Omega Speedmaster: Which One Is Yours?
Omega has made the Speedmaster since 1957, and its value comes down to which family you have, which movement is inside, and how original it is. Early and pre-Moon watches use the column-wheel calibre 321; Omega replaced it with the calibre 861 in the late 1960s. The Professional Moonwatch, Reduced and Automatic Date, Speedmaster 38 and special editions are each valued differently. This guide helps you place yours.
Thinking of selling a Speedmaster?
Free, no obligation, returned at our cost if you decline.
- Read our Google reviews (opens Google)
- Free, no obligation
- A reply within one working day
- Paid the same day after inspection
Which family?
- Early and pre-Moon. Manual wind, before 1969: calibre 321.
- Professional Moonwatch. Manual wind, 42mm, "Professional" on the dial.
- Reduced and Automatic Date. About 39mm, automatic.
- Speedmaster 38. A modern 38mm model.
- Special editions. Different cases and limited runs.
The movement first
0 of 3 checked
1The calibre 321
The calibre 321 is a column-wheel chronograph used in early Speedmasters; the 861 replaced it at the end of the 1960s.
2A column wheel
A column wheel is visible once the case-back is open.
3For an older watch
For an older watch, the 321 is what collectors look for first, so the movement needs to be seen.
Want the movement checked? Send a photo of the case-back and, if open, the movement for a free, honest check.
Free, no obligation, returned at our cost if you decline.
Read the case-back
Photograph the case-back in daylight at an angle, not flat on: the engraving shows in the shadows. The reference and any "Flight-qualified by NASA" or seahorse engraving help place the watch.
What is my Speedmaster worth?
Whether a Speedmaster holds its value comes down to the family and reference, the movement (321, 861 or later), the originality of the dial, bezel and hands, the case condition, the bracelet, and the box and papers, judged against current demand and recent sales. We never publish figures.
Free, no obligation, and returned at our cost if you decline.
Read our Google reviews (opens Google)
- Family
- Movement
- Originality
- Case
- Bracelet
- Box and papers
How selling works
- 1
Send photographs
of the dial, the case-back at an angle, the movement if visible, the bracelet, and any box or papers.
- 2
Free value inspection
We reply within one working day with an estimate, subject to inspection. If our offer differs, you can decline and we return it at our cost.
- 3
Paid the same day after inspection
by bank transfer or in cash, in Mayfair, at our Braintree office, by post or by free collection.
Insured up to £10,000 per parcel when you send to us.
Questions people ask
Which Omega Speedmaster do I have?
Look at the size, the winding and the dial. Manual-wind watches made before 1969 are early or pre-Moon; "Professional" on a 42mm manual watch is the Moonwatch; about 39mm automatics are the Reduced or Automatic Date; the 38 is a modern model. Send photographs and we will place it.
What is the difference between calibre 321 and 861?
The 321 is a column-wheel chronograph used in early Speedmasters. Omega replaced it with the cam-operated 861 at the end of the 1960s. For an older watch, collectors look for the 321 first, so the movement needs to be seen.
Is my old Speedmaster worth more than a new one?
It depends on the family, movement, originality and condition. An original early Speedmaster with a 321 is valued differently from a later Moonwatch or a modern model. A free value inspection tells you where yours sits. Send a clear photograph and we will tell you honestly what we see.
How much is an Omega Speedmaster worth?
It depends on the family and reference, the movement, the originality of dial, bezel and hands, the condition, the bracelet and the papers, judged against current demand and recent sales. We do not publish prices. Send photographs for a free value inspection.
Should I service my Speedmaster before selling?
No. A service can replace original dials, hands or bezels. Tell us whether the chronograph works and send photographs, and we will tell you how its condition affects the value. A short message with two or three photographs is all it takes to start.
Where can I sell an Omega Speedmaster?
To a buyer who checks the movement, dial and case in person. We buy Omega directly: a free value inspection from photographs, then an appointment in Mayfair or at our Braintree office, post or free collection. You are paid the same day after inspection.
Related guides
Selling a Speedmaster?
Send a photograph of the dial and case-back for a free value inspection, with no obligation.
Free, no obligation, returned at our cost if you decline.
Thinking of selling? Find out how to sell your Omega with a free valuation from photographs.