The OMEGA Speedmaster is one of the most well known watches in history, but its image is more than just the iconic “Moonwatch” or, in this internet age, its infinite specs and storied lunar legacy. The real story is in the numbers. Hard data on what collectors are actually buying, selling, and trading will tell the real tale. It’s the first true OMEGA Speedmaster review, looking behind the curtain to see the real market value based on the widest collection of Bob’s Watches actual sales data, with coverage of its fundamental history and the essential references that set the market today.
Key Takeaways:
- From Racetrack to Moon: The Speedy started as a racing chronograph way back in the 1950s. Its journey to becoming the popular “Moonwatch” didn’t begin until 1965, when it was the only watch deemed qualified for all manned space missions by NASA.
- A Universe of Models: “Speedmaster” is a massive collection. The most important families include the classic Moonwatch, the highly-traded “Reduced,” the tech-forward “Dark Side of the Moon,” the popular Speedmaster 38, and the coveted “Snoopy” and Heritage models.
- The Market Core is King: Our data demonstrates that the classic 42mm Moonwatch Professional line is the core of the market and our top-selling model overall.
- Unprecedented Value Growth: The Speedmaster market is experiencing significant appreciation. From our data, the average valuation of the Moonwatch line increased 67.1% over the last two years, with the Speedmaster ’57 line up 44%, and the Speedmaster 38 line increasing 32.5%.
- A Smart, Stable Asset: It doesn’t get much better than the Speedmaster when it comes to safe, liquid assets. It’s an enduring watch, backed by real history and massive demand. No short-term hype here.
This is the collector’s deep-dive, meant for both the experienced buyer on the hunt for a calibre 321 and the newer watch enthusiasts. And it’s all backed by real Speedmaster market data.
A Brief, Essential History: From Racetrack to Stars
1957: The Original Racing Chronograph
OMEGA released the Speedmaster in 1957. That was the very same year as two other very important models, the Seamaster 300 and the Railmaster. A trio that has since become known as the “OMEGA Trinity.” The Speedmaster, however, was not a tool designed for space travel or scientific discovery. Its intended user was the race car driver. A wristwatch to track split seconds on the race track. Precision, accuracy, and legibility were key.
The thing that sets the Speedmaster apart from other chronographs? The tachymeter scale, which is on the bezel instead of the dial. In fact, the Speedy was the first chronograph to adopt that design element, allowing the wearer to use their chronograph more easily and accurately. From day one, the tool-watch philosophy had been set.
The NASA “Torture Tests”
NASA started looking for a wristwatch that could be used in spaceflight in 1964. NASA’s process was both transparent and rigorous. NASA operations director Deke Slayton asked his team to anonymously purchase chronographs from around the world to submit for qualification.
Each watch went through 11 different trials to simulate the stresses and environment of spaceflight. These tests included extreme temperatures ranging from 200°F to 0°F, vacuum conditions, pure oxygen environments, high and low pressures, shock, acceleration, decompression, vibration, and acoustic noise. NASA’s final report stated that only the OMEGA Speedmaster had passed every test. It was qualified for use on all manned space missions on March 1, 1965.
The “Moonwatch”: A Legacy Forged in Space
NASA certification in hand, the Speedmaster started flying in space. Astronaut Ed White sported one on America’s first spacewalk on June 3, 1965. It was strapped to his spacesuit as he floated outside the Gemini 4 capsule, and it did exactly what it was supposed to in the vacuum of space.
But the real defining moment came about four years later. On July 20, 1969, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin were heading down to the lunar surface for the Apollo 11 mission. Along for the ride? The OMEGA Speedmaster. In fact, Aldrin’s was the first watch worn on the moon. This was not a publicity stunt or a sponsorship deal, either. It was the watch that NASA trusted to work when lives were on the line.
What is a Speedmaster? Anatomy of the Icon
“Speedmaster” is a large family of watches produced by OMEGA over almost seven decades. The family has one watch at its center defining its DNA: the classic Moonwatch Professional. To know this watch is to know what makes the Speedmaster line special.
The Core DNA of the Moonwatch Professional
- Case: The 42mm asymmetrical case with its unique “lyre lugs” wrap smoothly around the wrist. From the mid-1960s, OMEGA added crown and pusher guards to protect the controls from accidental actuation in space.
- Dial: The all black dial has one purpose and one purpose only: legibility. The three sub-dials, running seconds, elapsed minutes and elapsed hours, use high contrast white printing and luminous hands for readability in any condition. NASA didn’t approve this watch because it looked good. They approved it because astronauts could read it instantly and under stress.
- Movement: In zero gravity an automatic movement can’t wind itself, so manual winding has always been essential for space use. Movement evolution from the original Calibre 321 (moon-worn), to the Calibre 861, to the upgraded 1861 and, today, the Calibre 3861 Master Chronometer, with its anti-magnetic properties and METAS certification.
The Speedmaster Universe: A Guide to the Top References
The Speedmaster name is attached to dozens of different references. Some are valuable collector pieces; others are bought and sold on a regular basis. The trick is determining which Speedmasters are important. To find that out, we took a look at both Speedmaster history and recent sales activity. Here’s what we found important in the Speedmaster universe today.
The Cornerstone: The Moonwatch Professional
This is the modern-day, direct descendant of the watch that went to space. It is the anchor of the entire collection and, by a wide margin, the absolute highest-volume seller of all, according to our data. Serious collectors know why this reference exists and what it represents. Whether you opt for the Hesalite crystal version, like the original, or the sapphire crystal version with the display caseback, it’s the same basic watch that NASA qualified many decades ago.
Key Specs: 42mm case, hand-wind Calibre 3861 Master Chronometer movement, choice of Hesalite or sapphire crystal, water resistance to 50 meters.
The Collector’s Choice: “Snoopy” Special Editions
These watches commemorate the Silver Snoopy Award that NASA gave to OMEGA in 1970 for the Speedmaster’s critical role in bringing the Apollo 13 crew home safely. When an oxygen tank blew 200,000 miles from Earth, the crew’s electronic timers stopped working. The astronauts relied on their Speedmasters to time the 14-second burn that put Apollo back on course and saved their lives. OMEGA has issued a number of Snoopy editions over the years. They’re always highly sought-after among passionate collectors.
Key Specs: Our data shows the 50th Anniversary “Silver Snoopy Award” edition is one of the most valuable modern Speedmasters, with secondary market prices consistently exceeding retail by substantial margins.
The Modern Tech: “Dark Side of the Moon”
Launched in 2013, this watch takes the Speedy in a radically new direction. The entire case is made from a single block of black ceramic, giving it a monolithic feel that is unlike anything else in the range. The watch is the Speedmaster rebooted for collectors looking for the latest in materials and a polarizing, modern aesthetic. We see very active trading for the “Dark Side” and its variants, the “Grey Side of the Moon” and the “White Side of the Moon.
Key Specs: 44.25mm ceramic case, automatic Calibre 9900 chronograph movement with column wheel and co-axial escapement, ceramic dial.
The Critical Entry Point: The Speedmaster “Reduced”
The Speedmaster Reduced was discontinued a long time ago. Still, it remains one of the most sought-after models on the pre-owned market. It has the familiar Moonwatch styling in a 39mm case with an automatic movement. For collectors looking for the Speedmaster look but who prefer a smaller size or the convenience of automatic winding, this is often the solution.
Key Specs: Our research shows that the Speedmaster Reduced (Ref. 3510.50) is one of our most exchanged watches. It is a pure Speedmaster design at an affordable price, generally falling between $3,000 – $3,500, and is an excellent introduction to the collection.
The Popular Alternative: The Speedmaster 38
OMEGA released this line as a way to experience the Speedmaster in a smaller, more modern size and with the added convenience of an automatic movement. Offered in various dial colors and material combinations, the Speedmaster 38 differs from the Moonwatch by its oval sub-dials. We’ve found a high level of collector interest in this reference, with significant crossover to buyers who love the Speedmaster history, but are looking for a watch that feels different on the wrist.
Key Specs: 38mm case, automatic Calibre 3330 chronograph movement, oval sub-dial configuration, variety of dial and bezel options.
The Heritage Heroes: Speedmaster ’57 & Calibre 321
These references represent OMEGA’s commitment to its own history. The Speedmaster ’57 updates the original 1957 look, complete with the steel tachymeter bezel and straight lugs of the earliest models. The Calibre 321 reissue takes it a step further. OMEGA didn’t just revisit the look of the original moon watch. They went to great lengths to reverse-engineer and re-manufacture the actual Calibre 321 movement that powered the Apollo Moonflights. It’s not a tribute. It’s a replica constructed with original technical drawings.
Key Specs: Heritage-inspired designs with contemporary build quality, connoisseur-grade movements including the hand-assembled Calibre 321, premium pricing that reflects limited production and historical significance.
Why Do Collectors Love the Speedmaster?
Unmatched Versatility
The Speedmaster is known by watch collectors as a “strap monster”. On a steel bracelet, it’s a rugged tool watch ready for anything. On a leather strap, it transforms into more of a dress watch that pairs perfectly with a suit. Also, on a NATO strap, it’s the perfect weekend watch. This adaptability comes from the design’s balanced proportions and clean aesthetic. The watch doesn’t try to be everything at once, which paradoxically allows it to be worn in any situation.
Very few watches are this effortlessly versatile. A dedicated dive watch will always look like a dive watch. A dress watch will be ruined with hard wear. The Speedmaster has a special place in between. It’s at home in a black-tie dinner and on the hiking trail. Because of this, it’s one of the most common “one watch” choices for collectors only able to wear a single watch.
A Perfect, Timeless Design
The basic design of the Speedmaster has changed little since the 1950s. That’s not because OMEGA has somehow run out of ideas. It’s because there’s really no need to change it. The proportions, the dial layout, the shape of the case: these things worked well enough back then, and they still work now. Put a vintage Speedmaster alongside other watches from the 1950s and 1960s and most of them look old. The Speedmaster looks modern.
The reason for this is the tool-watch nature of the watch. It was never made to be fashionably late or fashionably early. It was made to be read instantly, and to work when you needed it to work. Those requirements created a design which is to a great extent timeless. The high contrast between the black dial and white markers; the rational layout of the sub-dials; the clean case lines: all these things were functional first and look good as a result.
The Story & Community
When you buy a Speedmaster, you don’t just get a watch. You own a piece of one of humanity’s greatest technological triumphs. When you wind the crown, you’re winding the same mechanism that powered the watches astronauts strapped on when electronic watches failed 200,000 miles from Earth. That isn’t marketing hype. It is recorded history. The watches that went to the moon were neither special editions nor prototypes. They were regular references available for sale.
This history has given birth to a worldwide community of like-minded watch enthusiasts. When #SpeedyTuesday began as a hashtag, it quickly turned into one of the most active luxury watch communities on social media. Enthusiasts post pictures of their watches, obsess over nuances between references, and celebrate new buys. The Speedmaster has become a common language for people who would otherwise never have met.
The TRUTH About the OMEGA Speedmaster (What Our Data Shows)
We’ve covered the Speedmaster universe, from its racing origins to its modern interpretations. Now, let’s distill that into the core market trends we see every day at Bob’s Watches. This is the Bob’s Watches perspective, based on three major takeaways from our sales data that reveal what’s actually happening in the Speedmaster market right now.
Takeaway 1: The Core is King (Massive Appreciation)
The bedrock of the entire market is the 42mm Moonwatch Professional. It is an icon whose value never depreciates, demand never dries up, and is one of the most liquid watches in the world. Collectors refer to this when they think “Speedmaster.” Our data shows this isn’t just sentimental value, but real market performance.
Our Data Shows:
- The Moonwatch was our top performer for holding value, with its average price up 67.1% over the last two years.
- Strong values across the range, with the heritage-inspired Speedmaster ’57 enjoying a rise of 44%.
- The best-performing Speedmaster model in terms of percentage was the Speedmaster 38, which is up 32.5%, showing demand for the original icon and its descendants.
Takeaway 2: The Entry Point is Critical
Next up is the Reduced, which continues to captivate collectors with its approachable case size and price point.
Our Data Shows:
- The Speedmaster Reduced has that iconic Moonwatch look in a 39mm automatic package.
- It’s still an accessible entry point to the collection, with prices typically ranging around $3,500.
- Trading volume stays consistently high, indicating strong ongoing demand despite no longer being in production.
Takeaway 3: The Story Sells (Special & Tech Models)
Our research shows that when collectors buy a watch from OMEGA, they buy into the story as much as the timepiece itself. Limited editions and special editions that relate to a key moment in Speedmaster history enjoy solid resale value. The same is true for technically advanced models that extend the collection into new territory. Both strategies appeal to collectors because they add depth to the ownership experience.
Our Data Shows:
- Special editions, such as the “Snoopy“, have also had strong aftermarket retention due to their relation to Apollo 13. Average secondary market prices are about $15,000; the 50th anniversary edition can command higher.
- High-tech watches such as the “Dark Side of the Moon” have also seen strong aftermarket activity and are currently trading in the $8,000-$11,000 range depending on the specific model.
OMEGA Speedmaster Price Tiers: A Market Breakdown
| Price Tier | Models | Secondary Market Price Range |
| Entry-Level | Speedmaster Date, Speedmaster Reduced | $2,800 – $3,500 |
| Mid-Range | Speedmaster 38, Various Limited Editions | $8,000 – $10,000 |
| Upper-Mid | Moonphase, Anniversary Editions | $7,000 – $10,000 |
| Top-Tier | “Side of the Moon” Series, “Snoopy” | $10,000 – $40,000+ |
Should You Buy an OMEGA Speedmaster?
If you’re a history enthusiast, an engineering fan, or you’re looking for that “one watch” that can truly do it all, the answer is yes. The real question is not whether or not you should buy a Speedmaster, but which Speedmaster fits your priorities and your wrist. There is a model for nearly every taste, from the strictly historically correct to the most modern materials and technology.
Which Speedmaster is Right for You?
- If you’re a purist: You want the Moonwatch Professional. It’s the manual-wind, 42mm icon that stays truest to the watch that went to the moon. Choose Hesalite for historical accuracy or sapphire if you prefer a display caseback.
- If you’re a daily driver (or have a smaller wrist): Our data proves you should seriously consider the Speedmaster Reduced or the Speedmaster 38. Both offer authentic Speedmaster design in more wearable sizes with automatic convenience.
- If you’re a modernist: The choice is the ceramic “Dark Side of the Moon.” It takes the Speedmaster concept and executes it with contemporary materials and bold styling that stands apart from the traditional models.
- If you’re a connoisseur: You are on the hunt for special editions like a “Snoopy” or heritage pieces like the ‘57 or Calibre 321. These watches provide a deeper connection to specific points in Speedmaster history and often have limited production runs.
The Enduring Legacy of the OMEGA Speedmaster
From the racetrack to the moon, the OMEGA Speedmaster has proven itself as one of the most significant watches ever created. It is a rare object that is at once a tool of substantial fortitude, a design icon and a piece of true human achievement. At Bob’s Watches, we like to think it’s one of the most important, most reliable and most rewarding watches you can own.
The Speedmaster is for anyone who values heritage and function, as well as a piece of authentic mechanical culture (and not just a status symbol). It should be on your wrist. Our data shows, quite simply, that its appeal is eternal. We’re proud at Bob’s Watches to be a trusted destination for buyers and sellers looking for that perfect OMEGA Speedmaster.
