OMEGA Speedmaster replica line of watches is rich in history, having been first produced in 1957. Since the initial launch of the OMEGA Speedmaster, there have been a wide variety of other chronograph innovations that formed part of the OMEGA Speedmaster name, which we’ll take a look at along with the factors that influence their worth.The original 1957 OMEGA Speedmaster model laid the foundation for the line’s signature features: its 12-hour triple-register chronograph layout, its domed Plexiglas crystal, and its high-contrast index markers.
The most famous of these chronographs is the “Moonwatch” OMEGA, more commonly known as the OMEGA Speedmaster Professional. It derives the name from its legacy as the first watch on the moon during the 1969 Apollo 11 mission. The OMEGA Speedmaster is one of only a few mechanical watches still qualified by NASA for use in space travel. and it’s also the only one qualified as such for EVA.
The Original Speedmaster Watch
The forerunner to the OMEGA Speedmaster Professional moonwatch replica line, the reference CK2915, was powered by the OMEGA Caliber 321. This caliber was used in all subsequent Speedmaster watches, and was only exchanged for an updated caliber in late 1968, when the new caliber 861 was first introduced.
The Omega Speedmaster CK 2915 & CK 2998
The only differentiating aspect these models had–which were replaced in successive introductions–were their broad arrow hands. In 1959, a second model of the Speedmaster (ref. CK 2998) was introduced featuring alpha hands, which remained consistent in following models until 1963, when they were replaced by the now-standard straight baton hands.
The caliber 861 mentioned above was the same caliber used in the Moonwatch models. However, the OMEGA Speedmaster watch used in the Apollo 11 mission was the 1967 caliber 321 model, more commonly known as the “pre-moon” version.
So what is the value of an OMEGA“Pre-Moon” Speedmaster?
There were many different models before the nice fake Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch, and as updated versions were introduced, the soon-to-be Moonwatch’s resemblances became apparent.
First, the CK2915 from 1957. As it was originally intended as a racing watch, it had a clearly sporty appearance featuring curved lugs, a black dial, and broad arrow hands. A CK2915 model could value anywhere from $32,700 and up in the secondhand market. The most important thing to take note of is that it must be original and has never been tampered with.
Next, the CK2998 and the 105.002. These Speedmasters already look more like the Moonwatch edition, with a black bezel and alpha hands.
OMEGA Speedmaster 105.002
The CK2998 had many different versions, mostly differentiated by their hands. However, the only difference between the last version (the CK2998 [-62]) and the 105.002 was the reference number. That said, the 105.002 is usually found at a cheaper price than the OMEGA Speedmaster CK2998. The price range for a CK2998 in good condition is anywhere from $7,630 to $8,720.
OMEGA Speedmaster 105.003
The next “pre-moon” Speedmaster, the reference 105.003, was introduced immediately after the 105.002 and remained in production until 1966. It closely resembles the Moonwatch with its white straight baton hands, and it’s also probably the most affordable of all the pre-moon watches, coming in at around $3,815 to $4,905.
The Price of an OMEGA Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch
Originally, there were only 1300 “Moonwatches” produced in 1985. OMEGA introduced them with Caliber 861 movements, which were later updated to what is known as Caliber 866 – the difference being that there was an additional module for the moon phase and date complications. For a high-quality original, you should expect to pay around $2,500.
Of course, there are plenty of excellent OMEGA Speedmaster models produced within the last 15 years in various limited edition runs.
OMEGA Speedmaster 311.30.42.30.01.005
The OMEGA Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional 311.30.42.30.01.005 has all the classic moonwatch features in a modern 42mm timepiece. It has a black dial, hesalite crystal, and tachymeter scale on the stainless steel bezel. The manual-wind chronograph can be found for around $4,500.
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