Motoring News

Speedmaster Missions – Wednesday Watch

The number of limited or special editions of the Speedmaster (Professional) watches that Omega produced throughout the years is incredible. Here at MotoringExposure, we would consider a few of them such as the Speedmaster Professional “Snoopy Award” Limited Edition of 5441 pieces of 2003, or the Speedmaster 35th Anniversary (Moon landing) model of 2004 with its white dial with black sub dials (panda dial).

However, one of the “real deals” is the Speedmaster Missions case that made all Speedmaster fans drool in 1997. The case consisted of 23 Speedmaster watches, of which 22 were the so-called “Patch” models, and the 23rd watch was the Speedmaster Replica 1957 model. In 1997, these sets were produced in three batches: the first batch was 40 cases with 23 watches, and the second batch consists of five cases of “artist’s proof” editions. The third batch of five cases was introduced in 1998. So, in total, Omega sold 50 of these Speedmaster Mission cases. The first 40 cases were introduced for the 40th anniversary of Omega’s legendary Speedmaster watch.

According to Italian Speedmaster collector and author of “The Master of Omega” book Alberto Isnardi, these cases have a value of 90 – 100K Euro ($126,000 – $140,000.- USD) when in pristine condition.

All 22 Speedmaster “Mission” models that are in the case have the original NASA mission patch on the 9 o’clock subdial and a personalized case back with the mission name and watch number. The Speedmaster 1957 Replica is Omega’s re-edition of the original ref. CK2915 Speedmaster that they introduced in 1957. We are not sure if it was a smart decision for Omega to use the term “Replica” as this has a slightly negative tone.

The missions that Omega honors with these Speedmasters are the Gemini V (1965) to the Gemini XII (1967), Apollo VII (1968) to Apollo XVII (1972), and the three Skylab missions I, II and III (1973).

So, what’s with this 14 year-old information you might ask? Well, there is a case with 23 Speedmasters for sale on eBay. With a Buy-Now opportunity for $145,000.00 USD, the first owner of the case is ready to sell his case #34 of the first batch of 40 cases.

All Speedmasters are mounted with a ref.1499/840 bracelet and Lemania-based hand-wound caliber 1861 movement; the caliber that Omega still uses today for the Speedmaster Professional ‘Moonwatch’. In the meantime, Omega did upgrade the bracelet, although it still looks very similar.

This 42mm Omega Speedmaster Professional ‘Moonwatch’ retails for 3.230, – Euro / $4,662.18 USD (version with the plexi crystal).

The Speedmaster Missions case #34 is listed on eBay here.

Omega Speedmaster Professional Missions Case

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