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drh_
·A few months ago I finally had the chance to pick up a long-awaited piece: an Omega Speedmaster Moonphase, ref. 345.0809 (nicknamed the “Speedymoon”), dating to November 1986 according to the included Omega Extract from the Archives. My example features the “Small Moon” variant on the moonphase disc. The watch is 40 years old this year.
The Speedymoon was the first Speedmaster to feature a moonphase complication. Approximately 1300 pieces were produced between late 1985 and 1988/89. Sales at the time were reportedly poor, likely due in part to the price (around 40% higher than a standard Speedmaster). After this, Omega didn’t revisit the moonphase complication in the Speedmaster line for about a decade.
Within this reference, there are three known moon disc variants:
Big Moon
The most common version, featuring larger moons and a relatively clean, symmetrical layout of five 5-pointed stars per half. Roughly 1000 pieces are estimated.
Small Moon
Smaller moons with a looser, more asymmetrical star pattern (seven stars per half, with a mix of 4- and 6-pointed stars). Estimated production is unknown, a well-known collector recently posted it is around 50.
Smiley Moon
A very rare variant featuring a hand-painted smiling face in the moons. Only about 20–25 examples are believed to exist. It’s quite quirky, and even Omega provides little to no information on it.
You’ll find a range of blue tones across the different moon discs; mine sits somewhere in the middle of that spectrum. (image from omegaspeedymoon.com)
On the left the Small Moon, right the Big Moon.
Interestingly, I originally came across this Small Moon while pursuing a Smiley Moon. With helpful input from the community, that example turned out to be questionable, but that’s a story for another time.
The Small Moon disc was likely only produced for a short period in 1986–1987, after which Omega seems to have standardized the design back to the Big Moon. One possible explanation is that the smaller moon display is slightly less accurate visually. The moon isn’t “cut” as cleanly due to the extra surrounding space. That said, this is speculative, though it seems plausible.
In any case, the Small Moon is clearly the rarer variant. As a Speedmaster enthusiast, that’s part of the appeal. I also feel the smaller moons are better balanced relative to the rest of the dial. The star pattern (varying in size and shape, almost as if hand drawn) adds a lot of charm. Combined with the warm tritium and the bracelet, it all comes together nicely. For me, this is exactly the Speedymoon I was hoping to find.
The watch includes the correct pushers for adjusting the moonphase and date, and a caseback without the “First Watch Worn on the Moon” engraving.
At my request, it was delivered on a 1447 bracelet. This is a relatively rare bracelet produced roughly between 1985 and 1987, and it predates the more commonly known 1450 (which I already had). Speedymoons were delivered on both during most of the production period.
The 1447 features small, oval-shaped links and was Omega’s first bracelet with solid end links. It was also the first to have “Speedmaster” engraved on the clasp, a nice detail and a fun bit of history. The 1447 is actually my favourite Speedmaster bracelet, it just looks so refined and wears so light.
1450 bracelet vs. 1447 bracelet. Two rare 1980s bracelets.
Condition-wise, the watch is excellent and all details appear correct. I've got is complete with outer and inner boxes, the original manual, an unfilled warranty booklet, and an Extract from the Archives. So, close to full set.
Wearing and enjoying it a lot. Thanks for reading!
The Speedymoon was the first Speedmaster to feature a moonphase complication. Approximately 1300 pieces were produced between late 1985 and 1988/89. Sales at the time were reportedly poor, likely due in part to the price (around 40% higher than a standard Speedmaster). After this, Omega didn’t revisit the moonphase complication in the Speedmaster line for about a decade.
Within this reference, there are three known moon disc variants:
Big Moon
The most common version, featuring larger moons and a relatively clean, symmetrical layout of five 5-pointed stars per half. Roughly 1000 pieces are estimated.
Small Moon
Smaller moons with a looser, more asymmetrical star pattern (seven stars per half, with a mix of 4- and 6-pointed stars). Estimated production is unknown, a well-known collector recently posted it is around 50.
Smiley Moon
A very rare variant featuring a hand-painted smiling face in the moons. Only about 20–25 examples are believed to exist. It’s quite quirky, and even Omega provides little to no information on it.
You’ll find a range of blue tones across the different moon discs; mine sits somewhere in the middle of that spectrum. (image from omegaspeedymoon.com)
Interestingly, I originally came across this Small Moon while pursuing a Smiley Moon. With helpful input from the community, that example turned out to be questionable, but that’s a story for another time.
The Small Moon disc was likely only produced for a short period in 1986–1987, after which Omega seems to have standardized the design back to the Big Moon. One possible explanation is that the smaller moon display is slightly less accurate visually. The moon isn’t “cut” as cleanly due to the extra surrounding space. That said, this is speculative, though it seems plausible.
In any case, the Small Moon is clearly the rarer variant. As a Speedmaster enthusiast, that’s part of the appeal. I also feel the smaller moons are better balanced relative to the rest of the dial. The star pattern (varying in size and shape, almost as if hand drawn) adds a lot of charm. Combined with the warm tritium and the bracelet, it all comes together nicely. For me, this is exactly the Speedymoon I was hoping to find.
The watch includes the correct pushers for adjusting the moonphase and date, and a caseback without the “First Watch Worn on the Moon” engraving.
At my request, it was delivered on a 1447 bracelet. This is a relatively rare bracelet produced roughly between 1985 and 1987, and it predates the more commonly known 1450 (which I already had). Speedymoons were delivered on both during most of the production period.
The 1447 features small, oval-shaped links and was Omega’s first bracelet with solid end links. It was also the first to have “Speedmaster” engraved on the clasp, a nice detail and a fun bit of history. The 1447 is actually my favourite Speedmaster bracelet, it just looks so refined and wears so light.
1450 bracelet vs. 1447 bracelet. Two rare 1980s bracelets.
Condition-wise, the watch is excellent and all details appear correct. I've got is complete with outer and inner boxes, the original manual, an unfilled warranty booklet, and an Extract from the Archives. So, close to full set.
Wearing and enjoying it a lot. Thanks for reading!
