Battle Of The Speedmasters: Ed White vs the all-new Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch "Sapphire"

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SpeedmasterCALIBRE 321CHRONOGRAPH 39.7 MM311.30.40.30.01.001​


Steel on steel
311.30.40.30.01.001
$14,100.00
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MOONWATCH PROFESSIONALCHRONOGRAPH 42 MM311.30.42.30.01.006​


Steel on steel
311.30.42.30.01.006
$6,350.00

Battle Of The Speedmasters: Ed White vs the all-new Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch "Sapphire"
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•Jan 19, 2021

Fratello

With the introduction of the new Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch, we received questions from our readers and viewers about the difference between the sapphire version and the Speedmaster Ed White. Is it worth the difference in price? The new Moonwatch with sapphire has a retail price of €7,100 and the Ed White retails for €14,000. What makes the difference? RJ explains in this Fratello video.

00:00 Introduction
00:20 Ed White versus Moonwatch Sapphire
00:40 One year difference in the introduction
01:38 The Most important difference
02:31 Caliber 3861 - in detail
03:35 Master Chronometer accuracy
04:15 Finishing of the Calibre 3861
05:02 Caliber 321 - in detail
05:30 Astronaut Gene Cernan's watch (Apollo 17)
06:08 Caliber 321 vs Caliber 3861
06:25 Accuracy of Caliber 321
06:43 History of the Caliber 321
06:51 Close-up of both movements
07:00 Why is there a big difference in price?
07:20 Close-up of both watch dials
08:52 Modern technology with the new Moonwatch
09:15 Limited production of the Ed White
09:42 Omega's bread and butter watch
10:00 Why RJ feels the Ed White is worth it
10:50 The new Moonwatch is a perfect daily watch


THE SPEEDMASTER MOONWATCH 321 STAINLESS STEEL​

The legendary OMEGA Speedmaster is one of the world’s most iconic timepieces, having played a role in all six lunar missions. Powering this stainless steel model is the famous Calibre 321, the driving force behind the chronograph’s extraordinary space history.

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"As a further tribute to Speedmaster history, the Calibre 321 in steel includes the classic ‘Dot over 90’ on the bezel"


MOVEMENT

OMEGACALIBRE321
The 321 is still highly sought-after by collectors around the world. As a tribute to its enduring popularity, OMEGA undertook extensive research and reconstruction in a dedicated workshop. Now, more than 50 years on from its last wave of production, the Calibre 321 has been reborn, in-line with its original specifications.
  • 55 HOURS POWER RESERVE
  • MANUAL-WINDING
Calibre 321

INSIDE THE WORKSHOP
Every Calibre 321 is created inside OMEGA’s Calibre 321 Workshop. This unique production space is dedicated entirely to the iconic movement, with all of the assembly steps being performed by the same watchmaker. The exacting process and attention to detail ensures that each new calibre is just as precise and legendary as the original.

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"Ask most watch fans to name a famous movement they’d like to own and you’re bound to hear them mention the OMEGA Calibre 321"

DESCRIPTION​

Having been a part of all six lunar missions, the legendary OMEGA Speedmaster is one of the world’s most iconic timepieces. This model has reprised the famous Calibre 321, which was an important part of the Speedmaster’s original space history.

The 39.70 mm case is in stainless steel and is inspired by the same 3rd generation style worn during America’s first spacewalk in 1965. There is also a bezel ring in polished black ceramic [ZrO2] with the tachymeter scale in white enamel.

The black step dial features familiar Moonwatch hands, a vintage OMEGA logo, as well as a small seconds sub-dial, 30-minute recorder and 12-hour recorder along with a central chronograph hand. Through the sapphire-crystal caseback, you can see the Calibre 321 inside.

PRODUCT SHEET (OPENS PDF-DOCUMENT)

FEATURES​

TECHNICAL DATA​

  • Between lugs: 19 mm
  • Bracelet: steel
  • Case: Steel
  • Case diameter: 39.7 mm
  • Dial color: Black
  • Crystal: Scratch‑resistant sapphire crystal with anti‑reflective treatment inside
  • Water resistance: 5 bar (50 metres / 167 feet)



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MOVEMENT CALIBRE OMEGA 1863​

Famous manual-winding chronograph movement. A descendent of the calibre that was worn on the Moon. Rhodium-plated finish.
  • 48 HOURS POWER RESERVE
  • MANUAL-WINDING
Calibre 1863

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DESCRIPTION​

The OMEGA Speedmaster is one of OMEGA’s most iconic timepieces. Having been a part of all six lunar missions, the legendary Speedmaster is an impressive representation of the brand’s adventurous pioneering spirit.

This OMEGA Speedmaster Professional “Moonwatch” features a black dial covered by a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal and graced by a small seconds sub-dial, 30-minute recorder and 12-hour recorder along with a central chronograph hand. The black bezel, with its tachymetric scale, is mounted on a 42 mm stainless steel case and presented on a matching bracelet.

At the heart of this chronograph is OMEGA’s mechanical calibre 1863, a descendent of the legendary manual-winding movement worn on the Moon, visible through the transparent caseback. This timepiece is offered with a special Moonwatch presentation box which contains a "NATO" strap, a strap for astronauts, a tool to change the bracelet and a book highlighting Speedmaster's adventures.

PRODUCT SHEET (OPENS PDF-DOCUMENT)

FEATURES​

TECHNICAL DATA​

  • Between lugs: 20 mm
  • Bracelet: steel
  • Case: Steel
  • Case diameter: 42 mm
  • Dial color: Black
  • Crystal: Domed, scratch‑resistant sapphire crystal with anti‑reflective treatment inside
  • Water resistance: 5 bar (50 metres / 167 feet)
 

Vintage Omega Speedmaster "Ed White" - Vintage of the Week Ep 31 | Bob's Watches​

Sep 23, 2022

Bob's Watches - Buy & Sell Rolex
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Join Director of Vintage Brandon Frazin for another episode of Vintage of the week, featuring the Omega Speedmaster 105.003-65 “Ed White.” Shop: www.bobswatches.com/rolex/

NAVIGATE THIS VIDEO

00:00 INTRO
00:28 Wrist Check
00:40 Vintage Omega Speedmaster “Ed White”
01:00 Omega Speedmaster History
01:31 Details
01:54 Movement
02:11 Condition
02:38 Patina
02:51 Bracelet
03:28 Outro


The Bob’s Watches series “Vintage of the Week” will showcase a different remarkable vintage watch from our inventory each week. Shop the collection now before the watches featured in these videos are gone. You can also check out the rest of our VOTW series here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLm...

You can find the Speedmaster mentioned in this video and many more in our catalog, where every watch is certified 100% Authentic by Watch CSA. Browse the collection: https://www.bobswatches.com/omega/spe...

And, as always, make sure to like this video and subscribe to the Bob’s Watches YouTube channel if you enjoyed this content.

OMEGA SPEEDMASTER – FIRST WATCH ON THE MOON

Omega introduced the Speedmaster in 1957 alongside the Railmaster and the Seamaster. This trio has significantly shaped the design ethos of the entire Omega catalog, and each model remains in production today.

The Speedmaster is widely recognized as one of the most iconic chronograph wristwatches of all time, largely due to its place in both horology and space exploration.

The Speedmaster also has roots deeply planted in the world of motorsport, not too unlike its famous rival, the Rolex Daytona, but with a different aesthetic.

This model was also one of the first watches to move the Tachymeter scale from the dial to an external bezel. This innovative design detail would later pave the way for many Swiss luxury chronograph watches as we know them today, including the Rolex Daytona.

As the story goes, a Speedmaster was present during the historic first lunar landing, officially becoming the first watch worn on the Moon. It has since picked up a few charming nicknames, such as the “Moon Watch.”

OMEGA SPEEDMASTER 105.003 “ED WHITE”

Reference 105.003 came to market in the mid-1960s and is more commonly known as the Ed White Omega because astronaut Edward White II wore one as he made history on June 3rd, 1965, as the first American to walk in space during the Gemini 4 mission.

Reference 105.003 is also highly regarded as the Speedmaster model to earn the distinction as a flight-qualified watch for all manned space missions by NASA.

OUR EXAMPLE OF THE OMEGA 105.003

The example Brandon has here was produced around 1967. It’s a particularly desirable edition for many reasons, the first being its status as a Moon Watch and as the watch worn by Ed White, and also because it boasts the older-style straight lugs, a smaller 39mm case, and no guards around the crown.

As you might recall, Omega switched to the 42mm asymmetrical case style with twisted lugs in 1969 alongside the Speedmaster Professional model, a design element that the brand continues to use today.
The Ed White Speedmaster also uses the coveted caliber 321 movement, the same caliber used in many of the most sought-after vintage Speedmaster watches. For many, this movement is a huge selling point.

THE CASE

Our example is in excellent honest condition with some typical signs of wear and age. We do see some light nicks and other scratches on the case. The case also notably features a double beveled edge on the case back and original hippocampus case back engraving.

Looking at the crystal, we can see the collection’s signature Omega logo in the center.

The case also boasts the famous “Dot Over 90” – aka DON bezel – that has since aged to a very nice dark grey color, adding even further to this watch’s stunning vintage aesthetic.

THE DIAL

Our example features a striking matte black step dial in excellent condition. It has an applied Omega logo at 12 o’clock, Tritium lume, and many very desirable signs of aging and patina.

More specifically, the Tritium on the hands is a different shade than the hour markers, and we see some cracks on the minute hand.

BRACELET

Accompanying the case is Omega’s classic flat link 1035 bracelet and clasp dated 2/68. The bracelet is still in great condition for a watch over 50 years old, and even the elastic in the links is still intact.

The Ed White Omega Speedmaster is truly an innovative chronograph, boasting ties in both the world of motorsport and space travel, and we were fortunate enough to examine it in person for you here today.
 
:wink: Thanks for posting this one, Mike.:hat:
 
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