Omega
Hot Chocolate — The Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch Chocolate
Omega
Hot Chocolate — The Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch Chocolate
Attention, therefore, seems to have turned to contemporary versions of the Speedmaster. But there, too, prices seem to be climbing higher every day, and at an exponential rate. Case in point: The Tintin ref. 311.30.42.30.01.004 (current prices at upwards of US$ 10,000), the Japan Racing Dial ref. 3570.40.00 (current prices at upwards of US$ 20,000) and etcetera, just to name a few.
Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch Chocolate References 311.30.42.30.13.001 & 311.32.42.30.13.001
Not too long ago, we discussed the Chocolate Speedmaster ref. ST 145.022-69 (current prices at upwards of US$ 25,000). But that, of course, is a very specific vintage piece that right now in the marketplace, demands quite the premium.
Fact is, finding vintage Speedmasters in good condition, is a challenge in itself. Add to that the task of finding one that has developed an even and pleasing patina, and now you’re better off spending your energy on something more worthwhile like — a more disciplined exercise regime.
Therein, the rarity of the Chocolate Speedmaster ref. ST 145.022-69 is that there is a very specific range of serial numbers within the reference number that develop this consistent tropical dial.
But here’s what’s cool: Omega’s gone ahead to produce a brown dial version of the present-day Speedmaster that emulates the look of its tropical dial former incarnations.
Produced from 2007 to 2013, the reference 311.30.42.30.13.001 (on a steel bracelet; current prices between US$ 5,500-6,500) and 311.32.42.30.13.001 (on a brown leather strap; current prices between US$ 5,000-6,000) were fitted with subtle brown dials. Until recently, the two references have mostly flown under the radar. The heightened interest can very well be attributed to the growing focus within collectors’ circles on Speedmasters with anything other than the ordinary black dials.
But hang on, why go through the trouble of decorating a workhorse chronograph movement? Well, because the Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch Chocolate is one of few references of the watch that has a see-through caseback.
However, here’s why maybe all of us — and anyone interested in a cool, unusual Speedmaster — should be on the lookout for one. In a recent conversation between Revolution’s founding editor, Wei Koh and founder of Fratello Watches, Robert-Jan Broer, when asked for a recommendation on a modern Speedmaster, Robert said, “I would just recommend to buy the modern Moonwatch, with Hesalite crystal. You can’t go wrong with that one and you will still cherish it when your collection grows. If it turns out you got infected by the Speedmaster virus, you will probably find yourself searching for a nice vintage Speedmaster or one of the limited editions to add later on. If you want to be a little bit different, I think that the modern but discontinued Speedmaster with brown dial (sapphire crystal and display back) could be an interesting purchase as well.”
So while, prices are still soft and few are looking out for them, you know the time is now or never, to bag one. That is, if you spot one.