Omega

Recently arrived and with his permission using some of the sellers pics as my point and shoot (and photography skills!) aren't up to snuff. Not exactly a rare beast, but as I'm trying to amass a representative sample of Omega's 60s and 70s output I had to have a Cal 861 and one of the Speedie 'Marks'so why not go for the first and IMHO coolest?

Introduced in 1969, the Speedmaster II was I understand originally intended to replace the original but wiser heads in sales and marketing must have realised the value of an iconic model associated with man's greatest adventure to date, hence it was only in the line until 1972. I have read elsewhere that Omega even presented the Speedie II to NASA for testing as their offical flight approved watch but were basically told thanks but no thanks, which may also have contributed to the relatively short lifespan.

Design features intended to improve on the practicality of original Speedie Pro were; increased water resistance up to 120m from 60m, bringing the tachymetric scale 'inboard' sandwiched between two layers of flat anti reflective tempered mineral glass and of course marking the 'proper' transition from the Cal 321 to Cal 861.

Developed 22 years apart by the same genius, Albert Piguet of Lemania (who also oversaw the devlopment of the fabled Lemania 5100 by Raoul-Henri Erard), the 321 and 861 represent to me at least the twin pinnalces of Omega's chronograph movements. There are many threads extoling the virtues of both but I think it's interesting that the cal 861 was develpoped to take advantage of  the technology available at the time as did the 321 in it's day. The 861 used a flat balance and upped the frequency from 18,000 in the 321 to 21,600 to increase accruacy and reliability, the vertical column wheel controlling the chronograph functions was replaced by a flat cam making it easier (and cheaper) to produce and service and the steel chrono brake lever replaced by one made of Darlon - one of the first instances of using synthetic materials in a chronograph movement. A step down in horological quality it could be argued but the fact that it's remained in production pretty much unchanged since 1968 speaks for itself I think.

The barrel shaped case of the Speedie II was very much of it's time as was the use of grey and orange in the Racing dial. However, unlike a lot of late 60's and 70's desing I think it still manages to look contemporary rather than retro. The case finishing with sunburst bezel, polished bevel and horizontal sides is just lovely but v.expensive to refurbish, so when Jack agreed to sell me his Bienne serviced and restored model (he also sent me the original mint dial and all the parts replaced at service) I was chuffed to bits.

The original 1159 bracelet is extremely comfortable  and because of the five facets rather than 3 a lot better looking than the slightly later 1171 (which I've also found to be a bit of a hair puller).

Finances and natural inclinations mean I don't buy often, so acqiuring a watch as well sorted as this one that also ticks so many of my collectors boxes has made me  a very happy boy indeed.

Cheers

Ian

On an auction and ... Lost it for a higher bidder that later I realized that it was a fried (naturally he never sold it to me).

It's a wonderful piece with a lovely dial and hands combination and with a case to die for.

Congratulations for your new "toy" and for your very nice collection.

Cheers,

Nilo

When it first arrived I was almost reluctant to wear it as it's so pristine. I've managed to overcome that now but it has been reserved for special occasions (yeah right!)

Cheers

Ian

When you het one that is so precious and rare, I don't feel at easy wearing it.

I sold a JLC Memovox just because I couldn't wear it.

Take care of yours,

Nilo

...can't be duplicated unless you have the proper milling equipment to do the starburst finish right.

I've seen several examples of the work of a watchmaker here in the UK who has a lapping machine that can recreate the mix of sunburst, mirror polish, horizontal and vertical graining on may vintage watches of the period including a Speedie II. Several collectors on a watch forum I use have used him and are really astounded with the results. I can't vouch for him personally as a case refinisher but he did an excellent repair job on my Mariner 1.

Drop me  a PM if you'd like the watchmakers' details.

 

Cheers

 

Ian

many years ago i went through what you are going through now and ended up with just over 100 omegas including an original moonwatch, mk2, mk3, 1045, 125, teutonic 861 and also the seamaster versions of the 861, mk3 and most of the olympic models.
the whole thing snowballed until i had 300 of the damn things (watches) which in anyones book is far too many so i offloaded most of them and started again.
at the time i hadnt come across the purists so had no one to share them with apart from my wife who wasnt interested. if i'd been a purist then i know i would have kept most of them, especially the omegas as this forum is a great place to share what you own and get appreciation from fellow collectors.

you have a great collection there and i look forward to you giving reviews on all of them when you have the time.

by the way, if you have anything from 1964 and i dont already have it which is unlikely, be prepared for a private message and a good offer

best
Graham.

its one that always evaded me, the 1969 deville chrono with the date in the subsecond dial at 9 oclock. i cant remember the calibre, but it is certainly uncommon and unique and would sit well in any omega collection.
if i ever finish with the 1964 theme i will be after one.

i also forgot to say, welcome.
Graham.

Thanks Graham

Nothing in the collection from 1964 so you and your bank acount can rest easy! I think the De Ville chronograph you're referring to is the ref 145.0017 Calibre 930, a development of the Lemania 1872, which was also used in a different layout for the (in my view anyway) hideous and overvalued Bullhead. Top of my wants list at the moment is a blue dialled 176.0001 Cal 1040 Seamaster, and (although out of my self imposed timeframe) a nice steel cased T17 with an Art Deco style dial. However both will have to wait until the coffers are replenished after the purchase of the Speedie II.

 

Cheers

 

Ian

thats the one. rare beyond belief although i know where onr is for sale. funds prohibit though. us brits have a hard time dont we :)

the other 2 both nice but very different. i've had them and any T17 is too small to wear and the square 1040 seamaster is a big heavy beast. you have a flightmaster so should have no problem with it.

happy hunting
Graham