1974 Omega Speedmaster 125 Ref. 378.0801

Omega introduced the Speedmaster 125 in 1973 to celebrate their 125th anniversary, and the caliber 1041 chronometer certified automatic movement inside is unique to this model. OMEGA made the Speedmaster 125 for several years after the company’s 125th anniversary in 1973, with the latest being produced in 1978.  The Speedmaster 125 even made it to space on the wrist of Russian cosmonaut Vladimir Dzhanibekov during a 145 day mission in 1978.

The design quintessentially represents the aesthetic ethos of the 1970s, all rolled into one. This variation of the Speedmaster is large, bold, and heavy but constructed in a way that wears comfortably on the wrist, with its specially designed integrated bracelet.  The case is designed in a modular fashion, in which the outer and inner case are separated from one another, this was designed for easier servicing and extra protection.

The Ω logo is applied steel, as are the numerals in 125 and the letters in OMEGA. The letters and numerals are applied individually and not as a single, connected piece, which is highly unusual.

Premium Pricing: The US pricing for the caliber 861 Speedmaster Professional in 1973 was $225. The Speedmaster 125 was a whopping $425, a nearly 90% premium over the Moonwatch.  This was a top-of-the-line chronograph, priced as the latest and greatest in both design and technology. The marketing materials that supported the company’s 125th anniversary reflect this premium, luxury positioning.

This watch, while undeniably robust, was not intended to be the common working man’s everyday watch. Rather, it was intended to be a special watch worthy of a milestone anniversary for the wearer as well as the firm.

Movement: The Lemania-based caliber 1041 distinguishes itself as the first chronometer-certified automatic chronograph movement.

Bracelet:  It was specifically made for the Speedmaster 125, is fully integrated into the case, and is much more substantial than most OMEGA bracelets of the era. It is more on par with modern bracelets in terms of weight, fit, and finish.

Condition:

This Speedmaster 125 is in excellent overall condition. The dial is in clean condition without any visible imperfections; it has aged wonderfully with a beautiful rich patina on the lume.  The tone matches with that on the hands.  The mineral crystal is in pristine condition without any chips, which can often be seen on the edges.

The case is in excellent condition with no visible dings or scratches. The caseback has the Hippocampus logo and has some scratches from past case back opening.   The original integrated bracelet is also in excellent condition with no noticeable stretch which is not the case with many of the examples on the market.

It would appear that at some stage both the case and bracelet were lightly polished but without affecting the original surface finishes

Specifications:

§  Dimensions: 51mm height x 42mm width; 15mm thickness

§  Crystal: Mineral glass

§  Lume: Yes, tritium

§  Caliber: Omega, self-winding, caliber 1041

§  Bracelet/Strap: Omega stainless steel bracelet reference 1221/212

§  Lug Width: N/A (due to the special construction of the bracelet, conventional straps/bracelets will not fit on this model).