There are many watch enthusiasts who would love to make some money from buying and selling watches. The number one brand to make money with is without a doubt Rolex, but prices are also rising for watches from Audemars Piguet, Patek Philippe, and Omega. In this article, we’re focusing on five Omega watches that could potentially make good long-term investments. As with most watches, you can’t expect to make a lot of money quickly; it takes time and patience before a watch potentially increases significantly in value. Therefore, it’s extremely important to buy what you love, so you can at least wear your watches and enjoy them in the meantime.
The most popular Omega models are the Speedmaster and Seamaster. With legacies dating back to 1948, both names are crucial to the brand’s history. But that doesn’t mean every version of these famous Omega watches will increase in value. It’s often the case that limited and special editions tend to be in high demand. That said, it’s definitely not guaranteed that every limited-edition Speedmaster or Seamaster will go up in price. Without further ado, let’s check out five models that may increase in value over time.
1. Omega Speedmaster “Replica” Ref. 3594.50.00
The first watch on our list is a modern remake of the original Omega Speedmaster from 1957. As you might already know, Omega introduced a popular Trilogy of watches in 2017 to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Speedmaster, Seamaster 300, and Railmaster. However, this particular Speedmaster remake was introduced 20 years earlier in celebration of the iconic chronograph’s 40th anniversary. The watch is the perfect mix of modern Speedmaster characteristics and vintage charm. One major difference between the historic inspiration and the modern watch is the case size. The original Speedmaster ref. CK2915 had a 38.6-mm case. This “Replica” version, however, has the updated 42-mm asymmetrical case that Omega first introduced in 1965 and still uses today.
The watch features the stainless steel bezel and broad arrow hands that characterized the very first Speedmaster. Inside the case, Omega turned to the trusted manual winding caliber 1861, which has also powered multiple generations of the Speedmaster Professional “Moonwatch.” This particular remake doesn’t have the vintage-inspired lume, or so-called “fauxtina,” found on the 60th anniversary models from 2017. As a result, it looks like a crisp, modern take on the original Speedmaster from 1957. The best thing is that these “Replica” models are still very affordable. Prices start under $3,000 in Japan and around $4,000 elsewhere and go up to around $5,000. It seems like only a matter of time before prices for this great timepiece start rising.
2. Omega Seamaster 300 “Spectre” Ref. 233.32.41.21.01.001
The second timepiece on our list is a limited-edition Bond watch that also made it onto last year’s list of Omegas to invest in. It is widely considered the best Omega Bond release to date. On top of that, the watch was the first limited edition that Bond actually wore in one of the movies. The Omega Seamaster 300 “Spectre” debuted in 2015 to celebrate the release of Spectre, the fourth Bond film to feature Daniel Craig. While not all 7,007 pieces sold out immediately, demand and prices have risen steadily over the last five years.
The Omega Seamaster 300 “Spectre” differs from the standard Seamaster 300 models from the same era. First of all, Omega changed the dial by removing the 12 numeral and moving the logo up. Additionally, the bezel isn’t a standard diving bezel, but instead features a 12-hour scale, enabling the wearer to keep track of a second time zone. Omega also brought back the iconic lollipop seconds hand. If you turn the watch over, you’ll see a special “SPECTRE” inscription. Despite the relatively high production numbers, prices are currently in the $10,000 to 13,000 range. This marks around a $2,000 rise on the lower end of the price range. I’d expect prices to go up even further over time, as this is a much-appreciated timepiece that reminds fans of the brilliant Daniel Craig as 007.
3. Omega Speedmaster Professional “Alaska Project” Ref. 311.32.42.30.04.001
Next up is the visually stunning Omega Speedmaster Professional Alaska Project. This watch was presented at Baselworld 2008 as a tribute to prototypes that were developed for the classified Alaska Project. Omega produced a total of 1,970 pieces of this limited-edition release. As part of NASA’s Alaska Project, Omega was asked to create a watch that could withstand the extreme conditions on the Moon. Internally, the project was called the “Lunar Surface Chronograph.” Omega presented the first result in 1969, a chunky titanium watch known as the Alaska I prototype. The watch had a bright white dial coated in zinc oxide that could withstand the radiation of the sun. Additionally, it came with a red aluminum outer case to protect the watch from extreme heat. Lastly, the chronograph subdial featured the now-famous rocket hands.
All of these elements returned in a second prototype that Omega produced in 1970, the Alaska II. This is the watch that inspired the 2008 Speedmaster Alaska Project – and the results are stunning. The Speedmaster Alaska Project, with its bright white dial and white Velcro strap, looks completely different from the standard Moonwatch. Add in the rocket hands and red anodized aluminum outer case, and this is one of the most special Speedmasters ever made. Prices for the “Alaska Project” rose tremendously in 2021 and held steady in 2022. However, seeing as this is an incredibly special, limited-edition timepiece, I suspect prices to rise over time. You can currently find examples starting at roughly $17,000 and moving up to $35,000. If you manage to buy one in the lower half of that price range, you will likely make money over time.
4. Omega Speedmaster First Omega In Space Ref. 311.32.40.30.01.001
The next watch on our list is the Speedmaster “First Omega In Space.” Again, this watch appeared on our list last year and has shown steady growth in 2022. The watch, first introduced at Baselworld 2012, used to be part of the Speedmaster Heritage Models line, and with a list price of $5,300 was a great entry point to the Speedmaster world. However, Omega discontinued the watch two years ago, resulting in increased demand for the Speedmaster FOIS, as it’s also known. The numbered edition (not limited!) was based on the Speedmaster ref. CK2998 worn by Walter “Wally” Schirra on October 3rd, 1962 during the Sigma 7 flight.
Thus, the watch is a modern version of the classic Speedmaster with a 39.7-mm stainless steel case and straight lugs, making it much smaller than the 42-mm Moonwatch. Omega equipped the watch with the classic hands that were also used on the ref. CK2998. To be more precise, Omega used hands from different iterations of the CK2998, but the overall end result is still striking. The watch is sought after by die-hard Speedy collectors, as well as those who are just getting into the world of Speedmasters. Asking prices for this special numbered edition Speedmaster on Chrono24 are currently between $5,000 and 8,000. That marks steady growth in value compared to last year, and I’d expect prices to further go up over time for this great timepiece.
5. Omega Speedmaster 60th Anniversary “Trilogy” Limited Edition Ref. 311.10.39.30.01.001
The final watch on this list was actually mentioned briefly above. The Omega 1957 Trilogy series was introduced in 2017 to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Speedmaster, Seamaster 300, and Railmaster. I included the Seamaster 300 on last year’s list, and it seems to be going up in value after taking a small dip mid-year. However, the one model that has consistently gone up in price from the Trilogy series is the Speedmaster. The modern remake of the original from 1957 is a stunning timepiece that combines the glory of the first Speedmaster ref. CK2915 with a modern movement and contemporary production techniques. But most importantly, the watch is a brilliant nod to the first Speedmaster.
The watch has a smaller 38.6-mm case, compared to the model’s current 42-mm size. It also features the iconic broad arrow hands and stainless steel bezel. Inside the case, Omega has equipped the watch with its manual winding caliber 1861, which also powers several versions of the Moonwatch and the “Replica” model that was the first watch on our list. To emphasize its vintage-inspired looks, Omega applied vintage lume to the hands and indices, giving the watch an extra dose of historical relevance. Omega produced a total of 3,557 pieces of this Speedmaster, all of which sold out very quickly. As a result, prices have gradually gone up over time. Prices currently start around $8,000 and go up to $12,500, but I expect these will rise even further as this reference is a much-praised limited edition that perfectly embodies the spirit of the first Speedmaster from 1957.
That concludes our list of five Omega models that could make great investments in the coming year. As mentioned, it’s always important to buy watches that you love, and don’t expect to make money quickly. Well, that leaves me nothing more to say but happy hunting!
