Vintage Omega Speedmaster Buyer��s Guide III

145.022s and subsequent Calibre .861 Speedmasters were offered with a number of bracelet options, many of which have been lost or thrown out over the years. This isn��t a big deal for those who enjoy wearing their watches on straps, and there are sources for replacement bracelets if you desirre one, so don��t get hung up on finding a watch with its bracelet present �C just focus on finding one with a good case, dial, and matching hand set. Values on these pieces can be all over the place when considering the above mentioned conditional issues, but expect to pay roughly $2700-$4500 for a good-to-great example.

At the top end of that range you can get an excellent Apollo-Era Speedmaster for approximately the same price as a new model off the shelf. This is a no-brainer really, which is why I so often recommend this version over all the others for intermediate collectors or experienced collectors new to Speedmasters.

Sidenote: Reference 145.022 Calibre .861 ��Pre-Moon��,��Transitional��, & ��First Commemorative Caseback�� Models

Within the range of Calibre .861 Speedmasters, there are a few versions that are a warrant a bit more study. These models are commonly referred to as ��Pre-Moon��,��Transitional��, and ��First Moon Landing Case Back�� versions. Although the differences are subtle, they can make a big difference in value and collectability, and are in many ways the most desirable variants of the series.

��Pre-Moon�� is a term that is generally reserved for Calibre .321 models manufactured before 1968 (more on those shortly), but can also be applied to Calibre .861s produced in 1968 and 1969 �C depending on who you ask. The term ��Pre-Moon�� vs. ��Post-Moon�� can be a controversial one, and is the subject of much discussion and debate in the collector community. As everyone knows (or should know!), the Apollo 11 Moon Landing occurred in July 1969, however what you might not know is that the Speedmaster watches worn by Aldrin and Armstrong were actually Calibre .321 models from 1967.

Since http://www.speedroc.com/replica-omega-speedmaster-broad-arrow.html began producing Calibre .861 Speedmasters about 18 months prior to the Moon Landing, it is technically reasonable to consider these very first Calibre .861s to be pre-moon as well, although there are those who argue that the only ��true�� Pre-Moon Speedmasters must have been produced prior to 1967 to be worthy that title. Regardless, these models are easily identified by their case backs, which feature only the replica omega Seamaster 300m ��Seahorse�� logo (known as a Hippocampus) instead of the later backs with the full ��Flight Qualified by NASA�� engraving.

��Transitional�� .861s are another extreme rarity, and are commonly confused with the earlier .321 versions. The reason for this confusion is that they featured the same applied-logo dials as their predecessors, but housed Calibre .861 movements internally. These watches were produced during the first quarter of 1968 (approximately) as replica omega Speedmaster Broad Arrow GMT used up their leftover .321 dials before switching to the printed dials that were used from then on. Dealers often confuse these Transitional models with .321 versions (mostly because they don��t take the time to open them up), and although they are worth less than genuine .321 models, are in fact much more desirable than later .861 versions due to their limited production run and rarity.