Upon its debut in 1957, the Omega Speedmaster was already pushing boundaries.
Originally designed as a racing chronograph much like the slightly later Rolex Cosmograph Daytona and the Heuer Carrera, the Speedy took inspiration from decades of previous Omega chronographs to offer a timepiece tailor-made for the track. Moving the tachymeter scale from a dial-bound chapter ring to an outer steel (later, aluminum) bezel, it placed functionality and legibility before all else — which also resulted in what is widely agreed to be one of the most attractive chronograph designs in the history of horology.
Throughout the years, the Speedy has grown and adapted to the times — better movements, better materials — but has always been immediately recognizable as such. Today, though there are seemingly more Speedmasters in the Omega catalog than fish in the sea, it’s still easy to distinguish this famous chronograph from any other similar product in the marketplace in a matter of seconds. And while you can buy an automatic Speedy, a solid-gold Speedy, or a complicated Speedy, it’s still the NASA-approved ‘Moonwatch,’ with its interstellar connotations, that gets collectors’ hearts racing.
Due to its history, its good looks, and its importance to the greater watch community, we at Analog:Shift have always carried a wide array of Speedmasters. From simple, stainless steel Moonwatches to shining Canopus Gold references and rare Ultraman variants, our Speedy vault is constantly full of interesting and compelling versions that are sure to pique your interest. Here, we’ve included 10 awesome Speedies that you’re sure to love, but as always — feel free to reach out to us if there’s something specific that you’re looking for.
Omega Speedmaster Professional Ref. 3590.50 ($5,400)
Omega Speedmaster Professional Ref. 3590.50 - IN THE SHOP
If you’re searching for a Speedy with Apollo-era cool at a more down-to-Earth price, the Reference 3590.50 is just the ticket. Equipped with a Hesalite crystal, a matching steel bracelet, and a tritium dial, it looks like it could’ve been born in the 1960s despite a 1990s production date.
Omega Speedmaster Co-Axial Moonphase Chronograph ($8,800)
Omega Speedmaster C0-Axial Moonphase Chronograph - IN THE SHOP
This modern Speedy from the 2020s ditches some of the Moonwatch purity in favor of a date display, a moon phase display, and a combined 60-minute and hour register — an incredible amount of utility considering its price. Powered by the decidedly hi-tech Calibre 9904 Co-Axial movement, it comes paired to a handsome blue leather strap.
Omega Speedmaster Professional 'Missions Apollo XVII' ($9,500)
Omega Speedmaster Professional 'Missions Apollo XVII' - IN THE SHOP
Looking for a Speedy with a cool aesthetic and historical twist? This particular Moonwatch honors Apollo XVII, the last mission to land on the Lunar surface in 1972, with a special ‘mission patch’ background in the 9 o’clock running seconds register. Subtle yet compelling, it makes for a fun alternative to more run-of-the-mill Speedy options.
Omega Speedmaster ‘Japan Racing’ ($15,250)
Omega Speedmaster 'Japan Racing' - IN THE SHOP
‘Racing’-dial Speedy variants are amongst the coolest takes on what was, to be fair, originally designed as a racing chronograph. This ‘Japan Racing’ version, a Ref. 3570.40, dates to the 2000s and packs a colorful dial with orange and red accents, plus the hand-wound Calibre 861 movement we all know and love.
Omega Speedmaster ‘Tintin’ ($17,650)
Omega Speedmaster 'Tintin' - IN THE SHOP
Launched at Baselworld in 2013, this Tintin-themed Speedy took some time to catch on with enthusiasts. Nowadays, it’s a highly coveted reference, with its ‘exotic’ outer track in red and white check providing a fun play on the Speedy’s typically subdued looks. Dating to the 2010s, it was produced in relatively low numbers and is fairly rare.
Omega Speedmaster Professional Two-Tone ($17,950)
Omega Speedmaster Professional Two-Tone - IN THE SHOP
What could be more 1980s than a two-tone, steel and gold watch?! This two-tone Speedy — complete with a matching bracelet — is just right for someone who loves the Moonwatch story but wants something with a bit more flash. Powered by the Calibre 861, it’s still very much a classic Speedy, complete with a Hesalite crystal and tritium lume.
Omega Speedmaster ‘Ed White’ Ref. 105.003-65 ($26,650)
Omega Speedmaster 'Ed White' Ref.105.003-65 - IN THE SHOP
The ‘Ed White’ is one of the darlings of the Speedmaster collecting community. Named for the NASA astronaut who wore this particular reference during the first American spacewalk, its ‘straight-lug’ case is paired with a flat-link bracelet and comes with its original papers from a U.S. military base in Europe.
Omega Speedmaster Professional ‘Ultraman’ ($29,950)
Omega Speedmaster Professional 'Ultraman' - IN THE SHOP
It’s wild to think that a tiny detail — such as an orange seconds hand — could catapult a watch into the horological stratosphere, but that’s exactly the case with the Japanese-market ‘Ultraman’ from 1968, a year before the Moon landings. Featured in 1971’s The Return of Ultraman TV series, it’s since become one of the most beloved of all Speedies.
Omega Speedmaster Ref. 2998-4 ($43,950)
Omega Speedmaster Ref. 2998-4 - IN THE SHOP
Pre-Moon landing Speedies are a hot commodity, and few more so than the Ref. 2998-4 with its alpha hands, flat-link bracelet, and Calibre 321 hand-wound movement. Introduced in 1959, the 2998-4 is the second Speedmaster reference, and is beloved by collectors for its purity of design. Ours, from circa 1961, features an awesome patina.
Omega Speedmaster 2915-1 (Inquire)
Omega Speedmaster 2915-1 - IN THE SHOP
This is it — the very first Speedmaster! With its matching, stainless steel tachymeter scale, ‘broad arrow’ handset, expanding flat-link bracelet, and correct, signed crown, this incredible piece of horological history includes its inner box and an extract from the archives, confirming its ‘birth’ in 1957, the first year of Speedy production.
