1977 Omega Speedmaster Mark III 176.002

The Omega Speedmaster has evolved over time beyond the Moonwatch which we all know and love, including this unusual Mark III, the first automatic Speedmaster model produced.

Following Omega's participation in the Apollo missions, the brand expanded the Speedmaster line with variants known commonly as the "Mark" Series - one of the most polarizing lines among today's Omega disciples. Though met with a varied reception from Speedmaster purists, the 'Marks' represent a fascinating off-shoot in design and functionality that has given rise to a cult collector following today. Of all Omega's Mark designs the Mark III is perhaps the most innovative--not just aesthetically, but technically as well.   Like its immediate predecessor, the Mark II, the Mark III was drenched in a decidedly '70s design language.  The chunky steel 'helmet' case and hidden-lugs are emblematic of the era and represent to some the beginning of the big watch phenomenon.

The Omega Speedmaster (Professional) Mark III reference 176.002 was introduced in 1971 and featured an automatic chronograph movement for the first time in a Speedmaster. Omega and Lemania jointly developed this movement (officially documented as the Omega caliber 1040a) also known as Lemania caliber 1341. The dial features a central 60 minutes counter, stopwatch counting a minute in 1/5ths of a second, a 12-hrs counter, a double counter (seconds counter and a 24-hrs dial) and a date.

The case is very similar to that of the famous Flightmaster and was offered first with a black dial and then with the metallic blue and silver dial. It belongs to that specific period in time (1970s) when funky large watch cases were considered modern. This is an amazing watch on the wrist that has a truly unique aesthetic.

Key Features:

Dial & Layout: Features a deep metallic blue base with a subtle sunray finish. The central layout displays a distinctive broad jet-shaped central chronograph minute hand (tipped in bright orange), a contrasting silver 12-hour subdial at 6 o'clock, a 24-hour day/night indicator at 9 o'clock, and a framed date window at 3 o'clock.

Case & Architecture: Housed in the towering, unibody stainless steel "Pilot" style case (often dubbed the "Volcano" case) measuring 41mm wide with a commanding 16mm depth, topped with an internal tachymeter bezel beneath the mineral crystal.

Movement: Powered by the legendary automatic Omega Caliber 1040 (based on the Lemania 1340)—Omega's first automatic chronograph movement, operating at 28,800 vph with integrated quickset date.

Condition:

This particular example in excellent condition for its age.  The dial and hands are flawless.  The massive case retains its factory brushing with no visible scratches or indentations. The case back engraving is strong. 

The movement has just been fully serviced by our in-house Watchmaker and is in excellent working order for its age. On the timegrapher it has an amplitude of 273 and losing just 3 seconds per day.

Specifications:

Reference: 176.002

Material: Stainless steel

Dimensions: 41mm diameter; 16.5mm thickness

Crystal: Mineral glass

Lume: Tritium

Caliber: Omega self-winding caliber 1040

Bracelet/Strap: Unworn, navy blue calf leather 'rally' strap. 

Lug Width: 22mm

Box/Papers: N/A