Investing in luxury watches is a topic that could hardly be more topical. However, one should inform oneself in advance in detail and analyze the market in order to be able to emerge as a winner from such an investment. After all, the range of watches is huge and by no means all of them increase in value. In this article, we will focus specifically on the Omega Speedmaster and take a detailed look at the extent to which the coveted models of the Swiss watch manufacturer are suitable as an investment.
Speedmaster - Current price
When it comes to a watch investment and the assessment of 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 is the price that is charged by the manufacturer in the store for the watches. On the other hand, you should keep an eye on the market price and thus look at the money for which a watch changes hands on the secondary market. After all, it's the prices on the open market that give you an idea of whether a watch could appreciate in value.
Watch models from the Omega Speedmaster collection vary quite a bit in price by list, depending on the version and reference. Among other things, prices are based on the complications installed and the material of the watch. For example, models made of gold are more expensive than comparable watches made of stainless steel. Currently, for example, an Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch in steel with a 42 mm diameter costs around €7,400 from the manufacturer, while a '57 Chronograph is priced at €10,100.
On the secondary market, most of the models have a higher value. Especially Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch watches in excellent condition are traded here significantly above list price. Nevertheless, with a little luck, it is possible to get hold of a model that is currently less trendy, slightly below the list price.
Speedmaster - value development in the last years
While numerous highly hyped luxury watches have presented themselves as losers on the market in recent years, several references from the Omega Speedmaster series were able to shine with attractive value stability. Some watches of the series experienced a slight increase in value, some exceptions even trumped with a quite substantial price increase. The best example is the classic Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch with manual winding, which attracted attention in 2021 with an increase in value of 56% - after the discontinuation of production of this model was announced. This is a development that can be observed time and again: models often increase in value when it becomes clear that they will no longer be produced.
If we look back a little further into the past, we 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 something to be proud of. Those who have invested wisely and own Moonwatch Vintage watches today, can therefore be happy about a successful business.
Speedmaster - price development in the coming years
Every watch collector wants maximum security when investing and would like to know in advance how the market value of the investment objects will develop in the future. Unfortunately, one does not get a concrete answer to questions about the development of value in the future - for good reason! It is simply impossible to predict with absolute certainty how the values of timepieces will develop in the coming years. After all, numerous factors, most notably demand and availability, influence the market value of an Omega Speedmaster (Moonwatch). How much individual watches or entire collections will be worth in the future cannot therefore be reliably predicted. 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 an increase in value for a model by taking a close look at current and past price trends. Collections that have been extremely popular for many years, for example, give justified reason to hope that their market value will continue to rise. The coveted references from the Omega Speedmaster Professional (Moonwatch) product line fall into this category. In the past, these models have repeatedly been among the clear winners in terms of value appreciation. And since they are still in high demand, with demand far exceeding supply on the part of the manufacturer in many cases, these high-quality items present themselves as an extremely attractive and promising investment.
Resale value of the Omega Speedmaster
Numerous watch enthusiasts confirm: Anyone who can call an Omega Speedmaster (Moonwatch) his own, does not have to worry about the resale as a rule. Depending on the reference, such a watch is almost snatched out of one's hands when one decides to sell it. Similar to Rolex, the Omega Speedmaster luxury watches enjoy quite rightly the reputation of a terrific value stability and can therefore be resold above average often with profit. A reason to rejoice for all those who were formerly able to purchase such a model at the list price in the manufacturer's store, 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? In this regard, various influencing factors also play a role and decide how much a worn model is worth today.
As with any used watch, the same applies to Omega's Moonwatch: 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, it is to be expected that this will lower the resale value, even for the most popular reference. On the other hand, the appropriate price is increased if the watch is available in the "full set" with original box and complete papers, through which the history of the model can be completely proven. Especially if a watch is to serve as an investment, it is therefore advisable to keep these accessories safe.
Does this mean that it is better not to wear your Omega Speedmaster Professional in order to be able to resell it as well as possible? No. Provided that the watch is treated with care, there is not too much to be said against carrying it out carefully on the wrist from time to time in order to be able to enjoy it. However, one should be aware that every time the watch is worn, there is a risk that it will show signs of wear, which in turn can reduce the value of the Omega watch. So, from a pure investment point of view, it makes sense to take care of the Omega Speedmaster for the most part. In any case, regular maintenance should not be forgotten. This ensures that the timepiece is well preserved for years and decades.
What are the reasons for positive price development of Omega Speedmaster watches?
Now, of course, you can ask yourself why Omega Speedmaster watches are able to record more positive price developments compared to some other models. In conclusion, we would like to go into the central background of this:
History of Omega watches
First and foremost, there is the legendary history that the Omega Speedmaster Professional Chronograph can look back on. After all, the Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch has been "live" at numerous historic events. For example, it accompanied renowned astronauts on their first exit into space, on the first orbit around the moon aboard 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 are now decades behind us, the fascination surrounding the space watch legend continues unabated to this day.
Iconic design of the Speedmaster
One of the secrets of the success of this special chronograph is certainly its design, which could hardly be more timeless and versatile. The highly functional watch with the powerful movement sometimes looks thoroughly sporty, sometimes absolutely elegant and sometimes strikingly extravagant, depending on which bracelet it is combined with. Thus, it appeals to many tastes and its appearance is independent of trends, which naturally change with the times.
The Omega Speedmaster Professional has changed very little externally over the past 60 years and has consequently remained 100% true to its lineage. Nevertheless, it is by no means "dusty", but still modern and anything but out of time. This is also an indication that the watch models will remain "up to date" in the future.
Successful marketing strategy
Presence in hot movies and at major sporting events, expressive online presences and creative commercials that stay in the memory: Omega's marketing is on an enormously high level and is undoubtedly bearing fruit.
And then there was the launch of the MoonSwatch, which brought plenty of new attention to the classic Moonwatch. Suddenly, the classics aroused the interest of people who had previously paid little attention to the segment of luxury timepieces - a veritable hype broke out.
The way in which Omega timepieces are presented to the public strikes a chord with the times and succeeds both in appealing to new target groups and in continuing to inspire "long-term fans". A balancing act in terms of marketing, which succeeds here in perfection.
Conclusion
One thing is clear: for many lovers and collectors of timepieces, a chronograph from the Omega Speedmaster collection is a true gem that is hard to put a price on. Strong in design, equipped with an extremely reliable movement and with an eventful history in the background, the Omega Speedmaster scores with a value stability that is otherwise more familiar from Rolex. Even if it is of course uncertain how the values of the watches will develop in the future, there is much to suggest that investors with such a model can look forward to rich returns.