Vintage Omega Speedmaster: which model retains its value the best?

There are few watches that evoke such emotion as the Speedmaster. For the purist, it is the ultimate chronograph; the watch that conquered not only the racetrack but even the moon. But if you want to buy a vintage Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch, you enter a minefield of references. The question is simple: where should you place your bets?

The Holy Grail: the Caliber 321

When discussing value retention, we cannot ignore the legendary 321 movement. This caliber was found in the very first Speedmasters and was worn during the Apollo missions. It is a technical work of art that is adored by collectors worldwide.

Watches with this movement, such as the reference 105.012 (Buzz Aldrin's model) or the 145.012 , have increased enormously in value in recent years. They are rare, have an unprecedented history, and represent the absolute top of the market. If your budget allows, this is the reference where you run the least risk regarding value retention. However, we see that the 3570.50 and 3573.50 are also very popular.

The importance of originality over condition

With a modern watch, you want it to look like new, but with a vintage Speedmaster, it works differently. An unpolished case with the original, sharp lines is much more valuable than one that has been polished smooth to remove scratches.

In the table below, you can see how various characteristics influence the value of a pre-owned Omega Speedmaster:

Are you looking for the investment that retains its value the most? Then the early Speedmasters with the Caliber 321 (manufactured before 1969) are the absolute winners. References such as the 105.012 and 145.012 have been consistently increasing in value for years. For those seeking a smaller entry point, the 145.022 with a 'step dial' is the most stable pre-owned model.

What should you look out for when buying an Omega Speedmaster?

At Segundor, we scrutinize every detail for you, but if you conduct your own research, these are the things to look out for:

• The dial: Is the lume original? Re-lumed hands or dials are a huge value killer.

• The bezel: Is it an original period-correct bezel or a modern service part?

• The movement: Does the serial number show signs of tampering? Everything must match the year of manufacture.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about vintage Speedmasters

How do I know if a Speedmaster is truly vintage?

Look at the glass and the dial. Genuine vintage models feature Hesalite (plexiglass) and Tritium markers (often recognizable by the 'T' at the bottom of the dial). The inscriptions on the back also reveal a lot about the period.

Is a 'Tropical Dial' worth more?

Absolutely. A dial that has turned a beautifully even brown due to the sun is a dream for collectors. These examples often fetch astronomical sums at auctions.

Are pre-owned Speedmasters waterproof?

With a vintage model, always assume not. The gaskets are decades old. Even if they have been replaced, we recommend keeping them dry. Water is the greatest enemy of a vintage timepiece.

What is the difference between a Moonwatch and a Speedmaster Reduced?

The 'Professional' (Moonwatch) is larger (42mm) and hand-wound. The 'Reduced' is smaller (39mm) and has an automatic movement. Although the Reduced is a nice watch, the Professional has historically shown much better value appreciation.

Do I get a warranty with Segundor?

Absolutely. Although it is a vintage watch, we offer a standard 12-month warranty on the mechanical operation. We only sell watches that we would want to wear ourselves.

Why is the 'Dot Over Ninety' bezel so important?

It is a minuscule detail where the dot sits above the '90' instead of next to it. It sounds trivial, but for a purist, this is proof of an early, original configuration, which can increase the price by thousands of euros.