{"product_id":"omega-speedmaster-mk-ii-as03425","title":"Omega Speedmaster MK II","description":"\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWhy We Love It\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGold Speedmasters are having a moment, and so is the 1970s. Groovy.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA total of three variants of the Mark II were produced by Omega, beginning in 1969. The first resembles the \"Moon Watch\" but for the case, with a simple black dial layout; and the second featured a grey \"Racing Dial\" with a colorful outer track. The third, and perhaps rarest of all, is a gold-plated version featuring a gold tone dial and burgundy tachymétre ring.\u003c\/span\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Mark II is drenched in a decidedly '70s design language, and this one with a gold-plated case is no exception. Desirable due to its rarity, it's also unusual to find one in as good condition as this. The oversize profile of the tonneau case was prone to damage and dings, the bevels easily worn away by careless over-polishing.\u003c\/span\u003e But this one remains to be in sharp condition, with no loss of plating. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eKnow that these examples do not come around often, and when pristine examples catch our eyes, we make sure to jump at the opportunity.  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Story\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe name \"Speedmaster Professional\" is synonymous with the exploration of space and is best known as the first watch worn on the moon, giving them some pretty serious credentials. It is arguable that Omega would probably have stayed in business and been just as popular if the original moon watch was the only model they ever made for the line. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBut they didn't stop there, and we're glad they didn't. The years following the legendary Apollo mission saw the release of an expanded line of Speedmaster variants, known commonly as the \"Mark\" Series.  Some of these watches were real flops on the market, and others weren't. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRegardless of their initial popularity, all are interesting timepieces and have a collector following today.  Of these Mark Series Speedmasters, the one we get asked about most frequently is the first successor to the original Professional - the Mark II.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMark II Speedmasters were the first radical departure from the traditional Speedmaster case, and instead of an exposed lug design, the MK II was designed with a tonneau shape featuring hidden lugs.  This gives the Mark II a great profile and a distinctly '70s look that is quite popular with enthusiasts today. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Omega","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":31053642104919,"sku":null,"price":3000.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0809\/1255\/products\/OMEGA_SPEEDMASTER_MK_II_GOLD_PLATE_AS03425_6.jpg?v=1572642091","url":"https:\/\/www.analogshift.com\/products\/omega-speedmaster-mk-ii-as03425","provider":"Analog:Shift","version":"1.0","type":"link"}