The Omega Speedmaster is renowned in the luxury watch world, boasting numerous iterations. While some models have gained immense popularity, others remain overlooked. Here, we highlight five underrated Omega Speedmaster models that often escape the attention of collectors.
Omega Speedmaster Apollo XI Ref. BA 345.0802
The Omega Speedmaster Apollo XI Ref. BA 345.0802 stands out as an underrated gem among Speedy enthusiasts. Released just before its stainless steel counterpart in 1980, this model was the first Speedmaster to feature a transparent case back, adding to its historical significance. With only about 300 units produced during the 1980s, it remains a rare find.
Paying homage to pivotal moments in space exploration, particularly the Apollo II mission in 1969 where the first watch was worn on the Moon, the Apollo XI edition in gold exudes luxury. Retaining the iconic Moon Watch design elements like the 41mm asymmetrical case, Hesalite crystal, Tachymeter bezel, and chronograph pushers, it also boasts a manual winding caliber 816, replacing the legendary caliber 321.
The case back is adorned with commemorative engravings, marking the Apollo XI mission and its historic significance. Despite its rarity and historical value, the Omega Speedmaster Apollo XI Ref. BA 345.0802 remains relatively affordable in the realm of luxury watches, with recent sales fetching around $25,000 at auction houses like Sotheby’s in 2023.
Omega Speedmaster ’57 Ref. 332.10.41.51.03.001
The Omega Speedmaster ’57, reference number 332.10.41.51.03.001, was introduced by Omega in 2013 as a tribute to its heritage. Despite being relatively overlooked by collectors, it boasts attractive resale values. This particular model features a contemporary blue PVD dial with white luminescent hour markers and hands, offering a sleeker profile compared to its predecessors. It retains classic elements such as broad arrow-style hands, straight lugs, pump-style side pushers, and a brushed stainless steel tachymeter bezel reminiscent of the original 1957 Omega. Updated in 2022, it now sports a slimmer 40.5mm case and a Master Chronometer manual-winding movement. The timepiece features a stainless steel bracelet with a foldover clasp and comfort setting, a sapphire crystal, a Caliber 9906 manual-winding movement, a last MSRP (discontinued as of 2024) of $9,500, and a market price (February 2024) of approximately $7,600. Unlike some models with fauxtina Super-LumiNova, this one maintains a modern appeal with its white luminescent material. The balanced design of the bi-compax dial and centered date at 6 o’clock adds to its allure.
Speedmaster Racing Ref. 329.30.44.51.04.001
The Omega Speedmaster Racing garners less attention in the watch-collecting community compared to the iconic Moon Watch. Unlike its lunar counterpart, these models are inspired by the brand's motorsport heritage, evident in their distinct checkered minute track design. Despite lacking lunar ties, the modern iterations boast a Master Chronometer automatic movement and attractive resale values, offering a compelling alternative to the traditional Moon Watch variants.
Introduced in limited runs during the late 1960s and early 1970s, the first Speedmaster Racing dials gained traction. Omega further solidified its racing connection with special editions dedicated to legends like Michael Andretti and Michael Schumacher in the 1990s. Fast forward to 2017, the contemporary ref. 329.30.44.51.04.004 stands out as one of the finest Racing watches available today. It houses the Omega self-winding caliber 9900, certified as a Master Chronometer, with twin registers on the dial. As of February 2024, this watch is valued at approximately $6,000 in the market. Unlike older colorful editions, the modern lineup adopts a more refined approach, incorporating subtle orange accents sparingly.
Speedmaster Moon to Mars Ref. 3577.50.00
The following watch teeters on the edge of being undervalued, having gained recognition over time as a coveted numbered-edition Omega timepiece. Its prices steadily rose but have recently stabilized, mirroring trends in the luxury pre-owned watch market as of early 2024. Despite being released two decades ago, Speedmaster Moon to Mars’ current prices, nearly doubling its original retail price of $4,800 in 2004, reflect expected inflation. Initially overlooked due to its unconventional dial and susceptible sub-dial images, this model has gradually garnered interest among collectors, albeit unlikely to match the popularity of Omega Snoopy Speedmasters.
The numbered edition Speedmaster, unveiled at Basel World 2004, commemorates the ambitious aspiration of establishing a permanent lunar space station, serving as a gateway to Mars. Departing from conventional chronograph designs, Ref. 3577.50.00 showcases lifelike depictions of the Earth, Moon, and Mars, accompanied by the inscription "From the Moon to Mars," symbolically linking these celestial bodies. With its eccentricity, this variant of the classic Omega Moon Watch remains underrated.
Remaining true to its space exploration lineage, Ref. 3577.50.00 features a Hesalite crystal and manual-winding caliber 1861 movement, succeeding the caliber 861 in the late 1990s. Despite its unique dial, this model shares many similarities with the classic Moon Watch Ref. 3570.50 from the same era. As of February 2024, the market price for the timepiece is approximately $11,500.
Speedmaster “Apollo XVII” 40th Anniversary
The Omega Speedmaster “Apollo XVII” 40th Anniversary Limited Edition Ref. 311.30.42.30.99.002 is a distinctive tribute to the final Moon landing in 1972. Featuring twisted Lyre lugs and a black Tachymeter bezel, it embodies the classic Moon Watch design. The Caliber 1861 manual-winding movement ensures traditional appeal. The 925 silver dial showcases an embossed Apollo XVII patch, with subtle chronograph registers at 3, 6, and 9 o’clock.
Limited to 1,972 pieces, the watch bears special engravings commemorating the historic event. Its 42mm case is protected by a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, revealing Omega and Speedmaster logos beneath. While not universally appealing, its unique dial design and affordability make it a collector's item since its release in 2012. The market price for the timepiece in February 2024 is approximately $9,000.
