Omega Speedmaster price development

Oct 8, 2024by Stefan Sebök
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Investing in luxury watches is a topic that could hardly be more current. However, you should do your research beforehand and analyze the market in order to come out on top with such an investment. After all, the range of watches is huge and not all of them increase in value. In this article, we will focus specifically on the Omega Speedmaster and look in detail at the extent to which the coveted models from the Swiss watch manufacturer are suitable as an investment.

Speedmaster - Current Price

When it comes to investing in watches and assessing models in terms of their value, it is essential to look at the price from two perspectives. On the one hand, the list price is relevant. This indicates the prices that the manufacturers charge for the watches in the shop. On the other hand, you should keep an eye on the market price and see how much money a watch changes hands for on the secondary market. Because: Ultimately, it is the prices on the open market that give an idea of ​​whether a watch could experience an increase in value.

Watch models from the Omega Speedmaster collection vary considerably in price depending on the version and reference. The prices are based on the complications built into the watch and the material used. For example, models made of gold are more expensive than comparable watches made of stainless steel. For example, an Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch made of steel with a diameter of 42 mm currently costs around €7,400 from the manufacturer, while a '57 Chronograph costs €10,100.

On the secondary market, the models are generally worth more. Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch watches in excellent condition are traded here for significantly more than the list price. However, with a little luck, it is possible to get a model that is currently less trendy for slightly less than the list price.

Speedmaster - Performance in recent years

While numerous highly hyped luxury watches have been the losers on the market in recent years, several references from the Omega Speedmaster series have been able to shine with attractive value stability. Some watches in the series have experienced a slight increase in value, and some exceptions have even boasted a fairly hefty price increase. The best example is the classic Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch with manual winding, which attracted attention in 2021 with a 56% increase in value - after the discontinuation of production of this model was announced. A development that can be observed again and again: models often increase in value when it becomes clear that they will no longer be produced.

If you look a little further back in time, you can assess the increase in value of the Speedmaster Moonwatch from 2003 to today. On average, the Moonwatch models from back then have almost doubled in value over the past 20 years - a development that is impressive. Anyone who has invested wisely and now owns Moonwatch vintage watches can look forward to a successful business.

Speedmaster - Price development in the coming years

Every watch collector wants maximum security when investing and would love to know in advance how the market value of the investment objects will develop in the future. Unfortunately, there is no concrete answer to questions about future value development - and for good reason! It is simply impossible to predict with absolute certainty how the value of timepieces will develop in the coming years. After all, numerous factors, above all demand and availability, influence the market value of an Omega Speedmaster (Moonwatch). It is therefore not possible to reliably predict how much individual watches or entire collections will be worth in the future. In other words: Using luxury watches as an investment always involves a certain amount of risk.

Nevertheless, it is possible to roughly estimate the chances of a model increasing in value by taking a close look at current and past price developments. Collections that have been extremely popular for many years, for example, give good reason to hope that their market value will continue to rise. The coveted references from the Omega Speedmaster Professional (Moonwatch) product range fall into this category. In the past, the models have always been among the clear winners in terms of increasing in value. And since they are still in high demand, with demand in many cases far exceeding the manufacturer's supply, the high-quality items present themselves as an extremely attractive and promising investment.

resale value of the Omega Speedmaster

Numerous watch lovers confirm that anyone who owns an Omega Speedmaster (Moonwatch) generally does not have to worry about reselling it. Depending on the reference, such a watch will almost be snatched out of your hands if you decide to sell it. Similar to Rolex, Omega Speedmaster luxury watches also enjoy a reputation for great value stability, and can therefore be resold at an above-average profit more often than average. A reason to be happy for all those who were previously able to purchase such a model at the list price in the manufacturer's shop, which seems pleasingly low compared to today's market value.

Value development of used Omega watches

What about the market value of used Omega Speedmaster models? Various factors also play a role in this regard and determine how much a used model is worth today.

As with any used watch, the Moonwatch from Omega is also worth it: the better the condition, the higher the value. Watches - whether from Omega, Rolex or another luxury brand - can be resold particularly profitably if they are in perfect condition. If, on the other hand, they show (heavy) signs of wear, this can be expected to reduce the resale value, even for the most popular reference. On the other hand, the appropriate price increases if the watch is available in a "full set" with the original box and complete papers that provide complete evidence of the model's history. It is therefore advisable to keep these accessories safe, especially if a watch is intended as an investment.

Does this mean that you should not wear your Omega Speedmaster Professional so that you can resell it as easily as possible? Yes and no. As long as the watch is treated with care, there is nothing to be said against wearing it carefully on your wrist from time to time so that you can enjoy it. However, you should be aware that every time you wear it there is a risk that signs of wear will appear, which in turn can reduce the value of the Omega watch. From a purely investment perspective, it makes sense to take the Omega Speedmaster with you as much as possible. And you should definitely not forget to have it serviced regularly. This ensures that the timepiece remains in good condition for years and decades to come.

What are the reasons for the positive price development of Omega Speedmaster watches?

Now you may naturally ask yourself why Omega Speedmaster watches can record more positive price developments compared to some other models. Finally, we would like to discuss the main reasons for this:

History of Omega Watches

First and foremost, the Omega Speedmaster Professional Chronograph has a legendary history. After all, the Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch has been there "live" at numerous historic events. For example, it accompanied famous astronauts on their first spacewalk, on the first orbit of the moon on board Apollo 8, and on several moon landings - something that no other timepiece can claim.

It is precisely these great historical moments that have made the Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch a true icon. And even though the events took place decades ago, the fascination surrounding the space travel watch legend continues unabated to this day.

Iconic design of the Speedmaster

One of the secrets of this special chronograph's success is certainly its design, which could hardly be more timeless and versatile. The highly functional watch with its powerful movement looks sometimes thoroughly sporty, sometimes absolutely elegant and sometimes strikingly extravagant, depending on which strap it is combined with. It therefore appeals to many tastes and its appearance is independent of trends, which naturally change over time.

The Omega Speedmaster Professional has changed very little in appearance over the last 60 years and has therefore remained 100% true to its line. Despite this, it is by no means "dusty" but is still modern and anything but out of date. This is also an indication that the watch models will remain "up to date" in the future.

Successful marketing strategy

Appearances in popular films and at major sporting events, expressive online presences and creative commercials that are memorable: Omega's marketing is at an extremely high level and is undoubtedly bearing fruit.

And then there was the launch of the MoonSwatch, which brought a lot of new attention to the classic Moonwatch. Suddenly the classics aroused the interest of people who had previously paid little attention to the luxury timepiece segment - a real hype erupted.

The way in which Omega timepieces are presented to the public is in tune with the times and manages to appeal to new target groups while continuing to inspire "long-time fans". A balancing act in terms of marketing that is achieved to perfection here.

Conclusion

One thing is clear: for many lovers and collectors of timepieces, a chronograph from the Omega Speedmaster collection is a real gem that is hard to put a price on. With a strong design, an extremely reliable movement and an eventful history behind it, the Omega Speedmaster scores with a value stability that is otherwise more commonly associated with Rolex. Even if it is of course uncertain how the value of the watches will develop in the future, there is much to suggest that investors can look forward to substantial returns with such a model.

Über den Autor

Authors | Stefan Sebök

Authors | Stefan Sebök

During my school days, I worked in the warehouse of an auction house and that was when I first came into contact with exclusive, mechanical watches. The fascination was born from that moment on and has not left me to this day.
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