Omega Speedmaster Racing

Omega originally introduced the Speedmaster as a racing chronograph in 1957. It spent twelve years as a reliable timepiece for motorsport enthusiasts until 1969, when Bull Aldrin wore a Speedmaster on the Moon. From then on, it would be known as the "Moonwatch." Since it debuted at nearly the same time, the Speedmaster MK II and its racing dial have always remained in the shadow of watchmaking's crowning achievement. Racing models stand out with their improved readability thanks to the "racing" minute track, which Omega modeled after the checkered flag used at motor races.

Today, the Omega Speedmaster Racing is available in several sizes and with various dial colors. The smallest versions belong to the now-retired Reduced series and measure 39 mm in diameter. Omega also produced slightly larger 40-mm editions until 2017. The 42-mm models feature the classic Professional Moonwatch case. As of early 2021, Omega only offers Racing watches with a 44.25-mm case and a Co-Axial caliber with Master Chronometer certification from the Swiss Federal Institute of Metrology (METAS). METAS only grants this distinction to timepieces that are resistant to magnetic fields up to 15,000 gauss. Most Racing chronographs come in stainless steel and have a black, green, or white dial. The collection's top model is made of 18-karat Sedna gold and features a blue dial.

You'll find a wide variety of Racing watches with different calibers on the pre-owned market. Their movements range from the classic manual caliber 1861 and the 3220 with a chronograph module all the way to the modern Co-Axial Master Chronometer caliber 9900. Rare "neo-vintage" models are especially popular among collectors, with timepieces like the Speedmaster Racing Professional Tintin demanding five-figure prices.

Reasons to Buy an Omega Speedmaster Racing

• Sporty yet elegant chronographs
• Racing dials
• Newer models with Co-Axial Master Chronometer calibers
• Case sizes ranging from 39 to 44.25 mm
• Special-edition collector's models

Prices for Speedmaster Racing watches are as varied as the collection itself. They begin around 2,400 USD for a Reduced model with a blue or green dial. Professional editions cost just shy of 5,000 USD. A chronograph with a Co-Axial Master Chronometer caliber from the 9900 series will set you back between 7,200 and 21,000 USD. The Tintin with a Professional case is especially rare and demands anywhere from 10,000 to 15,500 USD.

Omega produced Speedmaster Racing Reduced models between 1996 and 2000. The first version was the ref. 3510.61 in honor of German Formula 1 driver Michael Schumacher. This timepiece has a red dial with a white minute track around its outer edge. Splashes of orange also appear on the chronograph seconds hand and the hands for the subdials at 6 and 9 o'clock. The small seconds hand at 3 o'clock is white.

The automatic caliber 1143 powers this timepiece. This movement is based on the ETA 2892-A2 and features an additional chronograph module from Dubois Dépraz. It also has a 42-hour power reserve. Omega pairs the watch with a stainless steel bracelet. Be prepared to spend around 3,300 USD for a mint-condition model or 2,200 USD for a used version.

The references 3510.12 and 3510.81 use the same technology but have a yellow and blue dial, respectively. Both feature red subdial hands at 6 and 9 o'clock. Prices depend on the watch's condition and fall between 2,300 and 3,100 USD. If you're looking for something with less bold colors, you may prefer the ref. 3518.50. This model combines a black dial with a red and orange minute track. The word "Racing" also appears inscribed above the subdial at 6 o'clock. Inside the case, you'll find the automatic caliber 3220 with a 40-hour power reserve. This movement is a modified version of the ETA 2890-A2 (no date) and, like the 1143, has a module from Dubois Dépraz. You can purchase a used watch on Chrono24 for roughly 4,200 USD.

Several years ago, Omega released 14 Speedmaster Racing models with 40-mm cases. They have since discontinued the series. These watches have a much more modern look than the Reduced editions. In addition to a slightly larger case, they boast sapphire crystal and the automatic Omega Co-Axial chronograph caliber 3330. This movement features a silicon balance spring and comes with chronometer certification from the Official Swiss Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC). It also comes with a date display at 6 o'clock and a 52-hour power reserve.

Like the other Racing models, there are plenty of colors to choose from. For example, you will find red, gray, black, white, silver, and blue dials with black, white, or silver "Clous de Paris" subdials. You also have to decide whether you want a stainless steel bracelet or a rubber strap. The ref. 326.30.40.50.01.002 is an especially classic version with a stainless steel bracelet. It has a black dial and silver subdials. This watch requires an investment of about 3,300 USD regardless of its condition.

Those looking for a sportier version of the Speedmaster Racing should enjoy the ref. 326.32.40.50.06.001. This watch pairs a gray dial with black subdials. Its chronograph seconds hand and subdial hands at 3, 6, and 9 o'clock are all bright yellow. You'll find other yellow elements on the minute track, tachymeter scale, and black rubber strap. The "Speedmaster" inscription also appears on the strap. Prices for a never-worn timepiece come in around 3,900 USD. At roughly 3,000 USD, pre-owned watches are significantly more affordable.

The dial of the ref. 326.30.40.50.04.001 features the same yellow accents but combines a white background with black subdials. It also replaces the rubber strap with a stainless steel bracelet. You can call this model your own for between 3,000 and 3,600 USD.

The Racing references 311.30.42.30.01.004 and 3506.61.00 have the same 42-mm Professional case as the Moonwatch. The former goes by the nickname "Tintin" – a reference to the beloved Belgian cartoon "The Adventures of Tintin." The watch's minute track has the same red and white checkered pattern as the rocket that Tintin takes to the Moon. Produced between 2013 and 2015, this model features the manual caliber 1861. This movement is based on the famous Lemania 1873. Like the Moonwatch, the Tintin features Hesalite crystal and is water-resistant to 50 m (5 bar, 164 ft). It also shares its five-piece link stainless steel bracelet with the standard-edition Speedmaster Professional. However, due to its limited production numbers, the ref. 311.30.42.30.01.004 demands prices upwards of 11,000 USD.

The 3506.61.00 is a Professional model from the Legend series. Introduced in 2005, it pays tribute to Formula 1 driver Michael Schumacher. This watch catches the eye with its bold red dial, three black subdials, and silver indices. Omega outfitted this model with the automatic caliber 3301, which is a modified Frédéric Piguet 1285. In addition to its time and chronograph displays, the movement has a date display at 6 o'clock. The final timepiece comes on the standard Moonwatch bracelet and demands about 4,200 USD new.

At Baselworld 2017, Omega launched an all-new Speedmaster Racing collection. These timepieces are larger and heavier and boast the latest caliber technology. Each measures 44.25 mm in diameter and features sapphire crystal on the front and back. Omega equips these models with calibers from the 9000 series, which are anti-magnetic to 15,000 gauss thanks to their silicon components. In terms of the dial color, you can choose from black, white, gray, or silver sunburst. The manufacturer also offers a Sedna gold edition with a blue sunburst dial. Every watch is water-resistant to 50 m (5 bar, 164 ft), and the different references are available on a leather strap or stainless steel bracelet.

current models only have two subdials. Omega achieves this by placing the chronograph minutes and seconds on the same subdial at 3 o'clock, thus improving overall readability.

One of the flashier versions is the ref. 329.32.44.51.01.001. This watch features numerous orange accents, including rectangular hour indices on the racing scale around the dial's outer edge. You can find other orange details on the hands, tachymeter scale, and leather strap. The final result is an especially sporty-looking timepiece.

Its caliber, the 9900, features a co-axial escapement and is a certified Master Chronometer. It also comes with a 60-hour power reserve. If you're interested in this model, be prepared to spend between 6,300 and 7,200 USD.

The Speedmaster Racing ref. 329.30.44.51.01.001 is slightly more reserved. It has a black dial and bezel with white accents. Omega mounts its case on a standard five-piece link Speedmaster stainless steel bracelet with mostly brushed finishes. Only its narrow middle links are polished. A never-worn timepiece will set you back roughly 7,400 USD. You can save approximately 1,200 USD by purchasing a used watch instead.

If you're on the market for an especially exclusive Speedmaster Racing model, the ref. 329.53.44.51.03.001 might be just what you're looking for. It combines a Sedna gold case with a dark blue dial, bezel, and leather strap. Its hands and indices are also rose gold. On Chrono24, this timepiece changes hands for around 21,000 USD in mint condition and 18,000 USD pre-owned. Omega lists the same watch for 26,900 USD.

The ref. 329.23.44.51.06.001 only features gold on its bezel, tachymeter scale, indices, and hands. Its case, on the other hand, is stainless steel. It is also the only version to have a gray dial, bezel, and strap. A new watch will set you back about 9,300 USD on Chrono24. You can purchase a used edition for around 7,400 USD. At 11,750 USD, its official list price is significantly higher.