Omega

1987 Omega Speedmaster Automatic (Ref. 376.0822) "Holy Grail"

$ 18,250

The Omega Speedmaster Professional remains one of the most iconic chronographs ever produced. Its story spans from the world of motorsport to aviation, and ultimately to NASA and the U.S. Space Program. Within the expansive Speedmaster lineage, countless subtle reference variations have become highly sought after by collectors.

By the mid-1980s, Omega faced mounting pressure from inexpensive and technologically advanced Japanese quartz watches. In response, the brand introduced a trio of innovative limited-production Speedmasters that expanded upon the traditional Moonwatch formula:

• 20-Year Flight-Qualified for Space (Ref. ST 345.0808, 1985–1988) — A numbered series of 1,000 pieces and the first Moonwatch-cased Speedmaster to feature a display caseback, revealing the copper-colored Calibre 863.

• "Speedy-Moon" (Ref. ST 345.0809, 1985–1988) — Produced in approximately 1,300 examples and the first Moonwatch-cased Speedmaster equipped with a moonphase complication, powered by the Calibre 866.

• "Holy Grail" (Ref. ST 376.0822, 1987–1988) — Produced in approximately 1,800 examples and the first Moonwatch-cased Speedmaster fitted with a self-winding chronograph movement, featuring both day and date displays and powered by the Calibre 1045.

The "Holy Grail" Speedmaster, its nickname coined by the late Omega authority Chuck Maddox, is among the most uncommon and desirable Speedmaster variants ever produced. Combining the classic design language of the Speedmaster Professional with the highly regarded Lemania-based Calibre 1045 from the Speedmaster Mark 4.5, it represents a unique fusion of form and function. In addition to the traditional chronograph layout, the Calibre 1045 incorporates day and date displays as well as a 24-hour indicator, creating one of the most technically sophisticated and compelling Speedmasters of its era.

SPECS

Stock # OMSPHG3760822
Brand Omega
Style Speedmaster Automatic "Holy Grail"
Model 376.0822
Serial 482XXXXX
Size Men's
Material Stainless Steel
Dial Matte Black
Millimeters 42
Strap 2pc Handmade Leather Rally Strap

CASE & BRACELET

The slightly modified take on the classic asymmetrical case design makes for a slightly thicker timepiece, to accomodate for the extra complications as well as the automatic winding function. The case itself is in wonderful condition, exhibiting minimal signs of wear and only light evidence of prior polishing. The black aluminum tachymetre bezel remains in well-preserved, clean condition, with only signs of gentle wear present. The case retains its original pump pushers and Omega-signed crown. The case back is in very crisp condition, with the medallion fully intact, and only light wear marks. The watch comes supplied on a 2pc handmade leather rally strap.

DIAL & HANDS

The original matte black dial is the perfect combination of complicated, but uncluttered, and remains in excellent vintage condition, with no damage or wear present on the dial itself. The tritium lume plots have achieved a golden yellow patina and remain almost entirely intact, though the 3 o'clock plot is missing, which is common for this model. All of the hands, including the subsidiary hands, remain original to the watch. Under UV light inspection, the lume in the minute hand exhibits some minor cracking and remains stable, and the lume in the center chronograph hand features a small repair and also remains stable, while the lume in the hour hand and 24-hour hand exhibit no degradation. The lume in the hands has taken on a subtle green coloration throughout, which is common for Speedmaster lume in this era.

ACCESSORIES

None. The watch is keeping time perfectly, though the service history is unknown. A movement service can be purchased upon request.