Is this the site's first model review? Taken from my blog at Time Keeps on Ticking

The Omega Speedmaster Professional is one of the most iconic chronographs in the world, with a pedigree few can match. It is also one of the few watches that stay close to its original design: the fact that a basic design can be essentially kept the same, bar the odd change here and there, is testament to the quality of the original idea. Unfortunately, Omega knows just how important the Speedmaster is to their range, and has found an excuse every year for a new special edition, often at highly inflated prices.

Given the importance of the Speedmaster to the Apollo space programme, the 40th Anniversary of the Apollo XI landing is somewhat special, and I would argue more relevant than the most recent Limited Edition commemorating the Apollo-Soyuz linkup. In terms of price, Omega is charging close to a 50% premium over the standard model, and has limited the run to 7969 pieces.

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Technical Specifications

*Model Ref: 311.30.42.30.01.002
*Stainless Steel case (also available in a Platinum model, limited to 69 pieces worldwide)
*Tachymetre scale bezel
*Case Diameter: 42mm
*Black chronograph dial, with silver Eagle patch on 9 o'clock seconds subdial, 2:56 GMT marked underneath standard text at 12 o'clock, Superluminova luminous index marks
*Non screw-down crown and pushers
*Hesalite crystal
*Chronograph function, non-date
*Speedmaster bracelet with polished highlights

The Movement

*Cal. 1861 (based on the Lemania 1873)
*21.6k BPH
*48 hour power reserve
*Manual wind
*Non-chronometer rated

The Aesthetics

You can't get much more of a classic chronograph than the Speedmaster Pro - clear, simple dial, matte finish, and completely lacking any delusions of grandeur. It's a humble watch, designed to be used, and that's always something that attracts me to the Speedmaster. The silver patch at 9 o'clock helps to distinguish it from the regular model, and the red writing is always a nice touch. The caseback is also changed from the usual Speedmaster, again featuring the Eagle motif. At 42mm, it has a good wrist presence, and the manual movement allows it to sit low on the wrist, always a plus. There's nothing radical in the design here, only the details show it is something different from the standard watch. The crystal stands quite proud, more so than a lot of sapphire crystal models, but that's to be expected - the 'warmth' of an acrylic crystal is often vaunted, and I can see that too. Gives it a very vintage feel to it. The bracelet is the standard Speedmaster bracelet: mainly brushed with polished highlights either side of the centre links. It's a handsome bracelet, looks unique, but the wide clasp is a well-known scratch magnet, as is the crystal. Saying that, though, crystal scratches are easily remedied with a bit of Polywatch and elbow grease
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The Feel

The Speedmaster Pro is typical of modern Omega watches - a nice weight, beautifully engineered, oozing quality and refinement from every nook and cranny. On the wrist, it is comfortable and unassuming, benefitting from its low stance. The one thing that has probably changed the most over the years is the bracelet, and the one on the Speedmaster is a thoroughly modern affair - solid links throughout, double push button deployant clasp, and satisfyingly rattle free. By comparison, 40mm chronographs seem a little small and clunky by comparison - there's a real purity of design in the Speedmaster Pro, it harks back to the simplicity of older watches. It might lack the complete refinement of the Daytona, but at half the price, it certainly isn't half the watch
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Practicality

With the vintage look and feel also come the vintage drawbacks: the lack of a screwdown crown limits the water resistance to 50m, and the acrylic crystal can mark easily. Some might complain about the lack of an automatic movement too, although for me, it gives the watch a little bit more soul. Can this be worn every day? Yes, but expect it to pick up dings here and there - it's nothing that can't be sorted with a little home maintenance, but it won't be a case of wear and forget like most modern automatic watches. Saying that, let's not forget why it built its reputation in the first place - if it can survive the hostile environment of outer space, it can handle anything Earth throws at it.

Value for money?

My review so far has been mainly focusing on the virtues of the Speedmaster Professional in general: I think it is apt to mention the aspects that make the Limited Edition stand out a bit more. What, exactly, do you get for your extra investment? Not a lot really: Omega are keen to push the idea that the watch is limited, but 7969 watches is a hell of a lot - I can't imagine them selling much more than that of the regular model. You get a few extra visual cues on the watch itself, which makes it stand out a little more, but for £1000 more, it seems like a lot for a different caseback, subdial and dial text. You also get a different presentation box, nothing spectacular, a silver medallion with the eagle motif again, and a commemorative certificate as well. The only differences are very superficial, and I think only serious collectors wanting to have the full set of Speedmaster L.Es would buy this one.

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Conclusion

No one can deny that this is a good looking watch, but the price is seriously offputting for me. I don't think the added value for money over the standard model is there, and it's not really limited enough - perhaps a numbered edition would be a more accurate description. My advice? Get the standard model, you'll still get the full Speedmaster experience, and you'll have plenty more change in your pocket

All the best

The GMT Master​

 

Great review, and pics, thanks!

 

They're really not easy to sell. I took these photos last Christmas, and the watch had already been in stock for a couple of months. We took delivery of two, and neither have sold yet. Needless to say, we didn't bother getting an Apollo-Soyuz LE last year, the RRP was £5000, which is getting a bit ridiculous to be honest!

 

Great review Chris,thanks for taking the time and sharing.

 

No problem, glad you enjoyed it!

 

Love this profile pic

 

Great Reveiw. I bought the 40th anniversary edition, although it was a lot more expensive than the standard moonwatch it just looks so special, Worth every penny !.

 

We still have the watch in stock, so if I remember my camera, I'll take some pictures

 

It certainly has the silver medallion, and, if I remember correctly, a leather interior too. Been a while since I last took a look at the box, though

 

Hi dsio,
I've taken a few pics of my watch in its box, not as expertly taken as GMT masters but i hope you like them all the same.
View attachment 225
This is twice the size as your normal white cardboard outer box.
The top slides off. Inside is a beautiful black wooden box,

Lovely leather inlay containing the watch, instruction manual, warranty cards and the solid silver coin.
Both sides of the coin very beautifully detailed,
Adding the coin makes this edition more desirable in my eyes, something that most limited editions dont have. I can only think of the 50th anniversary broard arrow has a tool box added to its limited number.
There is also a cleaning cloth in a small card envolope. I also went out and bought the Apollo 11 patch which i think completes the collection !.
Hope you enjoyed my first atempt at posting a review.

 

Thanks Trev and dsio, Sorry for the duplicate pics, but well worth a second look
In answer to your question dsio i do like the Apollo-Soyuz edition but as GMT master said a little to expensive.

 

The newest Planet Oceans are also selling dreadfully,a dealer i peruse just gave up and started carrying Zenith watches,he also sells Rolex and
claims it's like having a money printing press.says he sells 3-5 per day!