 PVD

Omega Speedmaster Mark II ST 145.014 PVD

Now for the weird and wonderful: a Speedmaster Mark II ‘Racing’ with PVD-coated case and somewhat rare pulsation scale. At CHF 4,000, it seems like a job well done for the seller.. although we have no idea of the original selling price of this Moontime custom, made as a ‘limited edition of 10 pieces circa 2010’.

Antiquorum Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces LOT 13: Omega Speedmaster Custom Dial & Case

Omega Speedmaster 1957 Replica 3594.50.00

Omega Speedmaster 1957 Replica 3594.50.00 Custom

But wait – it doesn’t stop at a PVD-coated Mark II. Apparently, Moontime also made this 1957 Replica.. While the customized dial is acceptable and the telemeter bezel is a cool touch, we’re not so sure about the case set with black diamonds.. Still, sold at CHF 5,000! FYI, the following lot, a standard 1957, was sold at CHF 2,250….

Antiquorum Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces LOT 16: Omega Speedmaster CK2915-2

Omega Speedmaster CK2915-2

Omega Speedmaster CK2915-2

Back to business – the subzero CK2915-2. At CHF 27,500 a seemingly good buy.. Although we’ll have to report back later this week on the originality of the parts – if time permits.

Antiquorum Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces LOT 18: Omega Seamaster Bullhead

Omega Seamaster Bullhead ST146.011

Omega Seamaster Bullhead ST146.011

And we’re back to the Bullhead. While the first example we showed was sold at CHF 5,650, this one, in notable better condition, reached CHF 8,125. Condition is King – especially if you’re in the game for the long run!

Antiquorum Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces LOT 610: Omega Speedmaster Professional  Anatoly Artsebarsky

Omega Speedmaster Professional ST145.022 Anatoly Artsebarsky

Omega Speedmaster Professional ST145.022 Anatoly Artsebarsky

Of course, the best is saved for last.. What may seem an ordinary Speedmaster Professional, is actually the ‘The only watch ever to spend extended time in open space’. This Speedmaster, made in 1988, was worn by Anatoly Artsebarsky during his 1991 Soyuz TM-12 mission. Not only was it worn in space for 144 days, 15 minutes and 21 seconds, it was worn in OPEN space on 6 ‘space walks’, for a total of approximately 33 hours.

To finish off this post, we’ll quote Antiquorum on this superb piece of history (slightly edited for readability):

Provenance: from the Artsebarsky collection

`Flown` Omega Speedmasters – watches that have actually been worn in space-  are quite naturally the most coveted and desirable of all the Speedmasters and almost never reach the open market. This historic watch, No. 48261214, once owned by the Ukrainian-born Russian cosmonaut Anatoly Artsebarsky is one of the very few Omega Speedmasters in private hands to have actually been worn in space and of all the `flown` Speedmasters no other watch has ever spent so many hours in open space – a total of 33 hours. It is therefore not only an extremely significant watch in the history of the Omega Speedmaster but a uniquely historic world-class object in its own right. The provenance is verified by the accompanying certificate signed by Anatoly Artsebarsky.

Artsebarsky spent five months on the MIR Space Station in 1991 and during that mission he made an unprecedented six ‘walks’ into open space, during each of those EVAs (extra-vehicular activities) he wore this watch.

Artsebarsky was born in the Ukraine in 1956 and became a cosmonaut in 1985. In 1991 he was the 35-year-old Commander of Soyuz TM-12, leading the first joint Russian-British space mission and had the first Briton in space (Helen Sharman) along with Russian Sergei Krikalev, as fellow crew. To this day, Krikalev holds the record for most hours spent in space.

Setting off on 18th May 1991 from the same pad that launched Yuri Gagarin some thirty years before, TM-12’s mission was to dock with the Mir space station, relieve the station crew and then spend the next five months constructing a space tower for use with the control module. On 26th May, a few days after docking with the Mir space station, the rest of the crew flew back to Earth leaving Artsebarsky and Krikalev onboard with a list of repairs and projects, including the tower construction. After over 145 days in space and six EVAs, Artsebarsky made his return and was immediately made a hero of the Soviet Union and given the Order of Lenin (among the last ever such award given), as well as being made a Pilot-Cosmonaut of the USSR and receiving the Medal for Merit in Space Exploration. While he was in orbit, the failed coup d’etat against Mikhail Gorbachev rocked the Soviet Union, setting in motion events which led to the end of the Soviet Union on January 1, 1992.

Enjoy the original auction catalogues at:

Create your own vintage with the 3570.50.00!