I have been aware that some of Speedmaster 125s have engravings of an alphanumeric code on the back, but until I stumbled on this photo I wasn't aware that the 125 came with a card with a corresponding stamp:


Pics found on this old sales listing: http://www.matthewbaininc.com/watch-details/647

I'm surprised to see the word "Limited" on the card, as all of the early documentation and advertising I had previously seen had referred to the watch as "Commemorative".

Anyone have one of these? If so, what is printed on the back? I'd love to know if it says that this was a limited edition of 2,000 pieces, or if it doesn't give the number.

Also, that is one of the better-preserved crater boxes I've ever seen!

 

Cool! Perhaps you'll solve the alphanumeric mystery after all. It's interesting that 451 appears in a box that seems like it's meant to be filled out later, whereas the A seems to be printed on the card like the text Omega. Not all codes started with A though, right?

 

Correct. This thread https://omegaforums.net/threads/question-about-the-omega-speedmaster-125-watch.5478/ has pictures of other letters and references numbers starting with A-E, I, and K. I remember seeing H and J and maybe other letters too but I can't locate the images right now.

I think only Omega can explain the code. It makes 2,000 even more unlikely to me though.

 

Didn't we discuss it in a thread about 1040 and 1041mvts lately ?

 

It feels like you're closing in on this case and about to crack it, Andy! Good stuff!

 

The engravings yes, the stamped cards weren't mentioned though.
https://omegaforums.net/threads/176...-the-speedmaster-125-conspiracy-theory.38904/

 

You think there were more or less than 2000?

 

Much more than 2,000. Closer to 20,000.

 

So this would be another arguments towards the theory of a first limited edition of 2.000 pieces, engraved and with 35 million serial and then later batches with 36 and 38 million serial on which Omega never communicated.

 

Agreed. Considering what was happening to the Swiss industry around 1975 when those later batches were produced it would make sense that Omega kept making whatever was selling rather than limiting to 2,000.

 

I there a year in the inside of the caseback, I never opened mine. Are all ~20k with the 1041? Are they all Chronometer certified?

 

No year on the caseback, just from observing serial numbers and archive extracts. The 38 million serials are from 75 or later and have no engravings. Yes my belief is that Omega made around 20,000 chronometer grade cal. 1041 movements.