Omega Speedmaster Mark II

Omega launched the very first Speedmaster Professional Mark II under the reference number 145.014 in 1969. This watch takes inspiration from the original Alaska Project model, which Omega developed for NASA. The cushion-shaped case with an integrated bracelet was a novelty in the Speedmaster collection.

Unlike earlier Speedmaster watches, the tachymeter scale on the Mark II is printed directly onto the inside of its flat mineral crystal. The dial, with line indices and subdials at 3, 6, and 9 o'clock, is very much reminiscent of the classic Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch. The original edition is powered by an automatic caliber from Omega. Vintage Speedmaster Mark II models are gaining popularity among collectors, especially since they are still relatively affordable.

In honor of the 45th anniversary of the Speedmaster Mark II in 2014, Omega unveiled new versions of the classic model. These newer timepieces have a larger case and boast Omega's state-of-the-art co-axial technology. The manufacturer also decided to outfit these watches with a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal.

The most affordable watches in the Speedmaster Mark II series are the vintage models. For instance, you can buy the ref. 145.014 with a black and orange racing dial for around 3,300 pre-owned. If you're willing to spend 300 USD more, you can get yourself the standard version with a black dial.

However, if you're in the market for a modern edition with a Co-Axial caliber, expect the stainless steel editions to cost around 4,800 USD. Two-tone gold and stainless steel timepieces require an investment of around 9,000 USD.

Cases of the vintage editions of the Speedmaster Mark II measure 41.5 mm in diameter and are made of stainless steel. Omega produced the reference 145.014 in two designs: one with a black dial and the other with a "racing dial." While the former is very similar to the classic Moonwatch, the racing dial is dark gray. The racing version also features orange accents on the minute track and orange chronograph hands, which lend the watch a particularly sporty character.

These Omega watches are powered by the mechanical caliber 861, which can be found in Speedmasters dating back to 1968. This movement is based on the Lemania 1873 and replaced the more intricate – and now legendary – caliber 321. The balance of the 861 ticks at a frequency of 21,600 A/h and has a power reserve of around 38 hours.

Plan to spend around 3,300 USD for a pre-owned Speedmaster Mark II with a racing dial, and around 3,600 USD for the standard version with a black dial.

The three Speedmaster Mark II models released since 2014 measure 42.4 mm across. Depending on the reference number, these timepieces are either crafted completely from stainless steel, or are two-tone variants combining stainless steel and gold. The ref. 327.10.43.50.01.001 is the most comparable model to the original from 1969. This reference features a black dial with applied indices and the conventional subdial positioning at 3, 6, and 9 o'clock. Omega mounts this timepiece on a three-piece link stainless steel bracelet. Prices for new examples come in at around 4,900 USD.

The ref. 327.10.43.50.06.001 is a Speedmaster Mark II variant with a racing dial. Like the original version from 1969, the dial is gray with orange accents on the hour markers and orange chronograph hands. Expect to pay around 4,800 USD for a new timepiece.

If you like two-tone watches, take a look at the Mark II ref. 327.20.43.50.01.001. The middle links of the bracelet are made of 18-karat Sedna gold, Omega's proprietary rose gold alloy. The crown, push-pieces, tachymeter scale, and subdial edging are made from the same metal blend. This model will have you digging deeper into your pockets, however, as prices sit at around 9,000 USD.

To celebrate the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio, Omega unveiled the ref. 522.10.43.50.01.001. This model is limited to a run of 2,016 pieces and features a matte black dial. The subdials at 3, 6, and 9 o'clock are punctuated by rings of bronze, 18-karat yellow gold, and sterling silver, respectively. The transparent tachymeter scale is illuminated by an underlying fluorescent orange ring. This commemorative watch demands around 6,000 USD.

All modern Speedmaster Mark II watches use the automatic Co-Axial caliber 3330. The 3330 isn't technically an in-house movement since it's based on ETA's Valjoux 7753, but Omega has made extensive modifications to it. These updates include a co-axial escapement, column wheel, and non-magnetic silicon spring. The balance vibrates at a frequency of 28,800 A/h and the movement offers a power reserve of around 52 hours.