Omega Speedmaster price development

Investing in luxury watches is a topic that could hardly be more relevant. However, it's important to do your research and analyze the market thoroughly beforehand to ensure you're on the right track when making such an investment. After all, the selection of watches is vast, and not all of them increase in value. In this article, we'll focus specifically on the Omega Speedmaster and examine in detail how suitable these coveted models from the Swiss watch manufacturer are as an investment.

Speedmaster - Current Price

When it comes to investing in a watch and assessing the value of a model, it's essential to consider the price from two perspectives. First, the list price is relevant. This indicates the prices that manufacturers charge for their watches in stores. Second, you should keep an eye on the market price and thus see how much a watch changes hands for on the secondary market. After all, ultimately, it's the open market prices that provide an indication of whether a watch might appreciate in value.

Watch models from the Omega Speedmaster collection vary considerably in their list price depending on the model and reference. Prices depend, among other things, on the complications and the material of the watch. For example, gold models are more expensive than comparable stainless steel watches. For example, an Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch in steel with a 42 mm diameter currently costs around €7,400 from the manufacturer, while a '57 Chronograph is priced at €10,100.

On the secondary market, these models generally command a higher value. Omega Speedmaster Moonwatches in excellent condition, in particular, trade for significantly more than their list price. However, with a bit of luck, it's possible to snag a model that's currently less trendy for slightly less than the list price.

Speedmaster - Performance in recent years

While numerous highly hyped luxury watches have been somewhat of a loser on the market in recent years, several references from the Omega Speedmaster range have managed to shine with attractive value retention. Some watches in the series experienced a slight increase in value, with a few exceptions even boasting quite substantial price increases. The best example is the classic hand-wound Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch, which attracted attention in 2021 with a 56% increase in value after the announcement that production of this model would be discontinued. This is a trend that can be observed time and again: models often increase in value when it becomes clear that they will no longer be produced.

Looking back a little further, we can assess the increase in value of the Speedmaster Moonwatch from 2003 to the present day. On average, the Moonwatch models from that time have nearly doubled in value over the past 20 years – a remarkable development. Anyone who has invested wisely and owns a vintage Moonwatch today can therefore look forward to a successful business.

Speedmaster - Price development in the coming years

Every watch collector desires maximum investment security and would love to know in advance how the market value of their investment objects will develop in the future. Unfortunately, there are no concrete answers 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 impossible to reliably predict how much individual watches or entire collections will be worth in the future. This means that using luxury watches as an investment always carries a certain amount of risk.

Nevertheless, it is possible to roughly estimate the potential for a model's value to increase by closely examining current and past price trends. Collections that have enjoyed immense popularity for many years, for example, provide legitimate reason to hope for continued market value increases. The coveted references from the Omega Speedmaster Professional (Moonwatch) product line fall into this category. In the past, these models have consistently been among the clear winners in terms of value appreciation. And since they remain in high demand, with demand often far exceeding the manufacturer's supply, these high-quality items present themselves as extremely attractive and promising investments.

Resale value of the Omega Speedmaster

Numerous watch enthusiasts confirm: Anyone who owns an Omega Speedmaster (Moonwatch) generally doesn't have to worry about resale. Depending on the reference, such a watch will almost be snatched from your hands if you decide to sell it. Similar to Rolex, Omega Speedmaster luxury watches quite rightly enjoy a reputation for outstanding value retention and can therefore be resold at an above-average profit. A cause for celebration for all those who were once able to purchase such a model at the manufacturer's shop at the list price, 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 play a role in determining how much a used model is worth today.

As with any used watch, the better the condition, the higher the value, too. Watches—whether from Omega, Rolex, or another luxury brand—can be resold particularly profitably if they are in perfect working order. However, if they show (heavy) signs of wear, this can be expected to lower the resale value, even for the most popular references. However, the appropriate price will increase if the watch is offered in a "full set" with the original box and complete documentation, which provides comprehensive evidence of the model's history. Especially if a watch is intended as an investment, it is therefore advisable to store these accessories safely.

Does this mean that you shouldn't wear your Omega Speedmaster Professional so that you can resell it at the best possible price? Yes and no. As long as the watch is treated with care, there's nothing wrong with gently wearing it on your wrist from time to time to enjoy it. However, you should be aware that every time you wear it carries the risk of signs of wear, which in turn can reduce the value of the Omega watch. From a purely investment perspective, it makes sense to treat your Omega Speedmaster with the utmost care. Regular maintenance should definitely not be forgotten. This ensures that the timepiece will remain in good condition for years and decades to come.

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

Now, one might naturally ask why Omega Speedmaster watches have experienced more positive price trends than some other models. We would like to conclude by discussing the key reasons for this:

History of Omega watches

First and foremost, the Omega Speedmaster Professional Chronograph boasts a legendary history. After all, the Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch has been present at numerous historic events. For example, it accompanied renowned astronauts during the first spacewalk, the first orbit of the moon aboard Apollo 8, and several moon landings – something 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 this legendary space watch continues unabated to this day.

Iconic design of the Speedmaster

One of the secrets to 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 appears at times thoroughly sporty, at times absolutely elegant, and at times strikingly extravagant, depending on the strap it is paired with. Thus, it appeals to a wide range of tastes and its appearance is independent of trends, which naturally change over time.

The Omega Speedmaster Professional has undergone very minor external changes over the past 60 years, thus remaining 100% true to its design. Nevertheless, it is by no means "dusty," but rather still modern and anything but out of date. This is another indication that these 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 stick in the mind: 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 the classic Moonwatch a whole new level of attention. Suddenly, the classics piqued the interest of people who had previously had little interest in the luxury timepiece segment—a veritable hype erupted.

The way Omega timepieces are presented and displayed to the public captures the spirit of the times and manages to both appeal to new target groups and continue to inspire long-time fans. A marketing balancing act that is achieved to perfection here.

Conclusion

One thing is clear: for many timepiece enthusiasts and collectors, a chronograph from the Omega Speedmaster collection is a true gem, one that is almost priceless. With a striking design, equipped with an extremely reliable movement, and a rich history behind it, the Omega Speedmaster boasts a level of value retention more commonly associated with Rolex. While it's naturally uncertain how the value of these watches will develop in the future, there's much to suggest that investors can look forward to substantial returns with such a model.