The Speedmaster watches have been produced for over 65 years, resulting in a vast selection in the pre-owned market.
If you're open to exploring beyond the iconic “Moonwatch”, there are many more gems to discover. This week, as part of “Speedy Tuesday”, I've selected three pre-owned Speedmaster models worth your attention.
Two-Tone Omega Speedmaster Reduced
If you have a penchant for smaller watches, consider the Omega Speedmaster Reduced or the current Speedmaster 38 series. Since I prefer manual-wind Moonwatch models, I never purchased the Speedmaster Reduced. However, I remember that in the late 1990s to early 2000s, they were quite affordable, available on the pre-owned market for just a few hundred bucks. The Speedmaster Reduced was introduced in 1988 after Omega discontinued the Mark series. With a case size of 38.5 mm (often rounded to 39 mm), the Reduced model sits noticeably smaller on the wrist compared to the 42 mm Moonwatch. Notably, Omega chose to make the Speedmaster Reduced automatic from the outset.
This is a great alternative for those who want a more compact watch or prefer not to manually wind their watch daily. Omega used various calibers, but this one is the 1140, based on the ETA 2890-2 with a Dubois-Dépraz chronograph module. If you search the reference (DA)175.0033, you'll find them priced around 2,000 euros on the Japanese market. These two-tone Omega Speedmaster Reduced models were available with accents in 18-carat yellow or rose gold. The ones I found can be purchased on TimeAnagram.com in Japan.
Speedmaster Professional Broad Arrow Moonphase
I sold my Speedmaster Professional Broad Arrow Moonphase (ref. 3575.20) in 2014 to buy another Speedmaster. I was surprised to see that after 10 years, prices have remained roughly the same. Today, you can find a good example of this Speedmaster for about 4,500 euros. These watches are based on the Speedmaster ’57 Broad Arrow (1997-2003) but feature a moon phase complication, a white dial, and blue hands. They are also similar to the Speedmaster Professional Moonphase in white gold, released in 1999 to commemorate the 30th anniversary of Apollo 11.
In any case, for less than the price of a pre-owned current series Moonwatch, you can acquire a wonderful variation with an added complication. It's hard to go wrong with these. Not many know that the bezel is made of 18-carat white gold. Inside is the 1866 movement based on Lemania. It’s a caliber 1861 with moon phases and a date module. About 40 examples of this model are listed on Chrono24.
Speedmaster ’57 Relaunch
We've discussed the Speedmaster ’57 Relaunch - or “replica” - with Broad Arrow hands on several occasions. Omega first introduced them in 1997 as part of the Missions suitcase, consisting of 22 Speedmasters with the NASA mission emblem at the “9 o’clock” position and one of these Speedmaster ’57 models. Just a year later, these watches became available separately in the Omega catalog. Three of the authors from WatchTested own such watches, including myself. Recently, I wore them on the original tan Omega leather strap, similar to the one they originally came with (I found it at the Omega boutique in Geneva airport). The watches also come on the typical ref. 1998 bracelet as an option.
Depending on their condition, these watches can be found on the pre-owned market for under 3,000 euros in Japan. In Europe and North America, prices tend to be higher. However, you can find a Speedmaster ’57 for less than 4,000 euros. Although they are not classic moon watches, the polished and faceted Broad Arrow hands on the dark grey dial and the steel bezel give the watch a pleasing dynamic. As I wrote earlier, before buying a watch, examine the applied Omega logo and hands. I've seen quite a few with corrosion on them.
Do You Need Pre-Owned Speedmaster Watches?
With ever-increasing prices for new watches, including the Omega Speedmaster, the pre-owned watch market offers great opportunities. I believe the pre-owned watch market is even becoming a major competitor for some brands that have gone overboard with pricing. The three pre-owned Speedmaster models mentioned here may not be to your liking, but there are so many Speedmaster options that you’re likely to find ones you love.
What do you think of the three pre-owned Speedmaster models listed above, and do you have other suggestions? Share your thoughts in our Telegram channel.