Currently we have the standard 1861 movement, and the better finished 1863 movement in the sapphire sandwich model for which the upcharge is $1,000. Both of the 50th Anniversary models have the new 3861 movement with the upgraded finishing. The logical caliber number of this movement would have been 3863 because of the better finishing. That would leave me to believe that when they introduce the 3861 in the regular Speedmaster there will be no basic finished model like there is now. That gives Omega another avenue to raise the price. You will get a better finished and METAS qualified movement (co-axial, silicon hairspring, etc) and probably a new, better finished bracelet. I can see a $1000 or so charge for the better finishing and better bracelet, and at least a $1,000 upcharge for the new movement, I suspect you will see the plain Jane Speedmaster's price to land in the $7,000 to $7,500 range. When you consider that the 50th Anniversary model is $9,650 this makes sense. The upcharge for the Moonshine gold bezel and dial adds about $2,400, consistent of the upcharge that the 45th Anniversary model carried with the Sedna bezel. Just my cipherin' which may be completely wrong, but you will see a significant increase for the entry price of the basic model. I reckon Omega wants to go more upscale with this model, they are leaving too much money on the table by charging what they do for the current Speedmaster.
And did anybody ask about delivery of the 50th? Is it going to be over a fairly short period of time (July-Nov) or is it going to be one of those extended exercises we have seen before? I suspect they would like to deliver all this year, but are they lined up to do that?
