First off, as you’ve likely read in my Vintage Market updates, the 60’s chronograph market has gone through the roof. I’ll write on it again soon, but supplies of specimens absolutely stink. So, even though Speedmasters were still relatively inexpensive 8-12 months ago versus today, I noticed that good, relatively unmolested examples were beginning to become scarce on account of the entire market being hot.
Also, around mid-2015, Robert-Jan informed us on the quiet that he was working with Christie’s to create some verbiage for the house’s still-to-come December 2015 “Speedmaster 50” auction. With the popularity of social media platforms, forums and eBay, I no longer feel that auctions wield the sole hammer of value estimation, but they’re still highly important, visible events. Also, when a big house such as Christie’s decides to focus an entire event around one model, it’s sure to generate attention – and it did. Needless to say, I’m glad that I bought this Omega Speedmaster 145.012 prior to the auction.
To be fair, before I located this Omega Speedmaster 145.012, I wasn’t overly concerned with what reference I found. Essentially, I just wanted a correct Pre-Moon with curved lugs, so a 105.012 was an option as well, but prices of these have truly gone crazy. So, a 145.012 was my destiny. This model was actually made longest of the column-wheel equipped 321-calibre models (1967-1969) and that’s likely also made them the most “affordable” as well. The most notable difference between these and the earlier 105’s are the use of pushers of the same size as today’s model versus the 105’s stubby, flat operators. Additionally, the 105, for a brief period of time saw Omega using two case makers to create some slight differences in lug appearance. Of course, the other large distinction is that the 105 did go to the moon first, but I was racing time and had a budget in mind. In the end, I really just wanted something correct with a 321 and curved lugs.
Speaking of timing…I bought the Omega Speedmaster 145.012 (a 67 SP) before you on December 11, 2015. This was 4 days before the “Speedmaster 50” auction, so I literally snuck in under the wire. I ended up buying it from Kirill, aka “Lunar Oyster”, and found it on Omega forums (actually one of the best places to find a vintage Speedy – surprise, surprise). The transaction was as smooth as silk and the negotiation was friendly, fair and speedy (sorry about that). Yes, it’s fair to say that I’d recommend Kirill and I need to thank Robert-Jan for the “thumbs-up” when I asked him about Kirill’s reputation. I won’t reveal the price, but if you scroll through the Omegaforums history, you can get a relative idea.
Other niceties on this Omega Speedmaster 145.012 are the much-discussed Dot-over-ninety “DON” bezel with some love taps and minor chips. I also like the original hands with spear-end/drop-end chrono hand (so many of these have been replaced with flat-end hands) and don’t even mind the lume loss on the minutes hand. The dial definitely displays some lume chipping on the hour markers that so often affects this era of Speedy, but it’s really only more prevalent in certain lights where the remaining tritium still look a bit greenish. That being said, the applied logo is fantastic and the topography of the step dial basically makes these Pre-Moons and Transitionals worth the price of admission alone. Finally, the case back is correct with its single step
Since buying the Omega Speedmaster 145.012 prices have continued to climb. These were $3,000 – 4,000 little more than a year ago. They then began a slow rise upwards and did a hockey stick price-wise after the Christie’s auction. Now, it seems that everyone is looking for a vintage Speedmaster and prices continue to increase. Today, figure on at least $7,000 for a decent, original model and that may or may not include an original bracelet. Sales results seem to be all over right now where a well used/abused model sells for a higher amount than a seemingly more presentable piece. Call it panic buying or perhaps the results are due to someone falling in love with a certain color or patina that the worn model has acquired. In any case, there’s a frenzy now over a model that I think is a real must for any collector. Servicing a vintage Omega is certainly doable, but parts are becoming more and more of a challenge as Omega has apparently cut off the parts accounts to those who previously had availability. So, watchmakers seem to be working off of their stocks or fishing the same waters as others for needed components.
