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Speedy Tuesday – OMEGA Speedmaster Mark III: The 1971 Automatic

The 1971 Speedmaster Mark III brought automatic winding to OMEGA’s chronograph line. Learn about pilot-case reference ST 176.002, calibre 1040, its dial, and the distinct 2017 Speedy Tuesday edition.
Estimate3–4 min Catalogued SpecialistWatchRanker Team
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“Speedy Tuesday” here is an editorial label for the 1971 OMEGA Speedmaster Mark III, not the separate Speedy Tuesday limited edition released in 2017. The Mark III stands out as OMEGA’s first self-winding Speedmaster chronograph: reference ST 176.002 pairs calibre 1040 with a substantial pilot-style case and an unusually informative dial.

What is the OMEGA Speedmaster Mark III?

The Mark III is a 1971 Speedmaster model that introduced automatic winding to the line. OMEGA identifies the pilot-case version as reference ST 176.002 and specifies a 41 mm stainless-steel case. Its listed bracelet is steel reference 1162/172. These are manufacturer specifications for the model; the parts fitted to a particular vintage watch should be checked individually. OMEGA’s Mark III history

The name describes a family, not a single case and dial configuration. Fratello distinguishes the pilot case (ST 176.002), TV case (ST 176.0005), and flat case (ST 176.007), with variation in dial colors and internal scales. Its overview mentions tachymeter, telemeter, pulsometer, and decimal scales. Those are collector observations; confirm the reference and configuration of the individual watch rather than assuming every Mark III shares the ST 176.002’s appearance. Fratello’s Mark III overview

What movement is in the Speedmaster Mark III?

OMEGA identifies calibre 1040 as the movement fitted to the Mark III and describes it as the first automatic mechanical movement used in a Speedmaster. The manufacturer gives its frequency as 28,800 vibrations per hour. Its account also notes a rotor mounted on a ball bearing, a date indicator, a 24-hour indicator with day/night reading, and rapid date setting. OMEGA’s Mark III history

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OMEGA framed the change in a 1972 advertisement with the line: “After six landings on the moon, there was only one thing we could teach the Speedmaster. To wind itself”. That is advertising copy reproduced in the brand’s history, not evidence that the Mark III itself was used on six lunar landings.

What is distinctive about the ST 176.002 dial?

OMEGA’s description highlights several functional details: a central chronograph minute hand, a cross-shaped 60-minute hand, a date display, and a 24-hour day/night indicator at 9 o’clock. The official page lists mineral glass and tritium luminous material, and describes black, silvered, or blue dials. A specific example may differ because the Mark III family includes multiple configurations, and vintage parts or lume may have changed over time.

How is this Mark III different from the 2017 Speedy Tuesday limited edition?

They are separate watches. The Mark III is the 1971 model described above; OMEGA describes the 2017 Speedy Tuesday limited edition as a tribute to Alaska Project III. The shared “Speedy Tuesday” wording does not make the 1971 Mark III part of the 2017 edition. OMEGA’s 2017 Speedy Tuesday page

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What should you check when comparing or buying a vintage Mark III?

Start with identity and configuration, then assess the watch as an individual vintage example. The cited sources establish family variants, but do not establish present-day pricing, relative rarity, or the condition of any watch for sale.

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  • Reference and case: Confirm whether it is ST 176.002, ST 176.0005, or ST 176.007; case shape is a major visible difference.
  • Dial and scale: Check dial color, hand layout, and internal scale against the stated reference and the seller’s description.
  • Movement and function: Ask for clear movement identification and evidence that the chronograph, date, and 24-hour display operate correctly.
  • Originality and condition: Establish whether dial, hands, bezel, case, and bracelet are original, replaced, restored, or refinished.
  • Service documentation: Request dated service records and clarify what work was performed; a vintage chronograph’s condition cannot be inferred from the model name.
  • Bracelet fitment: OMEGA lists bracelet 1162/172 for the model, but verify fit and condition for the specific watch before sourcing a replacement.

A 2017 Dorotheum auction lot for one grey-dial reference 176.002 described that example as approximately 40 mm in diameter and 159.7 g. These are measurements reported for that individual lot, not universal specifications or a current valuation. Dorotheum auction record

Fratello reports that the Mark III was discontinued in 1973; that date is collector-source reporting, not an end-of-production date confirmed by the cited OMEGA history. Current prices, active listings, service-part availability, and the condition of individual watches are not established by these sources.

Quick Recap

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  • Please confirm your watch model and compare the product photos and specifications before ordering to ensure compatibility.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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