The Omega Speedmaster Mark II is the first major redesign of the Speedmaster: a 1969 watch officially catalogued as ST 145.014. Its 41.5 mm barrel-shaped case, internal tachymeter scale, mineral crystal and hand-wound calibre 861 make it a different proposition from the familiar Moonwatch, not simply another dial variant.
What is the Omega Speedmaster Mark II?
Omega introduced the Mark II in 1969 as the first redesign of its popular chronograph. Reference ST 145.014 used a streamlined, barrel-shaped stainless-steel case measuring 41.5 mm, a steel bracelet (1162/173), baton hands and an internal timing scale. It was also the first Speedmaster that did not use hesalite crystal: its standard crystal was mineral glass.
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Omega Speedmaster Mark II Automatic Chronograph Men's Watch 327.10.43.50.01.001 | $5,870.00 | Buy on Amazon |
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Omega Speedmaster Mark II | $6,244.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Omega Speedmaster Mark II 327.20.43.50.01.001 | $11,400.00 | Buy on Amazon |
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Omega | $8,142.00 | Buy on Amazon |
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Omega Speedmaster Chronograph Hand Wind Black Dial Men's Watch 310.32.42.50.01.001 | $7,349.99 | Buy on Amazon |
Omega documented several executions, including stainless steel, gold-capped and 18K-solid-yellow-gold cases, with black, racing, gilt and gold-dial combinations. “Mark II” therefore identifies a case generation and period of the Speedmaster family; it does not describe one single dial.
Is the Mark II the same as the Moonwatch?
No. The Moonwatch refers to the traditional, asymmetrical Speedmaster Professional architecture associated with the Apollo-era watch. The Mark II keeps the manual-wind chronograph idea but changes the case, crystal and dial layout. The internal timing scale and broad barrel case give it a more integrated, 1970s-modern appearance, while the Moonwatch’s tachymeter is printed on an external bezel.
They are historically related Speedmasters, not interchangeable references. A listing that calls any Speedmaster a “Mark II” should show the case shape and reference rather than relying on the name alone.
Original Mark II specifications
| Feature | Original Mark II (ST 145.014) |
|---|---|
| Introduced | 1969 |
| Case | 41.5 mm stainless-steel barrel case; gold-capped and 18K-gold executions were also documented |
| Crystal | Mineral glass |
| Timing scale | Internal chronograph/tachymeter scale |
| Movement | Omega calibre 861, hand-wound |
| Bracelet | Steel bracelet ref. 1162/173 in the archive specification |
| Dial choices | Black, racing, gilt and 18K-solid-yellow-gold options |
Which calibre is in the vintage Mark II?
The standard vintage Mark II uses calibre 861. Omega introduced the movement to the Speedmaster in 1968, making it the second movement used in the line. It simplified calibre 321 with a shuttle cam, adopted a flatter balance spring and increased the operating frequency to 21,600 vibrations per hour. Later versions replaced the steel chronograph brake with a Delrin component.
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It is a manually wound movement: the owner winds the crown rather than relying on wrist motion. Calibre 861 is not the same mechanism as the earlier column-wheel calibre 321, so a seller’s claim that every vintage Speedmaster has a 321 is a warning sign. Movement photographs and a qualified watchmaker’s inspection are more useful than a model name in an online listing.
What makes the racing dial different?
The racing dial is a legibility-focused configuration, not automatic proof of a separate reference. Its visual cues are bicolor minute markers plus orange hands and an orange Omega logo. Omega’s archive associates the documented racing-dial model with ST 145.022, while the standard Mark II archive entry is ST 145.014; this is why reference, caseback and movement should be checked together.
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The intent was practical: stronger colour contrast was generally understood to make elapsed-time readings easier during driving or other fast-paced use. The design later inspired special editions, including a 2004 Japan limited series. Collectors may prize an untouched racing dial, but originality matters more than the word “racing” in a listing title. Repainted hands, replacement dials and incorrect service parts can change both historical interest and value.
Original 1969 watch or 2014 reissue?
Omega revived the concept in 2014. Specialist coverage identifies black-dial, racing-dial and Rio 2016 Olympic versions. These are modern watches and should be treated as a separate buying category from a 1969 ST 145.014.
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- Model 310.30.42.50.01.002
| Buying question | 1969 original | 2014 reissue |
|---|---|---|
| What identifies it? | Vintage case architecture and period reference, normally ST 145.014 | Modern production watch marketed as a Mark II revival; exact variant must be verified |
| Case and wear | 41.5 mm barrel case with decades of possible polishing, dents or bracelet stretch | Newer case condition, with finishing and dimensions to be confirmed for the specific edition |
| Movement | Hand-wound calibre 861 | Movement depends on the reissue variant; request the reference and movement number |
| Crystal and dial | Mineral glass and period black, gilt, racing or gold configurations | Modern black, racing and Rio 2016 executions are documented; confirm the exact specification |
| Rarity | Surviving condition, dial originality and period-correct parts drive scarcity | Edition and production context matter more than age-related patina |
| Service evidence | Look for movement service dates, replaced parts and water-damage history | Look for service documentation and remaining manufacturer support, if applicable |
Do not assume the reissue is a parts-compatible substitute for the vintage watch, or that a modern racing dial proves a vintage ST 145.014. Ask for the complete reference, serials, movement photographs and clear caseback images before comparing offers.
The 18K-gold commemorative edition is a different watch
Omega recorded a 1969 commemorative Mark II in 18K gold with 1,014 numbered pieces. The first examples were presented to 19 astronauts at a Houston gala on November 25, 1969. This limited gold issue should not be conflated with the standard stainless-steel Mark II: its precious-metal case, numbering and presentation history are central to its identity.
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- Model 310.32.42.50.01.001
How to buy a Mark II safely
- Define the target. Decide whether you want a vintage ST 145.014, a documented racing-dial configuration, the 18K-gold commemorative edition or a 2014 revival.
- Request identifiers. Obtain the reference, movement and case serials, dial photographs, caseback photographs and bracelet reference before discussing condition.
- Check originality. Compare hands, logo, minute track, bezel or internal scale, case finishing and bracelet against period-correct examples. A replacement part is not automatically bad, but it must be disclosed.
- Assess the movement. Confirm that a vintage example has the expected calibre 861 and ask when it was last serviced, by whom and which parts were changed.
- Inspect wear and damage. Look for over-polished lugs, stretched links, corrosion, moisture marks, chipped or incorrect crystals and a chronograph that fails to start, stop or reset cleanly.
- Use authentication protection. Buy through a seller who permits an independent watchmaker’s inspection and provides a written return period. Geography, import rules and local service access can materially affect the total risk.
What determines collectibility?
There is no single “most collectible” Mark II. Condition, untouched dial and hands, correct movement, sharp case geometry, complete period bracelet, documented provenance and credible service records all matter. Racing dials attract attention because of their contrast and relative scarcity, but rarity claims should be tied to a specific reference and original configuration rather than inferred from colour alone.
Current prices and availability vary by market and were not established here, so a listing price should not be treated as a reliable market value. Compare several authenticated examples and adjust for replaced parts, servicing, originality and regional taxes or shipping.
Who should choose the Mark II?
- Choose the vintage ST 145.014 if you want the original 1969 redesign, calibre 861 and period construction, and are prepared for vintage servicing.
- Choose a racing configuration if high-contrast dial design is the attraction, while verifying the exact reference and originality.
- Choose the 2014 revival if you prefer a modern purchase and want a black, racing or Rio 2016 edition rather than an ageing original.
- Choose the gold commemorative issue only when its numbered 18K-gold identity and provenance are independently documented.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is reference 145.014?
ST 145.014 is the official archive reference for the original 1969 stainless-steel Speedmaster Mark II and its period executions.
Is the Mark II hand-wound?
The original vintage Mark II uses hand-wound calibre 861. Movement details for 2014 reissues depend on the specific variant and should be verified by reference.
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Are racing-dial Mark IIs rarer?
Racing dials are distinctive and can be scarce, but collectibility depends on the exact reference, originality, condition and documentation rather than the racing label alone.
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