We’re currently working on a project that requires us browsing every single Speedmaster that’s ever been on auction at the major auction houses – of which we hope to share the results soon. But during our first stint -Antiquorum- we came across a few rare and unusual Speedmasters that will not make it into our project, but that we feel are worth sharing. Enjoy the show!
AQ’s Geneva March 17th 2013 sale listed a rather unusual Speedmaster Split-Seconds. Appareantly meant for internal testing, it was never meant to be offered in public. Somehow it did manage to find is way to this auction. With a reserve of 7.000-9.000 CHF, it was sold including premium for CHF 10.625.
Same sale but one lot earlier, we found an Omega Speedmaster Professional Galaxy Train. This 1999 limited (both year of introduction as well as pieces produced) has a standard dial, but featured a caseback referencing to Leiji Matsumoto’s Galaxy Express 999, a Japanese manga set in space. We can’t help but to love the Japanese and their funky Speedmaster limiteds! It was sold in the lower end of the estimate of CHF 3.000-5.000 at CHF 3.750 including premium.
One year earlier, at AQ’s Hong Kong January 26th 2013 auction, we find another rare bird: the Speedmaster Perpetual Calendar. Again made for the Japanese market (1991, 50 pieces), this is one we don’t come across to often! At HKD 168.750 including premium, it was sold well above its estimate of HKD 70-100.000.
The full Mission Collection box is an impressive display of Speedmaster heritage. Antiquorum had one for sale at the March 11th 2012 Geneva auction, but despite its estimate of CHF 70-90.000, the lot went unsold. One year earlier, a set sold for CHF 108.100 though.
We love Speedmasters in precious metals and especially one in white gold – it is such a discrete pleasure! This stunning Omega Speedmaster Professional Apollo XI 25th Anniversary 348.0062 was sold at the Geneva November 13th 2011 auction for CHF 12.500 including premium. Made as a limited edition commemorating the 25th anniversary of the Apollo XI mission, it was powered by the chronometer-certified caliber 864. One of our favourites.
When it comes to non-black dials, very few can beat the Italian Market 345.0818 – the Albino. Made in a limited edition of 500 pieces back in 1998, the off-white (ivory, egg-shell) dial is a sight to behold. Antiquorum sold this example in their Geneva March 27th 2011 sale for a cool CHF 5.875 including premium.
Now for something different: lot 512 in the November 14th 2010 Geneva sale. A Speedmaster skeletonized by Armin Strom in platinum as a limited edition of 21 pieces back in 2001. Another one you don’t come across every day! It was sold for CHF 25.000 including premium.
Custom? Sure, why not.. as long as no rare models were harmed, we’re game! Antiquorum’s New York sale of September 15th 2010 listed this Speedmaster Professional in all-black DLC coating, which we admit looks rather cool. Hammer price was USD 5.250 including premium.
This is it for now.. but we’ll be back with more shortly! Stay tuned and stay up to Speed!