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 without any visible imperfections ; the lume on the dial has aged to a lovely honey color and all intact. The hands are original but appear to have been repainted at some stage and are in excellent condition. The triutium lume has an even glow under UV light and fades quickly..  The crystal is in excelent condition without any chips.

The case is in excellent, unpolished condition with only some very light scratches (hardly visible).  Please refer to detailed macro photos which clearly show the overall condition. The caseback has the Hippocampus logo and again is free of visible scratches and tool marks.   The original integrated bracelet is also in very good condition with only a little stretch.  It can fit a wrist up to 8 inches.

This watch has been fully serviced by our watchmaker and worn parts have been replaced.  On the timegrapher the watch is running strongly and accurately for it's age.   The chronograph functions correctly and the crown operation is smooth. 

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).

IMPORTANT NOTES FOR BUYERS:
1. For shipping purpose: we will mark lower values at the Buyer’s request. We ship with discrete packaging.
2. We use DHL Express for international shipping. Shipping to most destinations is normally 2-3 days.
3. Preferred payment method is via bank transfer/wire.