Omega Speedmaster
On the launch pad: Speedmaster Professional Galaxy Express (3571.50.00)
From the front, this limited edition Speedmaster looks like a standard model, but flip it over and your cartoon character is on the bottom cover. This is a depiction of the supporting character Mettle in the Japanese manga “Galaxy Express 999”. There are some subtleties in the privacy of the limited edition presented as a standard edition. There are 1,999 in the world, and the Silver Snoopy version has 1,970. So roughly the same level of rarity, but not so widely known.
In the Stratosphere: Omega Speedmaster Alaska Project (311.32.42.30.04.001)
The 2008 Plan Alaska Limited Edition is based on a plan codenamed “Project Alaska” by Omega in the early 1970s. The goal is to create a Speedmaster watch suitable for extreme temperature changes. They achieved this goal by creating protective covers for watches. In addition to trying new materials such as titanium and surface treatments such as sandblasting, these watches never broke away from the prototype design in the 70s, but in 2008, Omega released 1,970 watches. Visually similar to the Alaska project watch 70s. Its retail price is approximately US$5,000. These watches are now trading at close to a low of $20,000.
On the launch pad: Omega Speedmaster (311.32.40.30.06.001)
Yes, this is our own limited edition of Speedmaster. I usually avoid mentioning the watches we have studied, but when it comes to a more reasonable alternative to the Alaska project, I think the H10 Speedy is an excellent choice. Their transaction price is about half the cost of the Alaska project, but they bring the same 60s/70s Omega tool watch aesthetics to the table. The Omega tool watch of this era looks like it was carried out of the cockpit of the Millennium Falcon. The H10 Speedy has a two-color register, similar to the 9 o’clock register on the flying masters of the 1960s/70s. Considering the chronograph hands, there are also many colors. This watch incorporates design elements that have been popular in the same era as the prototype of the Alaska Project. If you are after the look of an Omega tool watch in the 70s, then the H10 Speedy is worth considering.
In the stratosphere: Omega Speedmaster Tintin (311.30.42.30.01.004)
Fratello broke the story about the TinTin relationship until Hergé, the Belgian cartoonist behind the European comics, sent a letter to the popular Dutch watch blog. Even if Hergé did not want us to call it “TinTin”, the name was retained. Since its release in 2013, the popularity of this watch has only increased. In fact, it was not popular at all in 2013. The initial reception was lukewarm at best. The red and white grid pattern along the second track is incredibly polarized. This watch has only been produced for two and a half years, but the exact production quantity is unknown (estimated to be between 1,000 and 2,000). That loophole in our knowledge caused Tintin to trade now when he was a teenager. Some people saw its arrival, such as the revolutionary Wei Gao, and asked if it is the next Newman-level hype watch. Well, that day is here. we are coming.
On the launch pad: Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch “Apollo 15” 40th Anniversary Limited Edition (311.30.42.30.01.003)
If you like a bit of color on the seconds track, you will love this watch, which has three red, white and blue concentric rings on the circumference of the dial. They are weak enough to attract attention immediately, but they will not yell out to attract attention like TinTin. The color scheme is a tribute to the American flag, the connection with Apollo 15 and so on, but do you know any other aerospace country that has these three colors? Russia. The Soyuz test project was also awarded a limited edition by Omega, which took place when Russia was part of the Soviet Union and flew under a different flag. But today Russia continues to make great contributions to space exploration.
In the Stratosphere: Omega Speedmaster Japanese Racing Dial (3570.40)
This 2004 Japanese market limited edition visually references the original Speedmaster Racing in 1969, which is an example of “before the moon landing”. The dial is also shared with Speedmaster Mk II. This is James Stacey’s favorite Speedmaster r model and one of my models. I hope I can pick one up when I get the chance, even though I end up with an MkII with a racing dial. Like many limited editions, the number of examples produced reflects the year of production, so these watches are in 2004, and they are currently traded at a low-to-medium price. After all, the Speedmaster was originally a racing watch before it accidentally became a moon watch. As James mentioned, there are some great things about this version.
On the launch pad: Omega Speedmaster Reduced Racing (3518.50.00)
The speed master has never really found a strong following in the collector community. This is probably due to the high maintenance costs, and in fact, one of the main features of Speedy after the moon landing is that it is not automatic. But if you really want a racing dial, then this is a good choice. It is the 2010 edition, limited to 6,000 pieces, and has the same track as the more popular cousins. “Racing car” even appeared above the sub-register at 6 o’clock, just to further strengthen the connection between the car (and Schumacher). We do have a watch at Crown & Calibre, and even if we don’t have one, I would still choose this watch.
