There are legendary models in the world of watches that have been at the heart of human achievements, both in real life and in the movies. We’re thinking, of course, of Omega’s classic collections – the Seamaster and Speedmaster.
– One of the icons of the watch world is the Speedmaster. It has a great history around it because it was the watch that astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin wore during the moon landing, says appraiser and watch specialist Tony Frank.
It’s not just the ‘moon watch’ that has gained a well-deserved reputation and become a status marker for many. Several of Omega’s Seamaster variants have become equally coveted, gracing the wrist of James Bond since the watch was introduced in the 1995 film Golden Eye.
Iconic Seamaster and Speedmaster watches
Some of the very first Speedmaster watches arrived in Sweden in the 1950s and the exclusive watches from Omega have long been sought after by collectors here. The two collections Speedmaster and Seamaster include several well-known models in different variations – from sporty everyday watches to more classic and simple suit watches. The elegant and stylish 60s model DeVille belongs to the Seamaster family, but is not the first one that comes to mind when talking about the collection.
What is the difference between an Omega Seamaster and an Omega Speedmaster?
– What sets the two collections apart is that the Seamaster is capable of professional diving thanks to its locked twist ring. This feature allows you to see when you’re running out of air in the dive tubes. In this way, a Speedmaster is a simpler everyday watch that can withstand drizzle, but is not something you should swim with. And the Speedmaster always has a chronograph function, which allows you to time yourself,” says Tony Frank.
How do the exclusive watches differ in design?
– The Seamast can vary greatly in appearance and has been updated in different variants. They range from the classic diver’s watch to more dressy and stylish versions. The new Seamaster models highlight the traditional “Bond watch”, with refreshed dials and renewed colors. It also has a ceramic bezel instead of an aluminum one, which makes it more resistant to shocks and scratches. The Speedmaster collection has basically looked the same since it arrived in 1957, but has had some updates to both the movement and the link – so it’s a little simpler in style and not as flashy.
How do I know which watch to buy?
– It depends a bit on your point of view and the function of the watch. Do you think it’s fun to just own and use a classic branded watch or are you going to keep it to sell it on? Either way, it’s always a good idea to go for bigger brands when buying vintage watches as it can often be easier to find accessories and spare parts.
What should you consider when buying vintage watches?
– Looking for watches that are as well preserved as possible in terms of original parts and condition as this is what determines their value. For example, many older Seamaster watches have been refurbished because they were used for diving and thus exposed to more wear and tear. Therefore, the watches you find today often have new spare parts, which is a shame. Some repaired watches may also have been over-polished and lost some of the charm of the original. As a collector, it makes you cry when you see that,” says Tony Frank.
How much does an older Omega watch cost?
– Prices vary greatly and you can get a nice watch for anything from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands of dollars at auction. An example of a really expensive and unusual Speedmaster model is one called 2915 – it only existed for a short period in the late 50s and has sold for several hundred thousand. The Seamaster collection is broader and there is a greater variation in price.
What does the watch say about a person?
– I think a watch can say a lot. Many people have a great interest in watches, both new and second-hand. But finding those watches that are rare and valuable requires some hunting and knowledge. So if someone has a watch that is more unique, it also means that they have had to get into the detective work and the story behind the watch a little more.
Text: Amanda Blennborn, freelance journalist
