Omega Speedmaster Apollo 11 50th Anniversary in Steel - Expectations

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I'm starting to think along those lines, too - then again it will be hard to top Snoopy 2! Maybe the unthinkable happens and I'll pass on ALL 50th editions...

If they bone it up next year with the Apollo 13, I will have no problem passing... of course, I'll probably have to put my deposit down first. [sigh]
 
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My fantasy concept based on rumors...


Love the bezel... I have the Apollo 11 45th Anniversary, and it's truly a stunner. It actually would have made a perfect 50th Anniversary watch come to think of it. So unique.
 
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R RF_ZH
Hi guys,

The watch will feature a full steel braclet and a case without any gold. Just the the numbers on the dial will be yellow gold, as well as the rings of the totalisators.

I had the watch on my wrist three weeks ago and it looks nice. However there is a strict NDA and that is the info also Omega ADs can reveal so far. (If u squeeze them enough). Pictures have been strictly forbidden during the event and that has been strictly enforced by Omega staff. ( You also had to hand in your mobile while having the watch on your wrist...

Iam in weekly contact with Omega as more and more is leaked (like the 6969 pieces), so probably pictures will be even released in the next few weeks. (Omega planned 15th of May in the presentation during „time to move“.

What do you mean by „the numbers will be yellow gold“? What numbers? You mean Index?
 
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One thing I do hope is that if they can't resist putting an image in the seconds subdial, they take a cue from the Ultraman and make it either really subtle in regular light (whether it responds to UV light I could go either way on)
 
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If it looks like Bradley’s first concept - I’m getting one. So cool.
 
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R RF_ZH
Hi guys,

The watch will feature a full steel braclet and a case without any gold. Just the the numbers on the dial will be yellow gold, as well as the rings of the totalisators.

I had the watch on my wrist three weeks ago and it looks nice. However there is a strict NDA and that is the info also Omega ADs can reveal so far. (If u squeeze them enough). Pictures have been strictly forbidden during the event and that has been strictly enforced by Omega staff. ( You also had to hand in your mobile while having the watch on your wrist...

Iam in weekly contact with Omega as more and more is leaked (like the 6969 pieces), so probably pictures will be even released in the next few weeks. (Omega planned 15th of May in the presentation during „time to move“.

What was the caseback?

Also, numbers on the dial? OB was saying it would be similar to the gold with the black onyx markers.
 
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One the bag will be the footprint of Amstrong "the first step on the moon"
 
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Has there been any rumors around an update to the Speedmaster Professional non-LE? Personally, I was really hoping to see the regular version updated with some throwbacks such as new 3861 movement, applied logo, DON, stepped dial and longer indicies. I think it's cool and all with a 50th anniversary tribute, but I really like the idea of taking the everyday Speedmaster Pro back to pre-moon style and/or transitional.
Edited:
 
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I just dont understand what justifies the asking price...? Gold medallion in the box?
 
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Has there been any rumors around an update to the Speedmaster Professional non-LE? Personally, I was really hoping to see the regular version updated with some throwbacks such as new 3861 movement, applied logo, DON, stepped dial and longer indicies. I think it's cool and all with a 50th anniversary tribute, but I really like the idea of taking the everyday Speedmaster Pro back to pre-moon style and/or transitional.

I've been wondering the same thing, especially since the Swatch Group annual report statement about equipping all future mechanical Swatch Group watches with antimagnetic balance springs:

https://www.swatchgroup.com/en/services/archive/2019/swatch-group-key-figures-2018

I've spent some significant time looking around for some information or speculation on this, but I haven't found any. I'm a little surprised. Maybe I'm just not searching for the right terms. If there is some, I'd appreciate a point in the right direction.

What are the chances we see an update to the normal Speedmaster Professional with another X861 movement (ie, just like the 3861 but without all the gold bling)? I assume it would be NASA-certified and everything, but basically an updated 1861/1863 with a silicone balance spring. And maybe an updated bracelet, hopefully with the mini end link and/or a quick-adjust clasp.
 
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Has there been any rumors around an update to the Speedmaster Professional non-LE? Personally, I was really hoping to see the regular version updated with some throwbacks such as new 3861 movement, applied logo, DON, stepped dial and longer indicies. I think it's cool and all with a 50th anniversary tribute, but I really like the idea of taking the everyday Speedmaster Pro back to pre-moon style and/or transitional.

I have heard there will be a new "standard" Speedy with the 3861 movement. I would assume that Omega will cease production of the 1861/1863 Speedies since it simplifies manufacturing but mainly because now that they are offering a 5 year warranty on ALL of their watches, it just makes sense they would go co-axial only with the Speedy Pro.
 
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I have heard there will be a new "standard" Speedy with the 3861 movement. I would assume that Omega will cease production of the 1861/1863 Speedies since it simplifies manufacturing but mainly because now that they are offering a 5 year warranty on ALL of their watches, it just makes sense they would go co-axial only with the Speedy Pro.
Likely this year? What would that mean for the current watches?
 
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M Matty1
Likely this year? What would that mean for the current watches?
Since the 3861 will certainly be much more expensive, the current 1861/1863 price will be driven up on the pre-owned market.
 
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I wouldn't pay more for a pre-owned Speedmaster with the older movement
 
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I think I would prefer the 3861 in a daily beater. Bye bye magnetism, hello never running slow ...
 
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A NASA-certified manual-wind Master Chronometer Speedmaster? Done.
Will the new movement be NASA certified?
 
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I wouldn't pay more for a pre-owned Speedmaster with the older movement
Think he was implying new one would be more, so increasing price of older version but not beyond newer model.
 
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M Matty1
Will the new movement be NASA certified?
I can only assume it will be. I can't fathom Omega would release a normal (ie, non-LE) Speedy that isn't certified. It seems like to much a part of the history and lore to forego.
 
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A NASA-certified manual-wind Master Chronometer Speedmaster? Done.

Indeed, the key question here is whether the 3861 will be NASA certified.

The Gold Apollo 11 50th Speedy LE does not state "FLIGHT QUALIFIED BY NASA FOR ALL SPACE MISSIONS", just "FIRST WATCH WORN ON THE MOON". Why would Omega get qualification for the 3861 for a 7K LE run on a pseudo two-tone Speedy and not for their flagship PM "moonshine gold"Apollo 11 50th LE?

IF the 3861 is certified in the future and IF (a massive galaxy sized IF) Omega manage to persuade somehow NASA to choose the 3861 Speedmaster on the upcoming Mars mission...well then I think the 3861 Speedy LEs will have significant demand. On the other hand, if the 3861 Speedy does not gain NASA certification, I think the 1861 watches will still retain value as the last Speedmaster range certified for Space/EVA.

To be honest, I really can't see a technical reason for NASA continuing to use mechanical hand-wound Speedmasters in space missions vs more modern technology in the 21st century. Why would a Government publicly funded agency bother to go through all the certification effort for clearly obsolete technology, even if Omega were to cover the cost for the 3861?