Bonhams, New York, December 8 2015

Sold for: $20,000

Despite its fame both as a landmark driver?s chronograph and the watch now inextricably linked with space travel, Omega?s Speedmaster continues to offer an affordable entry into collecting. Steeped in history, available in a wide range of models and universally wearable, the Speedmaster could, in many ways, represent the perfect vintage wristwatch.
Save, perhaps, for the Michael Schumacher special editions with their bright red or yellow dials it is, however, relatively unusual for a really different looking Speedmaster to appear on the market ? which explains why this standout example was hammered down at Bonhams for a full four times its high pre-sale estimate. Manufactured in 1968, it was one of a small series of ?Racing? Speedmasters produced until the early 1970s which, some believe, were experimental models which found their way onto the market through a random selection of retailers. This particular example, featuring the later ?Professional? dial, was especially attractive with its unusual grey finish and orange, white and red detailing. Its excellent condition was also a bonus.
In summary: Interest and scholarship in the Speedmaster are rapidly gathering pace; truly rare examples such as this Bonhams offering probably still have a way to go.
Simon de Burton

 
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