Tag Archives: Rattrapante

Rare and unusual Speedmasters @ Antiquorum

Rare and unusual Speedmasters from the AQ archives

Rare and unusual Speedmasters from the AQ archives

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!

Omega Speedmaster Split-Seconds 175.0043 Trial Watch

Omega Speedmaster Split-Seconds 175.0043 Trial Watch

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.

Omega Speedmaster Professional Galaxy Train 3571.50.00

Omega Speedmaster Professional Galaxy Train 3571.50.00

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.

Omega Speedmaster Perpetual Calendar BA 175.0037

Omega Speedmaster Perpetual Calendar BA 175.0037

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.

Omega Speedmaster Misson Set

Omega Speedmaster Misson Set

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.

Omega Speedmaster Professional Apollo XI 25th Anniversary 348.0062

Omega Speedmaster Professional Apollo XI 25th Anniversary 348.0062

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.

Omega Speedmaster Professional Italy 345.0818

Omega Speedmaster Professional Italy 345.0818

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.

Omega Speedmaster Broad Arrow Skeleton AT 178.0024

Omega Speedmaster Broad Arrow Skeleton AT 178.0024

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.

Omega Speedmaster Professional DLC

Omega Speedmaster Professional DLC

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!

Property of a Gentleman: Daily Beater Speedmaster Split-Seconds

Omega Speedmaster Rattrapante 3540.50.00

Omega Speedmaster Rattrapante 3540.50.00

Property of a Gentleman: the awesome Speedmaster Split-Seconds!

Our reader Kirk sent this pic yesterday.. with the following text:

Attached is a shot of my Speedmaster in motion. I am a bridge and highway construction engineer and have worn the watch daily since August of 2002. 

It has seen some rough action and has taken quite a bit of abuse without looking like it has. 

Terrific watch and useful, it’s been used for everything from engineering time studies on field operations to estimating speed on my custom build chopper that has no speedometer, it’s clocked a sub 30 sec mile more than once. One of my most praised possessions for sure. 

Now that’s the spirit! Thanks for sharing Kirk!

Speedy of the Week: 2013 #34

Omega Speedmaster Rattrapante 3540.50.00

Omega Speedmaster Rattrapante 3540.50.00

After three weeks of handwound Speedmasters, it’s time for a different flavour… This week’s Speedmaster of the Week is the Omega Speedmaster Automatic Chronometer Rattrapante / Split Seconds.

Introduced in 1999, the Speedmaster 3540.50.00 used a case that was similar in design to that of the X-33, although it was now fitted with a tachymeter bezel and one button less. It was powered by caliber 3600, an automatic rattrapante movement based on the Valjoux 7750 movement. It was available with a blue, silver or carbon-fibre dial – the latter being our weapon of choice today.

This Speedmaster has a very distinct High-tech look, especially with the carbon fibre dial. While quite a departure from the regular Professional, it does look wicked in our opinion.

View our own pictures of this watch at this link.

Toolwatch Groupshot

Omega Speedmaster Rattrapante, ROlex Submariner, TAG Heuer SuperPro

Omega Speedmaster Rattrapante, Rolex Submariner, TAG Heuer SuperPro

Quick snapshot: Omega Speedmaster Split Seconds (Rattrapante), two generations Rolex Submariner (16610, 5513) and an SDS Prototype TAG Heuer SuperProfessional.

Have a great day!

Speedmaster Split-Seconds 3540.50.00

Omega Speedmaster Rattrapante 3540.50.00

Omega Speedmaster Rattrapante 3540.50.00

One of our readers just send in a few pics of his Omega Speedmaster Rattrapante (a.k.a. Split-Seconds) with carbon fiber dial.

The Rattrapante is a great, and at times mesmerizing complication. Playing with the various buttons and double seconds hands can be a joyful thing. The 3540.50.00 might not be hard to find nowadays, it is however quite an unusual watch. The rattrapante is a noble complication, not often found in Speedmasters. This one uses a case similar to that of the X-33, but with the extra button located at 10 o’clock and an awesome carbon-fiber dial. Great stuff.

Omega Speedmaster Rattrapante 3540.50.00

Omega Speedmaster Rattrapante 3540.50.00

Can you spot the double seconds hands?

Omega Speedmaster Rattrapante 3540.50.00

Omega Speedmaster Rattrapante 3540.50.00