Omega
1977 OMEGA Speedmaster (Ref. 176.002) "MARK III"
In the early 1970s, Omega had everything it could have possibly wanted when it came to its wildly successful and lunar-landed Speedmaster. But in 1971, the iconic Swiss watch manufacturer just couldn't help itself but try something new and a little bit weird, tweaking that perfect NASA-approved recipe. Subsequently, Omega unveiled the watch that we have here in front of you: the Speedmaster Professional Mark III, ref. 176.002.
Like the Mark II that was released two years prior, the new Omega Speedmaster Mark III featured a futuristic case shape with hidden lugs that are emblematic of the 1970s. However, while its Mark II predecessor was powered by a traditional manual-wind movement, the new Speedmaster Mark III ref. 176.002 featured Omega’s first-ever automatic chronograph movement: the Caliber 1040. Created in conjunction with Lemania (the same movement manufacturer who helped produce the legendary Cal. 321), the new Cal. 1040 marked a crucial milestone for the Speedmaster collection, and the Mark III was the watch that ushered in a new era of self-winding Omega chronographs
Stock # | OSMMKIII | |
Brand | Omega | |
Style | Speedmaster | |
Model | 176.006 | |
Serial | 362XXXXX | |
Size | Men's | |
Material | Stainless Steel | |
Dial | Matte Black | |
Millimeters | 41x52 | |
Bracelet | Omega 1162 Bracelet W/ 172 End Pieces |
CASE & BRACELET
A top-down view shows off the unbelievable sunburst finish of the case and gives the illusion of an odd but almost elegant chronograph - svelte even. But turn that hunk of stainless steel over a degree or two and you'll quickly find where its weight was hiding. In an almost volcano-like shape, the nearly 16mm thick case explodes up steep slopes, all in a matching sunburst finish. The almost NOS condition of the case can't possibly be overstated, and fitted to the watch is its proper Omega 1162 stainless bracelet.
DIAL & HANDS
The dial is in as immaculate condition as is the case. The matte black surface makes the perfect backdrop to the beautifully aged tritium of the hour markers and hands. Unlike many other Speedmasters, the MARK III features a date window at 3 o'clock, while on the opposite side sits a 24-hour sub-dial with its bottom half-finished in a beautiful blue/grey to help users distinguish between day and night hours.
ACCESSORIES
None.