I think 6969 is the right number and people are being too myopic about the size of this LE and here is why:

1) It is enough pieces that a good amount of Speedy fans/space exploration fans will have a chance to own the watch.

2) It dissuades those looking to make a quick buck by buying an immediately reselling. This helps point 1. This watch in my opinion is a better long term value than many of the more limited supply LEs which I explain in my next point.

3) Scarcity is relative to supply and demand. A lot of people are being short sided by focusing only on the supply side. While 6969 is a lot for a LE this will attract the marginal buyer way more than a #SpeedyTuesday, Ultraman, Hoodinkee, etc edition. A 50th anniversary piece has staying power as it is the most significant anniversary until 100th. So when marginal collectors transition to enthusiasts over the next 50 years a 50th anniversary LE is a much more logical addition to a growing collection over something more obscure. Therefore I think this will be a much better long term value as the demand side will be larger and will continue to grow relative to the supply side and the supply/demand dynamics of other LEs.

Just my opinion though....

 

Oh good a fourth thread on this topic...

 

This is a subtopic on choosing the right number for an LE. I’m glad you are excited!

 

A watch like this, with the moon landing's significance and the traditional 50 yr anniversary aspect, will attract far more people than any #SpeedyTuesday, CK2998 or other non-significant anniversary of 35, 40 or 45 years watch made in 2,000 to 3,000 examples, and Omega will have no trouble selling out. I suspect they are all spoken for at this point. This is a biggie that goes beyond Speedmaster nuts who roam OF and other watch sites who obsess over the things like DON bezels, end links, bent hands and the like. So I agree that 6969 pieces is a pretty good number, and the fact that something less than 1000 pcs (<15%) are coming to the USA indicates that the demand is not centered in the USA. Call it a Goldilocks number: Not too big, not too small.....

A lot of people are carping on the price, but in the world of high end watches a significant event watch that is less than $10,000 is somewhat of an outlier and what could be considered a bargain. Omega had a big task for the 50th anniversary, I think they did well.

 

I do not doubt the watches will eventually sell out. But I doubt they will come close to holding their 'value' anytime in the near future.

It distills down to the fact that it is only a commemorative watch. There is little 'meat' behind what drives the price $5k USD above that of a 'regular' Speedmaster Pro. Of course only time will tell, but I know which side I am wagering on.

 

I agree. This is a significant anniversary and with the upgraded movement, use of gold and ceramic, updated bracelet and sapphire (which I personally prefer) I think the price is ok now.

The main bone of contention is the 9 o’clock subdial. Without that, I suspect this would have been a massive home run and getting one even with 7k about could have been harder.

As it stands, I’ve paid a deposit to guarantee the only one my ad shop will be getting. If only to have the option once tried on. The use of gold seems pretty subtle which is good in my book and I’m glad they’ve left it off the bracelet. It has the potential to be a very special piece in amongst the plethora of all steel speedies once the world has calmed down.

Whether that equates to value rising who knows. That’s not why I’m buying it and I suspect with 7k doing the rounds that will be an ask - but it’s nice to get the opportunity to get one after what I considered disasters with the speedy tuesdays when scalpers benefitted rather than true enthusiasts in some cases.

 

I think the 6969 number is a good run and suits the LE Speedmaster well.

 

The price differential of $4,400 actually does have some 'meat' behind the difference, but to many people these differences are not wanted or appreciated, hence of no value. I get that. But the 3861 movement, use of gold for bezel and dial, new bracelet, NAIAD lock back, detailed commemorative back and the overall packaging all cost money, whether one wants to pay for that is a personal decision. But this is getting away from the thread's subject of the right number of the edition.

 

There are at least 2 more watches missing from the shot

 

Love it!

 

Well then it’s just perverse..

 

I agree and I think the next iteration of non-limited Speedy Pro will jump up enough in price that this spread won’t seem so big.

 

I just spoke to my AD yesterday. They have 5 of us with deposits there and were told by Omega they will only be getting 4 pieces. I will be getting the first one since I put my deposit down first. I understand the US will be getting only around 500-700 pieces so those will probably sell out.

 

Only one way to settle who gets the fourth..

 

6969 pieces is fine, wouldn’t stop me from buying an amazing LE.

However, if I didn’t already have a watch with this dial, I would definitely get this Gemini IV before the 50th Anniv... Qty isn’t the issue, it’s the watch.

https://omegaforums.net/threads/omega-gemini-iv-box-papers-8750-obro.94790/

 

In my mind, these 3 are the nicest 3 LE’s made in the past 2 decades, and I wouldn’t replace any 1 of them with the 50th.

 

Don't let what size fool us? The size of Buzz Aldrin's behind?

 

At least it’s not his space junk...

 

This watch represents $66m USD in revenue for omega

Considering the FOIS is currently shipping in the 11,000-12,000 units region, at half the price for an “iconic” homage at nearly half the price of the 50th — these FOIS units have taken 7 years to shift to this volume. I don’t think it would be too hard to get a 50th speedmaster.

I think it’s very very expensive for the “general public”.

It’s going to take a while to shift these.

Wouldn’t be suprised to see these selling for -30% on the used market within a few years.

 

I've said it before but if 3500 was too many for the 60th LE then 6969 is too many for this which is nowhere near as attractive. Yes there will be space fans not just watch nerds looking at it but its too numerous, too expensive and just not as nice as it could have been.