Looks like another record setting price for Omega this weekend. http://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/2017/important-watches-ge1701/lot.136.html
I don't think that piece is associated with Japan (referring to your thread title). It's a vintage Racing piece. Beautiful piece. I believe the 2004 Racing Japan was inspired by it. Here's a Racing Japan for comparison:
I wonder if the interest in the 1969 Racing dial will have a knock on effect to the Japan Special, or even the MkII Racing?
I think it might have some effects. These are both beautiful pieces anyway. Or perhaps if there's a strong interest in having Speedmasters seen as 'racing chronographs', moving away for a while from 'classic Moonwatch black-dial look', even the new Co-Axial Racing (http://www.ablogtowatch.com/omega-speedmaster-racing-co-axial-master-chronometer-watches/) might be of interest to the 'new buyers'?
It will be interesting to see how Japan Special does at Phillips. I would not be surprised if it hits $20k - $25k
Noone ever got poorer for selling something for more that what they paid for it (...even if others maybe would have paid more later ;-)