HODINKEE said:
1970 Omega Speedmaster Professional Prototype
I'm not going to dance around the elephant in the room with talk of the moon mission. This is a special watch. If you're not sure what I'm talking about, I'd suggest focusing a tad bit closer on the bezel and edge of this Speedmaster's dial. Unlike the bulk of examples that were manufactured around its time of production, this one's tachymeter has been printed on its dial so as to make way for a rotating bezel. This is a combination I've personally never seen, and am therefore delighted to learn of its existence.
If you pay attention to the vintage market, you'll know that wildly configured iconic watches of dubious authenticity and provenance are often sold as prototypes, with only the word of one supposed expert to support such a notion. That's why this watch is noteworthy – it's not just a prototype, but a confirmed prototype. Biel’s Omega Museum has corroborated its prototype status, even going as far as to inform prospective bidders that its movement numbers further confirm it to be a prototype. Above all, this highlights the power of diligent record-keeping, and the importance of the heritage-focused departments at our beloved brands.
The only detail I question is the reference number that the auction house believes it corresponds with. It's listed as a "Ref. 2413" as a result of a faint inscription on its caseback. Omega collectors will know that the Ref. 2413 is in fact a time-only watch powered by the ultra-thin Cal. 360. My guess is this number on the caseback is for internal records purposes in reference to the project.
Dr. Crott Auctioneers will offer this rare Speedmaster in a sale taking place on November 15th in Frankfurt. Its estimate has been set at €32,000 to €42,000. More details along with the rest of the catalogue can be found
here.
