Latest Vintage Piece

1973 Omega Speedmaster 125th Anniversary Edition 378.0801 $5,000.00 CAD. 510-00220

If you only collected Omega Speedmasters you’d have an amazing variety of some pretty cool timepieces. This is a notable, important watch that is seldom encountered and absolutely not appreciated as it should be. Back in 1973 Omega celebrated their 125th year of operation and selected the Speedmaster to commemorate this achievement. The July 1969 moon landing was still fresh in people’s minds, everyone had space fever. This watch captures the spirit and style of that moment in time. It’s a thick slice of early 1970s nostalgia. This wasn’t a slightly modified version of an existing model that Omega slapped a limited edition number on. Model 378.0801 completely unique. Its massive steel case (42mm x 52mm) was used only for this model, there is no other Omega that shares the same case, bracelet or chronometer grade calibre 1041 movement. This was a very expensive watch, when it was launched in 1975 it retailed at $425.00 USD. This figure was close to twice that of what a regular hand wind Professional Moonwatch sold for. It is rumored that Omega only produced just 2000 of these but that figure isn’t officially supported by Omega. Not only is it significant for being a rare anniversary model; it’s the world’s first automatic chronograph that is also a certified chronometer. While we’re at it, it’s worth mentioning this complicated watch is equipped with a useful calendar display along with a 24 dial located within the constant seconds display at 9:00. There wouldn’t be another automatic chronometer grade Speedmaster in Omega’s lineup for several decades. This example came to us from an avid watch collector customer who focuses on high quality original examples. It is running great with all functions operating as designed and it’s keeping good time. Overall condition is very good, showing minor scuffs and scratches on the case and bracelet. The crystal is almost perfect, showing just microscopic scratches, impossible to photograph. The exposed raised edge on the crystal is 100%, not even the slightest impact mark. The original  bracelet (1221/212) shows no stretch and almost zero sag. It may be missing an adjustment link but should still accommodate a wrist size of nicely over 8 inches. This watch is a bit of a commitment to wear. Although there are larger watches available, few match the thick bulky feeling of the Speedmaster 125. After learning a little bit about this watch I’ve come to admire it even more. We’ve only encountered this model twice before as an estate item. From what I’ve learned only the earliest examples have an engraved letter/number combination on the case back. The exact meaning of this code remains a mystery but it only appears to show up on early examples. The serial number on ours is the lowest I’ve ever seen 35,075,576. Under the practically flawless crystal is an beautiful flat black dial showing even parchment patina tritium dial markers. The hands are showing some paint loss and uneven tritium patina. Wearing this watch everyday requires a strong arm as it weighs a substantial 198.6 grams and the case is a 1.5cm thick rectangular chunk. Forget about wearing it under a long sleeve shirt. It’s a great conversation piece and a watch you’re not likely to encounter on any other wrist. We are happy to provide the next owner with a complimentary 1-year warranty. This important watch is estate priced at $5,000.00 CAD. Stock #510-00220.

view more vintage pieces