Omega Speedmaster: Eight Modern Collectible Limited Editions

Introduction

The Omega Speedmaster, often referred to as the “Moonwatch,” holds a special place in the world of horology. Its association with space exploration, particularly the Apollo moon missions, has cemented its status as one of the most iconic watches ever made. Among the numerous Speedmaster models, the limited editions are particularly coveted by collectors. These timepieces, often produced in small quantities and featuring unique design elements, celebrate milestones in space exploration, significant anniversaries, or collaborations with notable entities.

Limited editions offer a blend of exclusivity, historical significance, and distinctive aesthetics that make them highly desirable. They represent more than just timekeeping instruments; they are tangible pieces of history that honor remarkable achievements. This blog will delve into eight collectible Omega Speedmaster limited editions, exploring their unique features, market value, and why they have captured the hearts of collectors worldwide.

1. Omega Speedmaster “Speedy Tuesday” Limited Edition

The Omega Speedmaster “Speedy Tuesday” Limited Edition, released in 2017, was a celebration of the influential Speedy Tuesday community on social media. This model, limited to 2,012 pieces, quickly became a fan favorite, selling out within hours of its announcement.

Design Features

Inspired by the Speedmaster “Alaska Project III” from 1978, the Speedy Tuesday edition features a reverse panda dial with white subdials on a black background.
The watch includes a vintage Omega logo, radial subdials, and a distinctive brushed matte finish on the case.
The lume used for the indices and hands glows a bright green in the dark, enhancing its readability.

Collectibility and Market Value
The “Speedy Tuesday” edition is highly sought after due to its strong connection with the online Speedmaster community and its unique design elements that pay homage to vintage Speedmasters. Initially retailed at around $6,500, it has seen substantial appreciation in the secondary market, often fetching prices over $10,000.

Notable Sales and Popularity
The rapid sell-out of the “Speedy Tuesday” edition underscored its popularity. The collaboration between Omega and its fan base was a novel approach, making this model a symbol of community engagement and brand loyalty.

2. Omega Speedmaster Professional Apollo 11 50th Anniversary Limited Edition

In 2019, Omega celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing with a special limited edition Speedmaster. Limited to 6,969 pieces, this model honors the historic event when Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin became the first humans to set foot on the moon.

Commemoration of the Apollo 11 Mission

The watch features a polished 18K Moonshine™ Gold bezel with a black ceramic ring and a tachymeter scale in Ceragold™.
The dial is a grey, step dial with blackened subdials, and the hour markers and hands are crafted from Moonshine™ Gold.
A notable feature is the 9 o’clock subdial, which depicts Buzz Aldrin stepping onto the lunar surface, created using laser engraving.

Collectibility and Market Value
The Apollo 11 50th Anniversary edition is a collector’s dream due to its direct connection to one of humanity’s greatest achievements. Initially priced around $9,650, its value has risen significantly, with some models selling for over $15,000.

Historical Significance
This limited edition not only commemorates a monumental event but also showcases Omega’s innovative use of materials and design to honor its legacy with NASA.

Moonwatch Only is the ultimate guide for Omega Speedmaster collectors. The third edition is currently available at Amazon with a discount of over 40%!

As an Amazon Associate WristWatchWire earns from qualifying purchases.

3. Omega Speedmaster “Silver Snoopy Award” 50th Anniversary

The “Silver Snoopy Award” 50th Anniversary Speedmaster, released in 2020, celebrates Omega’s receipt of the prestigious NASA award in 1970, recognizing the brand’s contributions to space exploration.

Origin and Inspiration

The watch features a blue nylon fabric strap with a silver dial and blue subdials.
The caseback is particularly noteworthy, depicting a cartoon Snoopy in his space suit, riding a Command and Service Module (CSM) against a backdrop of the moon and Earth, which are animated when the chronograph is activated.

Design Specifics

The bezel is blue ceramic with a white enamel tachymeter scale.
The 9 o’clock subdial showcases an embossed silver Snoopy medallion, adding to its charm.

Collectibility and Market Value
With an original price of approximately $9,600, the “Silver Snoopy Award” 50th Anniversary edition has seen its value soar, often selling for over $20,000 on the secondary market. Its whimsical yet historically significant design makes it a favorite among collectors.

Reception Among Collectors
Collectors appreciate this model for its playful design and the innovative animation on the caseback, which adds a unique and entertaining feature to the watch.

4. Omega Speedmaster Professional Alaska Project

The Alaska Project Speedmaster, introduced in 2008, is a tribute to Omega’s experimental watches designed for NASA’s extreme temperature conditions in space.

Purpose and History

The original Alaska Project aimed to create a watch capable of withstanding the harshest environmental conditions, including extreme temperatures and radiation.
The 2008 limited edition, limited to 1,970 pieces, pays homage to these experimental models.

Design and Materials

The watch features a white dial with blackened subdials and a red anodized aluminum outer case, designed to protect the watch from extreme temperatures.
The hands are painted red, enhancing visibility in space.

Collectibility and Market Value
This edition’s connection to the Alaska Project’s fascinating history and its distinctive design elements make it highly collectible. Originally priced at around $5,500, its value has increased, often selling for over $10,000.

Impact on Speedmaster Legacy
The Alaska Project edition underscores Omega’s commitment to innovation and its integral role in space exploration, further cementing the Speedmaster’s legacy.

5. Omega Speedmaster Apollo 13 Silver Snoopy Award

Released in 2015, the Apollo 13 Silver Snoopy Award Speedmaster commemorates the 45th anniversary of the Apollo 13 mission and Omega’s critical role in the mission’s success.

Connection to Apollo 13 Mission

The watch honors Omega’s contributions to the safe return of the Apollo 13 crew after a critical in-flight malfunction.
It features a white dial with Snoopy lying in the black subdial at 9 o’clock, accompanied by the words “Failure is not an option.”

Design and Artwork

The caseback is adorned with a silver Snoopy medallion set against a backdrop of blue enamel with silver flakes, representing the starry sky.
The bezel is black ceramic with a white enamel tachymeter scale.

Collectibility and Market Value
This limited edition, originally priced around $7,350, has become highly desirable, with secondary market prices exceeding $20,000. Its connection to a pivotal moment in space history and its unique design elements contribute to its allure.

Popularity Among Enthusiasts
Collectors are drawn to this edition not only for its historical significance but also for the playful incorporation of Snoopy, adding a touch of whimsy to the iconic Speedmaster.

6. Omega Speedmaster Apollo 17 45th Anniversary Limited Edition

The Apollo 17 45th Anniversary Limited Edition, released in 2017, celebrates the final manned mission to the moon. Limited to 1,972 pieces, this model pays tribute to the mission and its achievements.

Tribute to Apollo 17 Mission

The watch features a blue ceramic bezel and a blue dial with a unique representation of the moon’s surface.
The 9 o’clock subdial depicts the God Apollo and a commemorative engraving of the Apollo 17 mission patch.

Design Highlights

The case is crafted from stainless steel, and the hands and indices are made of 18K white gold.
The watch includes a special engraving on the caseback, celebrating the mission’s 45th anniversary.

Collectibility and Market Value
With an initial price of around $9,600, the Apollo 17 edition has appreciated in value, often selling for over $12,000. Its connection to the historic final moon mission and its striking design elements make it a prized collectible.

Significance in Speedmaster Series
This model highlights Omega’s dedication to commemorating significant milestones in space exploration, reinforcing the Speedmaster’s status as the Moonwatch.

7. Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch “First Omega in Space”

The “First Omega in Space” edition, released in 2012, commemorates the first Omega worn in space by astronaut Wally Schirra during the Sigma 7 mission in 1962.

Inspiration from the First Omega Worn in Space

The watch closely replicates the design of the original CK2998 worn by Schirra, featuring a stainless steel case and a black bezel.
It includes a black varnished dial with white subdials and vintage Omega logos.

Design and Materials

The hands are made of 18K white gold, and the watch is fitted with a brown leather strap, reminiscent of the original 1962 model.
The caseback is engraved with “The First Omega in Space” and the date of the Sigma 7 mission.

Collectibility and Market Value
Initially priced at around $5,300, the “First Omega in Space” edition has seen its value increase, with current prices ranging from $7,000 to $10,000. Its historical significance and vintage-inspired design appeal to collectors.

Appeal to Collectors
This model’s faithful homage to the first Omega in space and its classic design make it a favorite among Speedmaster enthusiasts and vintage watch collectors.

8. Omega Speedmaster “Ultraman” Limited Edition

The Speedmaster “Ultraman” Limited Edition, released in 2018, pays homage to the Japanese TV series “Ultraman,” in which the Speedmaster featured prominently.

Connection to Japanese TV Series “Ultraman”

The watch is inspired by the Speedmaster ST 145.012, worn by the character Ultraman in the 1971 series.
It features a black dial with orange accents, including the central chronograph seconds hand, reminiscent of the Ultraman’s color scheme.

Design and Limited Edition Details

The 9 o’clock subdial includes an orange “Ultraman” logo that appears under UV light, adding a playful touch.
The watch is limited to 2,012 pieces, with each piece individually numbered.

Collectibility and Market Value
Initially priced at around $7,100, the “Ultraman” edition has become highly desirable, with secondary market prices often exceeding $12,000. Its connection to pop culture and its distinctive design elements contribute to its popularity.

Reception and Demand
Collectors and fans of the Ultraman series appreciate this model for its unique tribute to a beloved TV show and its incorporation of playful design elements.

Conclusion

The Omega Speedmaster limited editions offer a fascinating blend of history, innovation, and exclusivity that makes them highly sought after by collectors. Each limited edition tells a unique story, commemorating significant milestones in space exploration or celebrating cultural icons. As the Speedmaster continues to evolve, these limited editions will remain cherished pieces of horological history, embodying the spirit of adventure and the pursuit of excellence that defines Omega.

Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a newcomer to the world of watch collecting, the Omega Speedmaster limited editions provide a captivating journey through time, marked by exceptional craftsmanship and timeless design. As Omega continues to release new special editions, the legacy of the Speedmaster will undoubtedly continue to inspire and captivate watch enthusiasts around the world.

For more information on the Omega Speedmaster and notable models, we recommend the 60th Anniversary page Omega created back in 2017.