Omega Speedmaster  Watches

Omega Speedmaster: From Race Tracks to the Moon

When people think about chronograph watches, one of the first models that they’ll think of is the Omega Speedmaster. Indeed, this has been a mainstay in watch collections whether big or small with good reason. The Omega Speedmaster has unparalleled accuracy, precision, and durability that Omega is known for. Paired with a reasonable price tag, it’s no wonder why the Speedy is highly recommended.

How much are the Omega Speedmaster watches?

Prices for the Omega Speedmaster Chronographs 

While the Speedmaster is mainly known for being the first watch that landed on the moon, this timepiece has so much more to offer. In fact, it is available in various chronograph models for different purposes. From quartz movements to co-axial calibres and from digital displays to analogue, there is definitely a Speedy for everyone.

Some of the most popular Speedmasters are the ones that run on the Co-Axial Master Chronometer Caliber. This movement means that the escapement’s clockwise impulse is given to the pallet found on the balance roller. As a result, it is more stable and precise compared to other calibres. The Omega Speedmasters with this movement come in various features like moon phase and magnetic resistance. When it comes to price, these watches can run from $5,800 USD up to $26,000 USD.

Of course, a collection as big as the Speedmaster boasts a few limited-edition models. To name a few, we have the Speedmaster Speedy Tuesday Limited Edition. Introduced in 2017, this watch was released to celebrate the hashtag #speedytuesday. To the unacquainted, fans from all over the world use this hashtag when posting a picture of their Speedmasters on social media. This watch is limited to just 2,012 pieces with an original price of $6,500 USD. However, that price has risen to around $8,800 now USD.

To add, the Omega Speedmaster Apollo 13 Silver Snoopy Award has also been receiving a lot of praise. Omega released this special edition model to celebrate when Omega received the “Silver Snoopy Award”. This award recognizes the brand’s contributions to space history as well as saving the Apollo 13. Aesthetically speaking, this watch has a picture of Snoopy in an astronaut suit on the upper left sub-dial. Like the previous watch, this model also increased in price from $7,350 USD to $19,400 USD.

Prices for the Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Watches

While there are so many Omega models available now, one stands out as an icon. The Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional 42mm has always been on the radar of watch enthusiasts. This classic timepiece features a traditional hand-wound movement as well as a stainless steel case. Moreover, it uses the same chronograph that astronauts used in the Apollo missions.

Around the watch’s case is a tachymeter scale, and on the dial are a 30-minute counter, a 12-hour counter and a decentralized seconds sub-dial. Despite these traditional designs, the modern Moonwatch models have a few changes. For one, their hands and indexes already use SuperLuminova instead of the radioactive tritium as lume.

Inside, the Moonwatch runs on the calibre 1861, which was the same movement worn by astronauts on the moon. This calibre can power the watch for up to 48 hours. Lastly, the Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional 42mm will cost you around $12,000 USD.

Prices for the Vintage and Retro Omega Speedmasters 

Omega joins the trend of reissuing vintage watches with the Omega Speedmaster ‘57. This retro watch takes inspiration from the Ref. CK2915 model, which was the original Speedmaster released in 1957. One unique thing about this watch is its Speedmaster Broad Arrow hour hand. While the reissue costs around $4,000 USD up to $15,000 USD, the original model from the ‘50s can sell up to a hundred thousand dollars at an auction.

Another thing to love about the Speedmaster ‘57 is that it runs on Omega’s state-of-the-art Co-Axial caliber. It is slightly big at 41.5mm, which is larger than the other Speedmaster models. While these watches are not limited-editions, these come at a hefty price of $5,800 USD for a brand new unit and $5,500 USD for a pre-owned model.

Various homage options of the original Speedmaster are also available. For instance, the 2017 version called the Omega Speedmaster 60th Anniversary is one of the most sought-after. Omega released it in 3,557 pieces to celebrate the Speedy's 60th anniversary. This model will set you back for around $8,000 USD for a brand new unit and $7,600 USD for a pre-loved one. Also, note that this model was released along with two other limited-edition models -- the Omega Railmaster and the Omega Seamaster.

Back in the ‘90s, Omega released the Speedmaster ‘57 Replica. Unlike the previous models that run on the new movement, this one runs on the calibre 1861. This calibre is hand-wound and delivers top-notch precision and reliability. A second-hand unit will cost you around $3,000 USD. Unfortunately, finding a never-worn model is difficult, as Omega stopped making this retro watch a few years ago.

Prices for the Ceramic Omega Speedmasters 

When it comes to watches, ceramic is not as popular as stainless steel and precious metals. However, this does not mean that ceramic is not a good material to use. In fact, it is more durable and scratch-resistant than steel. This is why Omega chose it to make their “Side of the Moon” series.

First up is the Omega Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon, which was made in honor of the astronauts of the Apollo 8 mission. History has it that they were the first people to see the other side of the moon. The watch named after the feat uses a modern co-axial calibre that ensures high precision. Enthusiasts can even view part of this movement through the skeletonised dial. A brand new model will cost around $8,000 USD, while a pre-owned one will set you back around $7,300 USD.

Moving a shade lighter, we also have the Omega Speedmaster Grey Side of the Moon, which takes inspiration from lunar dust. It also honors astronaut Jim Lovell’s words “the moon is essentially grey”, which he uttered while the Apollo 8 was orbiting around the moon. It uses the Co-Axial calibre 9300, which is equipped with an Si14 silicon balance spring. All in all, this watch costs about $8,300 USD mint and around $7,200 USD pre-loved.

On the other side of the spectrum, we have the Omega White Side of the Moon, which represents the side of the satellite that lights up the earth. Apart from its ceramic dial, it also uses 18K white gold as its hands and indexes for an elegant look. This model is available for around $8,200 USD brand new and $7,300 USD second hand.

Prices for the Omega Speedmaster Reduced and Date Watches 

The Omega Speedmaster Reduced is for the Speedy fan looking for a cheaper alternative to the Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch. Apart from shaving a few dollars off its price tag, the Reduced model is smaller at only 39mm. This makes it ideal for people who have slim wrists. Furthermore, it uses a movement that’s based on the ETA 2890-A2, which has a chronograph module from Dubois-Dépraz. Aesthetics-wise, these models have Arabic numeral minute markers that sit closer to the edge of the dial.

Unfortunately, Omega no longer makes the Omega Speedmaster Reduced. To buy one, you have to search the vintage or the used market. Despite having a price increase, these watches are still affordable compared to other Speedmasters. A worn vintage model will cost you around $2,100 USD. But if you’re lucky enough, you can find one in mint condition for only $2,500 USD.

Another Speedy that you can find on a budget is the Omega Speedmaster Date. Inside, this model runs on the 11bb, which was based on the Valjoux 7750 automatic calibre. Meanwhile, the date window is located at 3 o’clock. Pre-owned or vintage models of the Omega Speedmaster Date will set you back for around $1,800 USD. This relatively affordable price tag makes this watch a great starting point for budding watch enthusiasts.

Omega Speedmaster and Racing

Apart from outer space, Omega has also given a lot of contribution to motorsports. In fact, the Speedmaster has been a favorite of racecar drivers years before it coined its nickname “Moonwatch”. True to its purpose, the Speedmaster Racing models have dials that are inspired by dashboards found in classic cars.

When it comes to the models available, the Omega Speedmaster Racing comes in various editions, designs, and sizes. For a brand new 44mm watch, prepare to spend around $6,300 USD. But if you’re eyeing the pre-owned section, you can shave more than $500 USD off the price tag with a total of $5,600 USD.

If you want something smaller, the 40mm version is cheaper at only $3,400 USD brand new. On the other hand, you can save more with a second-hand unit that costs only around $2,600 USD.

Omega Speedmaster’s Quartz Watches

What do you get when you mix the Speedmaster’s functionality with a quartz movement’s accuracy? You get a watch that meets professional specifications. To name a few, we have the Speedmaster Skywalker X-33, which people consider as a great tool watch for astronauts. Its 45mm case has an analog and digital display that features a perpetual calendar, chronograph, and a countdown function among others. The watch also has two special functions called the Mission Elapsed Time (MET) and Phase Elapsed Time (PET).

These two functions are important to astronauts as the former shows how much time has passed since the mission began. Meanwhile, the latter shows how much time has passed since a phase started. All of these features make the Omega Speedmaster Skywalker X-33 the official mission watch of the famed European Space Agency (ESA).

Due to its high-tech features, this quartz watch has a hefty price tag of around $4,000 USD for one with mint condition. On the other hand, a pre-loved or vintage model will bring the price tag down to $3,400 USD. Furthermore, a limited-edition called the Speedmaster Skywalker X-33 Solar Impulse comes in a catchy design and is limited to only 1,924 pieces. Due to its rarity, it costs more at $4,300 USD for a brand new one and $4,000 USD for a second-hand model.

Another quartz watch to note is the Omega Spacemaster Z-33. It has a design that takes inspiration from the Omega Flightmaster from the ‘60s and ‘70s. Despite its old-school aesthetic, it features a lot of high-tech functions. A few of those are a chronograph, alarm, various time zones, and perpetual calendar. Expect to pay around $6,400 USD for a brand new unit and $3,700 USD for pre-owned.

Omega Speedmaster — Its Most Affordable and Most Expensive Options

Watch collecting may be an expensive hobby. But for people who are just starting, it helps to know which models are a good starting point when it comes to availability and price. One good example is the Omega Speedmaster Date, which clocks in at around $1,800 USD. While it is still expensive compared to other automatic watches like Hamilton and Seiko, it is one of the cheapest Omegas you’ll find. Despite its low price tag, it still runs on a quality movement called the 1155.

On the other end of the spectrum, the Omega Speedmaster Ref. CK 2915-1 holds the title of most expensive Speedmaster ever sold. In particular, it was sold for 2,226,250 kr (Swedish Krona) which is approximately $275,000 USD at an auction house in Stockholm. According to the owners, the watch was manufactured on June 6, 1958, and they managed to sell it at that price due to its pristine condition.

Omega Speedmaster’s Colorful History

Before moving to the history of the Speedmaster, let’s talk about the history of Omega first. In 1848, Louis Brandt established the company under his name. However, it was only in 1894 when his pocket watches would carry the name “Omega”. As history would have it, he chose the name because it is the last letter of the Greek alphabet and it symbolizes completion. Since then, the company has carried the name.

In 1942, Omega released their first-ever chronograph, which is considered to be an ancestor of the Speedmaster. The watch ran on the calibre 27 CHRO C12, which allowed the watch to time up to 12 hours. Fifteen years later, they introduced an upgraded chronograph specifically for sports to celebrate being the official timekeeper of the Olympics. That chronograph was the first model of the Omega Speedmaster.

Omega chose the name “Speedmaster” because of the tachymeter scale bezel. Essentially, a tachymeter measures speed based on time travelled, which is useful for sports. Over time, Omega made various versions of the Speedmaster like the Professional and Quartz. Despite coming in different models, these watches have the same Speedmaster DNA when it comes to looks and quality.

Over the Moon with the Omega Speedmaster

The Omega Speedmaster is one of the watches that needs no introduction. Indeed, it has become a big part of world history in being the first watch to land on the moon. Apart from that, it has been a cult favorite for its features, precision, and design.