This is an interesting Speedmaster for a few reasons, firstly its a large size, 44.25mm watch which is mostly associated with the automatic Cal 3313/3303 movements or the newer Cal 9300, but instead of those it is powered by the Cal 1866 manual wind professional moon phase movement. Secondly, rather than having the traditional moon phase pointer like past Speedmasters, it has a half moon shaped pointer and a more realistic, darker moon phase disk which looks rather elegant. The most visible point is the dial, which is a black star-field aventurine glass, very similar to the "stardust" dials featured on MegaQuartz models in the past, its a truly beautiful look and in a case this large is just simply stunning. The most interesting point though is that this watch doesn't seem to exist. After being launched at Baselworld 2010 and being spread around in press photos around the internet the watch doesn't seem to have a reference number attached to either versions (strap or bracelet) and while there are many photos of it around, I can't find any wrist shots of this phantom Speedmaster. What do you guys think, you like it? Ever seen one? Ever heard of it? The following pictures were taken by Kong from Purists:
I could stare at that dial all day! Where's Dennis when you need him, he loves shiny shit, he'll agree with me!
Yea but look at the blueness and the transparent floaty stuff and the glitter! Its like the subdials are floating in space! And the moonphase disk is like mother of pearl
Like that dial, really like that moonphase - don't like the 44.5 mm size. No joy for me at that diameter.
It'd be thin although 44mm, probably wouldn't wear bigger than your Breitling chrono-bling-cock-thrust
To answer your question: Yes, I've seen it and tried it. It was during BaselWorld, I think in both 2011 and 2012. Omega told me it will be in stores in November, but already heard rumors that it was on display in one of the Omega boutiques in London. Anyway, can't confirm that. A beautiful watch, but quite expensive as well. I read from my BaselWorld notes that it will be around 8K Euro. About twice as expensive as the regular Speedmaster Professional Moonphase with caliber 1866. Anyway, we (blog team) took some pictures when we had our private viewing in the Omega booth and here they are:
That is such a stunningly beautiful dial with the black/blue starfield effect... I seriously wouldn't pay 8K euro, but on the used market, absolutely. Thanks for the pics RJ!
Interesting picture, a guy on TZ bought the LE in the foreground and didn't even seem to notice the watch hiding in the background, this is the Bellagio boutique...
One of our members bought one recently, the dial is a bit... much for me personally, but they do seem to be selling.
I understand when someone buys this as a safe queen or for collector's sake, but not for wearing. Really. Too much like you wrote and it seems very difficult for me to read the time / dial anyway. Here is a picture of that LE we took during BaselWorld:
The biggest problem is the minute subdial, there's no point in having a chrono second hand with marked indices when the minute subdial only gives you to the nearest 5 minutes.
Today for their Speedy Tuesday post, Fratellowatches did an article on the Aventurine Speedmaster beginning to float through the supply chain and into boutiques, perhaps the unique dial held up production for a little while. Speedy Tuesday – Speedmaster Professional Moonphase Aventurine I'm very keen to see the first one of these on someone's wrist, so if anyone out there does spend the 8,600 Euro on one of these Phantom Speedmasters, I can't wait to see your photos!
Over on WUS they think it is a used quartz? http://forums.watchuseek.com/showthread.php?t=771156 Is this the same watch?