Tag Archives: Mark 4

Speedmaster Seven Questions I: Bart

Bart's 1972 Omega Speedmaster Professional 145.022

Bart’s 1972 Omega Speedmaster Professional 145.022

Today we’re launching a new segment: the Speedmaster Seven. Seven questions, aimed at giving our readers a little peek into the mind of Speedmaster collectors and aficionados. What drives them, what Speedmasters do they own and which ones do they dream of?

First to join the party is Bart, a 42 year old BI Consultant from Belgium, with whom we’ve been in touch since back in 2005 – how time flies:

Hi Bart, thank you for taking the time to answer our Speedmaster Seven questions!

  1. Do you remember the first Speedmaster you bought? When did you buy it and which type was it?

It was a Speedmaster Professional  ref. 145.022 ST69 with the Hippocampus on the back. I bought it in 1986, but I unfortunately sold it…(I learned an important lesson here)

  1. What ignited your passion for the Speedmaster?

I’ve been interested in mechanical watches since the eighties. I also like astronomy, aeronautics  and space exploration.  My taste in watches has changed several times over time and my collection nowadays is oriented towards vintage chronographs.

The Speedmaster is a true classic and certainly a must-have watch for someone with my interests.  I won’t re-list all its merits, but every time I put one of mine on, it puts a smile on my face and I proudly wear it.

  1. What is the last Speedmaster you bought?

I’ve bought a 1973 Speedmaster Mark IV ref. 176.009 in September this year.

Bart's 1972 Omega Speedmaster Mark IV 176.009

Bart’s 1972 Omega Speedmaster Mark IV 176.009

  1. What is the most distinct Speedmaster you own or have owned?

From the two Speedmasters that I own right now, the Mark IV is more distinct than the 1972 145.022 because that last one is more commonly seen.

  1. What is your collection like? For example, is it focused on Speedmasters, Omega’s, chronographs or ….?

My collection is mainly focused on vintage chronographs.  I’m essentially collecting movements.

I have affordable chrono’s (Citizen 8110a,Seiko 6139-600x) and less affordable (for me at least) chrono’s (Omega’s and Heuer).

This is my current chronograph movement list:

  • Omega 861 (Lemania 1872 derived)
  • Omega 1040 (Lemania 1340 derived)
  • Heuer cal. 12
  • Seiko 6139
  • Citizen 8110a
  1. Do you have a Speedmaster grail watch? If so, which one is it?

Yes I do! (of course) I’m really happy with what I have, but I would love to own the so called (nicknamed) Holy Grail, a ref. 376.0822, with the Omega 1045 movement, which is Lemania 5100 derived. I wouldn’t mind owning a Snoopy either.

  1. Bracelet or strap?

Speedmasters look good on everything, but on my 861 I prefer straps (Nato, leather) because of the versatility. I wear my Mark IV mostly on the bracelet which I like a lot.

More images in the gallery below.

Thank you Bart!

 

Property of a Gentleman: Omega Speedmaster Mark IV ST-176.009

Omega Speedmaster Professional Mark IV ST176.009

Omega Speedmaster Professional Mark IV ST176.009

Our friend O. shared these pictures of his Omega Speedmaster Professional ST-176.009. Quite a departure from the regular Speedmaster with its case design based on the original Mark II and being powered by an automatic Lemania caliber, it’s a stunner nonetheless.

Thanks for sharing, much appreciated!