When I started watch collecting, I didn't think much of the Moon Watch; it's OK, I thought, I can see why people like it but it did nothing for me. Then I started obsessing a bit after seeing a couple up close, and am now on the continual (and futile it seems) hunt to pick pre-moon Speedies up for less than an arm & a leg.

Which got me interested in Speedmaster Mark IIs - 145.014, which I was also a bit nonplussed about originally. Same movement as the 861 Speedy Pros, in a less elegant, maybe, but still quite attractive case, once you get in the groove. They have a chunky 1970s look about them and the 1162 bracelet is great - it too has a lovely heft.

Due to apparent lack of love for SMIIs, I can't seem to find much in the way of reference material about them - short of the odd article (like on Fratello); I'd like to know if it's possible to date them based on serial numbers, or if there were any production differences in the 5 or 6 years they were made.

Does anyone else with a soft spot for these watches have any reference resources they could point the rest of us to?

 

I have one also and my wife often comments on how chunky it is. I call it the chunky monkey. I have a display back on both my Mark II and my 67 Speedy.

 

Love my Speedy Mk II! While it's true that the design does appear chunkier, the actual measured thickness is only 0.8mm more than the Original Speedy, and still thinner than virtually all of the 7750 based watches.

I recently changed mine over to a strap from the bracelet, really changing the overall look of the watch. While there's alot to be said for the integrated look of the original tapered bracelet, the strap adds a bit of personality.






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Back to the original question, you can get a bit more info on the Mark II on the chronomaddox.com website.

I'd also speculate that you could date to watch using the 861 movement serial number using the charts published for the original Speedmaster since they used the same movement.


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If you're thinking of buying one, then buy it now - these are seeing prices going up all the time, just like all the vintage versions of it's older brother.

There's the 145.034 in stainless steel as well as a gold version and also a racing dial. I picked up my 145.034 for just £800 a few years ago - I see them going at over £2000 all the time now, probably due to the re-edition.

They're a great watch to wear, hefty but something you immediately get used to. As for information on there, there are plenty of articles on the watch - fratello's you've already mentioned (many pieces), a blog to watch - http://www.watchtime.com/blog/reviewing-the-new-and-vintage-omega-speedmaster-mark-ii/ or much more. Is there something particular you want to know?

 

Lots of love for mark II speedy. You'll see.




I blame it on the autoconnect.

 

Where did you get bracelet?

 

Hi

Great watches....especially the ' Racing ' dial version:



Best - Neil

 

Thanks for the responses - nice bezel on your SMII Racing, Neil!

I may try to pull together what's out there on the SMII and put up a reference thread, as they're becoming quite collectable now.

I actually have 2x SMIIs at the moment - the one at the top was a bit of a find; as far as I can tell it's original though the case has probably been refinished. The first one I got was a fixed up watch with a service racing dial & hands, that I've since had the case relapped as it was annoying me and since the originality of the watch had gone anyway ...

I've tried a few strap variations too - not sure it suits the Kizzi short NASA strap (and it's really tight around the spring bars too):


and here's before the case refinish (a storm grey with orange stitching Toshi strap that I like a lot):


... and here it is, post refinishing (at STS, cost was about £250 iirc), and back on its bracelet:

 

Really nice refinishing job ewand. I definitely agree that this case style tends to pick up dings and scratches over time, and a relapping to bring out the sunburst is a worthwhile investment.

I'd certainly be interested in any documentation you can pull together on the Mark II. It's a gem somewhat flying under the radar with the current Speedy Pro frenzy.


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There is also the ref. 145.034 version

 

Does anyone happen to know the difference between the 145.014 abd 145.034 versions in steel? I had previously thought the 145.034 was the gold version.


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Just in case you missed this http://chronomaddox.com/omega/articles/mark_series/MarkSeries.html

Althought not a completely original specimen, I do enjoy mine ...

 

It's just plated shark mesh from eBay, nothing fancy but looks good on Cushion case.


I blame it on the autoconnect.

 

That makes me much more comfortable about allowing them to refinish mine ... I'm actually scared as to how much "meat" they might have to take off and I really don't want it to end up like some I've seen (must make this clear, from OTHER refinshers, NOT from STS).

 

I have a soft spot for the Mark II. Hopefully, I'll be able to add one my collection one day. Thank you to everyone for sharing their wonderful pictures.

 

Just scored this today...

 

Felt left out so ... I think a lot of watch for money just over a 1 k , the new ones are way more and less patina