Schumacher edition Omegas are as collectible as any other watch. Relative value depends on the model. Some were not limited, while others were limited edition runs of 11,000, 6000, 5000, and even 500. All limited edition watches are numbered.
There are other factors unique to the Schumacher Omega that add to its intrigue:
-Formula1 is the most popular worldwide sport next to soccer/football, thus increasing worldwide interest in this particular collectible. IOW, beyond WIS'ers, sports memorabilia collectors, Ferrari fans, persons with German national pride, etc. will seek these watches.
-Michael Schumacher is the most successful F1 driver in the history of the sport, holding seven world championship titles which is unlikely to ever be eclipsed. He also holds the most FIA records overall. Michael Jordon, Pele, Muhammad Ali, Babe Ruth, Wayne Gretzky: These names are synonymous with their sport, as is Schumacher's.
-MS is retired (twice). He is not likely to return to the sport again. During all his years as world champion he was an Omega ambassador (cheeky title, no?). Correspondingly, there will be more interest in the watches made during this period.
-Only two watch manufacturers produced MS edition watches. MS switched to Audemars Piguet in 2010 for his second career with Mercedes and these years were not record breaking. Pre-owned AP editions range from $44-125K as of today on the chrono24 market site. That's good company for the Omega editions, and offers collectors two tiers of exclusivity.
-Every year with Omega, a new MS version was produced. Within a year there may have been several dial options. This gives a range of choices for different tastes. It also creates the opportunity to collect every MS edition, and dial variant! I know WIS'ers with half a dozen and seeking more. Also the multi-year run (at least seven?) of this series increases overall population awareness. Omega did a lot of advertising with MS. If nobody is aware of an item, there is less interest and decreased value. Not a problem here.
Formula1. The Schumacher domination era ended several years ago. The most winningest F1 driver in history. He still holds the most records, had plenty of controversial behavior, is known to be intelligent, calculating, altruistic (donated millions to charity, natural disaster victims, etc), and loved what he did with a passion that was enjoyed by millions of fans. Omega named his watch series "The Legend" and aptly so.
In conclusion:
Lots of Schumacher Omegas? Yes! This adds to the general population awareness which will keep the interest alive.
Collectible? Yes! Some rarer than others.
Variety? Yes! Something for almost every taste.
Exclusivity? Yes! No longer made, limited numbers, you do the math.
I will try to post links to websites which review different MS editions. None are complete or current, which to me adds intrigue to this unique Omega edition.
I hope you enjoyed the read!
