The OMEGA Speedmaster 125, introduced in 1973 to celebrate 125 years since OMEGA’s foundation, is the world’s first chronometer-certified automatic chronograph watch. The Speedmaster 125’s bold, forward-looking design was fitting for such an important achievement.
Several decades ago, a Swiss watch was introduced that broke new ground technically and stylistically.
This watch was aimed at affluent customers and collectors, marketed to celebrate an important anniversary, and priced at a significant premium to other pieces in the OMEGA product line.
The Speedmaster 125 was intended from the beginning to be a special, exclusive watch and this is evident from a quick glance.
The case is a massive, superbly-finished slab of steel, with vertical brushing and highly polished bevels.
The bracelet, also specifically made for the Speedmaster 125, is fully integrated into the case, and is much more substantial than most OMEGA bracelets of the era. It is more on par with modern bracelets in terms of weight, fit, and finish.
Likewise, the dial signals that this timepiece is something above and beyond the standard Speedmaster.
The Ω logo is applied steel, as are the numerals in 125 and the letters in OMEGA. The letters and numerals are applied individually and not as a single, connected piece, which is highly unusual.
Rather than using the same caliber 1040 movement as found in the Speedmaster Mark III, a new version of caliber 1040 was developed exclusively for the Speedmaster 125.
The 1041 movement is identical to the 1040 in functionality and finishing, and the movement itself only differs cosmetically on three parts.
The differences are in the text stamped on the rotor and bridges. The movements were submitted for and passed chronometer testing, something the previous automatic chronographs from other manufacturers could not achieve.
This is a monumental horological achievement reserved solely for the 125th anniversary watch. The 1041 movement was never used in another watch.
In my opinion this is one of the most interesting and certainly best quality Speedmaster ever. Unique in it’s conception, design and execution.
This particular example is in very good condition with only small hairline scratches. Serial number dates this piece to circa 1977
