And the most important question could be: which references are rarer than others (as this should logically impact on prices)?
Collectors will find many information in the MOONWATCH ONLY books, which contain and present all the data that we have observed, analysed, and verified with the collaboration of the OMEGA Museum and their archives.
We will not present all this information on our website.
The purpose of this short review is to summarize the main features of the production starting with the very first reference in 1957: this will help readers and Speedmasters fans to understand better the key numbers related to the Moonwatch story, and to focus on the models they will choose for their own collection.
Nevertheless we are able to estimate the volume of those fitted
with the caliber 321 at approximately 80’000 to 83’000 watches.
During our research, we have found data that allowed us to approximate fairly accurately the volume of calibers 321 produced at 127’500 (probably more if we take into account spare movements). About 114’600 of them match the Speedmaster era (starting from 1957).
It is far more difficult to estimate the number of Speedmasters fitted with the caliber 321 because some data are lacking. Nevertheless we have been able to estimate those volumes for each reference thanks to our research at the OMEGA archives.
The information presented hereafter do not represent definitive or official numbers, but probably corresponds to the most advanced and reliable information so far.
Sub-references
2915-1 to 2915-3
Production Period
Volume of production
Pics 1 & 2. 2915-1
Sub-references
2998-1 to 2998-6
2998-61 & 2998-62
Production Period
Volume of production
Pics 3 & 4. 2998-2
Sub-references
105.002-62
Production Period
Volume of production
Pics 5 & 6. 105.002-62
Sub-references
105.003-63 to 105.003-65
145.003
Production Period
Volume of production
Pics 7 & 8. 105.003-65
Sub-references
105.012-63 to 105.012-66
Production Period
Volume of production
Pics 9 & 10. 105.012-63
Sub-references
145.012-67 & 145.012-68
Production Period
Volume of production
Pics 11 & 12. 145.012-67
All of us know the numerous tables that have been published online during the last years… Some being serious but not updated, others being the superficial result of a copy & paste from unverified information. In some cases, tables refer to the movements production, and not to watches…
That is why readers have to be extremely cautious with such information.
The tables presented here – for the very first time – are based exclusively on the research that we have achieved for the MOONWATCH ONLY books. As stated in these books, we cannot claim that our results are all inclusive.
However, they represent the only verified source of information ever published, thanks to the analysis and controls that we have been able to conduct with the collaboration of the OMEGA archives.
The year of production stated in the tables is the date of the assembly or the dispatch of the watch, and not the introduction date of the model or that given in the case reference inside the caseback.
The following table shows – for the very first time – verified s/n blocks of OMEGA watches fitted with a 321 (not only Speedmasters). The red column on the right lists the Speedmasters references found in each block.
The following table shows the serial numbers ranges for the Speedmasters references fitted with the caliber 321.
The following table shows the serial numbers ranges for the Speedmasters references fitted with the caliber 861 or 1861.
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32 responses
This is it.Thank you.
Could I ask about mine Speed…
This is a calibro 861 number 27326894 (date 1968) with case back number 145012-67 SP is it possible ?
Thanks
The Speedmaster was not originally designed for space exploration. Instead, it was introduced in 1957 as a sport and racing chronograph following on from the early chronographs of the 19 and 19, including the Omega 28.9 chronograph , which was Omega’s first small wrist chronograph, complementing Omega’s position as the official timekeeper for the Olympic Games .
How rare and sort after is the 1116/575
Bracelet?
Thanks
Con
Quite rare.
Produced from 1968 to 1971/72.
Fitted with 105.012-66, 145.012, 145.022-68 to -71.
The Omega Speedmaster of a family member (bought 50 years ago) indicates on the case cover “105.012-66 CB” however the serial number is 26.552.xxx !!!! how is it possible that it is within the range of 145.012 ???
No idea.
The movement may have been changed during a service.
Query. Speedmaster professional moonwatch. Inner case back marked
St 145 022 78
Momenent numbered 28424349
On checking internet omega records it suggests watch movement is 1970 while case number suggests 1979
Is there a logical explaination for the difference…very many thanks
Alan smyth
Something has probably been replaced during a service (movement, caseback…).
We confirmed that this sn is not conform with a -78 model.
Mon 105.012 CB 66 24.959.0xx est équipé d’un cadran T Swiss Made T (T courts)
mais n’est pas marqué Professionnel…est possible ?
Non impossible, désolé.
Le cadran d’origine a dû être remplacé…
I have shared information from a database I compiled with maybe 50 examples of 2915 watches. The information was from owners and from past auctions that may still be viewed online. I see your table continues to deny what is painfully obvious about 2915 serial numbers: 16,648xxx serials are found in every iteration, -1, -2, -3. It is very clear that the iterations were not made one, then the next, then the or with movements with numbers that followed a strict sequence. I provided examples of at least 4, possibly 5 2915-1 watches with 16,648,xxx serials. Each can be verified from Sothebys, Christies, owners. In fact, the serials were often very close in number. In fact, of the 50 examples in my database, there was NO stronger correlation with any iteration or serial numbers than with the 2915-1 and 16,648,xxx serials. I know it doesn’t fit neatly into what you and many other collectors WANT for serial number sequences, but the data is clear. I believe there were other serial groups that could be found in all three iterations, as well. The likely conclusion is that production of all three iterations overlapped during the late 1950s. I can provide the data whenever you’d like to have it. You can verify it yourselves. I made note of which auctions or if the source was Antiquorum.
I’m looking for a 1971 birth watch. I see this is a transition period. Are these easy to come by and what would be the most plentiful reference? Regards.
Hi Andrew, you have the choice between a 145.022-69 (Pre-Moon, Straight Writing or Apollo XI), or a 145.022-71 (standard or Non NASA).
Hi I have an moon watch with 3162 and a 1969 case inside is this correct serial number for that year.
HI, I bought my moon watch in 1969, Ser No: 26545141 Watch Case No: ST14500112-67SP. Would I be correct in calling the year of manufacture as 1968?
Thank you
Correction to my previous post Watch Case No: ST1450012-67SP.
Thanks
Martin
Yes, it seems that your Speedmaster has been produced in 1968, and then sold in 1969.
Have a Ed White 105.003-65 with a 321 caliber movement with a 27,320,xxx serial #. Which is considered a very uncommon watch. Asked for a Abstract from Archives but Omega has some gaps in their records & unable to help. How may I go about getting this authenticated?
Hello, thanks for sharing.
I’m sorry but a 27.320.xxx serial does not correspond to a reference 105.003-65.
The movement may have been changed during a service.
That is why you won’t be able to have your watch confirmed and authenticated.
I have owned two 2915 Speedmaster with crescent moon hallmark on the underside of lug – what does the crescent moon hallmark represent? I have seen it on two other 2915 and a 1958 Seamaster as well. At least two 2915 with crescent moon I know of were delivered to different countries – which I think rules out a country import stamp. Any idea what the crescent moon stamp represents?
Many thanks
Hi John, thanks for sharing, very interesting.
Actually we do not have any info about this…
I have a 145.0022 has 861 movement caliber S/n 48239xxx.
Your table showed it is from a 3590.50 speedmaster. I did a check online and another table showed my serial number belonging to 145.0022.
I am not sure which is which. Able to assist me on this?
Hi, actually this is the same thing…
ST 145.0022 is the the MAPICS ref, and 3590.50 is the PIC ref. Between 1988 and 2007, the two different systems were used simultaneously.
You can read another article where we explain it more precisely:
https://www.watchbooksonly.com/articles/watch-reviews/steel-speedmasters-with-display-back/
Hello, I have a 2998-3 serial 1776****. It has a beautiful lolipop hand as well. It has the additional wording of “adjusted to two (2) positions where the serial number is. I have seen this on other 321’s albeit rarely. Can anyone tell me more about why some movements had this wording vs. most not having it?
Hello, I want to buy a Speedmaster with production year 1993. There is one available for sale with reference 3590.50.00, case back ST 145 022 and serial number 48286940.
Can you confirm that this is 1993? Online data bases show either 1992 and 1993. Any help is much appreciated.
Sorry, the only certain way to certify the year of production is to ask for an extract of archive from Omega.
Hello, I was wondering why is there a gap between two serial numbers and two references like between the 145.0022 (which ends with 48.232.XXX) and the 3590.50 (which start with 48.238.XXX)
The serial number concerns not only Speedmasters and 1861 calibers but ALL the Omega production (and other calibers).
Thank you, I read the book and it’s fascinating ! I saw a Speedmaster that I want to buy with serial 48.232.1XX but with the 861 in copper color, in the book you mention copper is 1987 and yellow is 1988 since I can’t have an Extract of Archive (it’s suspended by Omega), do you think it could still be 1988 ?
Thank you.
It should have been produced in 1987 but it is very hard to certify at 100%…
Hello Says,
I have an omega speedmaster
145022.68 with a serial number 273230xx with a cease back 145022.69, is that a correct case back? thank you