Does anyone know (or have a well-formulated guess) how many Speedmaster models were produced in a year? Say, 1965-1966 era?

I was showing off my 105.012-65 last night, and mentioned mine was 801 units away from Neil Armstrong's serial number. Then I was asked how many they made, and I couldn't really give an educated guess (so I said 100,000).

Thanks in advance!

 

I hope you're not saying 100.000 Speedmaster units for a year, neither for the 60's.

 

Omega got 40800 cal 321 movements in total,
For the 861 the numbers are in 400000+
Remember that these numbers includes also other models using these calibers.

 

If the Omega books say the total c. 321 produced units were 40.800 that would make some 3400 a year but i'm sure that the units sold may differ from one year to another.
But if we stick to the 3400 units a year, that will include Seamasters as well. Now, i'd say the parity is like 1/3 Seamasters and 2/3 Speedmasters.

 

The 321 was used by Omega between 1946 and 1966/67 (they were sold until at least 1969). This leaves about 20 years of production.
The Speedmaster was only introduced in 1957, so about the first 10 years of 321 use was 100% for other references than the Speedy.
I have still not found confirmed production numbers of the various 321 Speedy references. I would LOVE to see it, but I think we will not be able to get even close in our estimations....

 

Yes indeed, considering the records from 1940 to 1960 in production. It may have sold yet after 1969 too as remaining stocks, still i suspect in the correct case refs. I only counted since 1957 when Speedmaster was introduced thus the error (but the Seamaster / Speedmaster parity i believe is correct anytime after '57 almost through end of 321 era, but Seamaster line diversified before Speedmaster).
BTW, did anyone see this: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Omega-Speedmaster-Pre-Moon-1960s-Watch-Cal-321-100-All-Original-Manual-Wind-/291085951482?ViewItem=&ssPageName=ADME:X:eRTM:US:1123&item=291085951482&nma=true&si=aTmMKsCUV1j9yTUgDyWDh4qpSLA%3D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557Purchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network

 

Omega is actually listing 1942 as the first year using the 27CHRO Lemania movements (later 321).
In a world of Speedy hype it is interesting to see that the 2 dial version (320) was produced in a much larger volume (at 66.800 units vs 40.800).

Until 1942 Omega would use either the robust and sturdy 33.3 (Lemania 15CH) or the 28.9 (Lemania 13CH). The Lemania 12CH aka 320/321 would gradually take over from this point it seems.

Maybe the new "Speedy bible" we are all wishing for will arrive soon may shed some more light on the production numbers of our beloved Speedies?
TIME will tell...

 

One thing is for sure, the subject is never obsolete... And maybe the (still confirmed) small number makes the famous c.321 even more wanted, in any form / collection.

Yet another strange thing is that with every search for the last few years, i remember i always got more results for Omega 321 then Omega 320.

 

Yes but the Omega 320 is not that anonymous. Sellers would sell their stuff either if attractive or not. Collectors would present their 320 on forums.
I don't think one would keep it aside just because it was eclipsed by the 321.
Could that be sign of units production difference between the two ? I mean i literally see a "new" 321 presented every week either in sales/auctions or in forums. (Of course, it's always in demand.)
+ the c. 321 in other then Speedmasters is more present then the c. 320.

I guess it must be a reason... but a bit of mystery would not hurt either.

 

Hi,

yes we did A LOT of painful research at the archives, different sources. I can say 2 things for the moment:

1. There were a lot more than 40.800 calibers 321 / 27 chro c12 produced
2. If the production volume of caliber 321 can be pretty well estimated, that of Speedmasters is less precise, by lack of informatio. Calibers were produced in batches of 100, 2000 or 4000, etc, but for the early years of the speedmaster (roughly until end 1964), data regarding the model are lacking. So, in a batch of 2000 cal.321, how to estimate the number of Speedmasters? Only estimations are possible. This range corresponds to the actual situation when Omega does not product an extract from the archives, because the information is lacking.

furthermore, the latest significative evolution of the 27 chro c12 T2 PC AM appeared indeed in 1946, but the internal notes call it 321 in 1949 only. Just a matter of name.

there were probably 18-20'000 omega with cal.321 produced between 65-66, probably at least 50% Speedmasters. Yes I know, it's a high number.

 

Wait, you mean Speedmasters aren't rare?!?!?!

 

The good ones, yes they are!!

 

You might not want to sell your book... for the sake of the Speedmaster supporters.

 

What matters is not the initial prod volume, but the current availability On the market. People love and keep their Speedmaster.

 

A surf of da 'Bay could refute that with all the Speedmaster listings. Just sayin'!

 

Go to chrono24 and compare the number of Speedies vs Daytonas for example