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Vintage Omega Watches: RJ’s Top Ten Classic Watches

Robert-Jan Broer’s 2021 vintage Omega shortlist ranges from the Constellation Grand Luxe to the Speedmaster 105.003, with reference details and collector cautions.
Estimate4–5 min Catalogued SpecialistWatchRanker Team
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Fratello editor Robert-Jan Broer’s ten favorite vintage Omega watches are a personal selection, not a definitive ranking or a guide to current values. Published May 7, 2021, the list mixes dress and sports models—from the Centenary and Constellation to Speedmasters and Seamaster divers—and is most useful as a starting point for understanding the references and the condition questions that matter when comparing examples.

What makes this a useful vintage Omega shortlist?

Broer’s selection spans different eras, designs and movement types rather than naming ten versions of the same watch. The references below follow his 2021 article, “Vintage Omega Watches (2021): RJ’s Top Ten Classic Watches”. Treat the choices as one collector’s taste: the list does not establish which watch is best for every buyer.

RJ’s ten favorite vintage Omega watches

1. Constellation Grand Luxe 2930

Fratello dates the Grand Luxe 2930 to 1956–1959 and describes an 18-carat gold case with a distinctive brick-style bracelet. The reference is associated with caliber 505, although Fratello notes that some examples appear to contain caliber 501. Its main inspection concern is the dial: redials and small restorations can complicate an assessment of originality.

2. Speedmaster Professional 105.012

Fratello identifies the 105.012 as the first Speedmaster reference to carry “Professional” on its dial, dating that wording to 1964. The designation refers to the case shape, which protects the crown and pushers; it does not mean NASA had already qualified the watch. Omega says NASA declared the Speedmaster “Flight Qualified for all Manned Space Missions” on March 1, 1965, in its April 29, 2025 press release.

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3. Constellation Megaquartz 2400, reference 196.0013

This unusual Constellation uses caliber 1510, described by Fratello as a 2.4 MHz megaquartz movement. The article reported observed sales of €2,500–€3,000 in 2021; that is a dated observation, not a current valuation.

4. Speedmaster 105.003

The 105.003 is linked to Ed White’s Gemini IV mission and to Gene Cernan’s wear on Apollo 17. Omega identifies Cernan’s Apollo 17 watch as ST 105.003 and says that reference was used for the 2019 Calibre 321 recreation. Omega’s December 8, 2022 press release quotes CEO Raynald Aeschlimann calling the mission the Speedmaster’s sixth lunar use and “the final milestone of our incredible lunar story.”

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5. Constellation Manhattan

Fratello dates the Manhattan design to 1982 and distinguishes two substantially different versions: quartz caliber 1422 at 32.5 mm and automatic caliber 1111 at 36 mm. Identify the movement and size before comparing examples; “Manhattan” alone does not specify which configuration is being offered. The article’s approximately €700 starting point for steel or bi-color versions was its 2021 estimate only.

6. Seamaster Ploprof 600M 166.077

Introduced in 1971 according to Fratello, this model pairs a deep-diving design with caliber 1002. Movement and dial swaps are key concerns. Fratello reported that research by Ploprof collectors, with help from Omega Archives, suggested more than 60% of examples had a replaced movement. This is a secondary collector-research estimate reported in 2021, not an official Omega statistic. Fratello’s approximately €7,500 price was also historical.

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7. Speedmaster BA145.022-69

This gold Speedmaster was a special Apollo-era issue. Fratello reported in 2021 that 1,014 were made between 1969 and 1973; that production figure is attributed to the article and is not independently confirmed here against a primary production record. The same article said prices were often above $50,000 at the time, not that this is a current market level.

8. Seamaster 300 165.024

Fratello describes the 165.024 as a 41.5 mm, no-date model with caliber 552, and dates its featured example to 1967. The reference is associated with 1960s Royal Air Force use. The article’s estimate of around €9,000 belongs to 2021.

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9. Seamaster Baby Ploprof 166.0250

The Baby Ploprof has a 40 mm case, 120 m water resistance and caliber 1010, according to Fratello. The article describes it as sometimes being called the first vintage Omega diver with a sapphire crystal; that “first” claim is not independently verified here. Its around-€3,500 estimate was also from 2021.

10. Centenary 2500

Fratello presents the 1948 Centenary as Omega’s first chronometer-certified self-winding watch and a predecessor to the Constellation. The article reports production of 4,000 reference 2500 watches and about 2,000 reference 2499 watches; these are its figures, not independently verified production records. It gave around €3,000 as a 2021 estimate for the 2500.

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How to assess an example before buying

For these watches, the model name is only the beginning. Broer’s explicit warnings about restored dials and exchanged components make originality and condition central to comparing two examples. Use the exact reference and movement as the baseline, then examine what is present on the individual watch.

  • Confirm the reference and movement. Match the seller’s description to the specific reference and movement—for example, the Manhattan’s 1422 quartz and 1111 automatic versions are different sizes.
  • Inspect the dial. Ask whether it is original, refinished, or locally restored. A redial or repair can materially change what the watch is, not just how it looks.
  • Check for component substitutions. On the Ploprof 166.077 in particular, request clear documentation of the movement and dial; Fratello’s reported collector research makes movement originality a significant question.
  • Assess the case and service history. Request detailed photographs, service records and an account of replaced or repaired parts. A service component may be practical, but it should be disclosed rather than mistaken for an original part.
  • Review provenance and documentation. Records that connect the watch to its stated reference, ownership history and service can help clarify what is being offered, though paperwork alone does not establish originality.

Omega announced an official Certificate of Authenticity initiative for vintage watches in 2019. Its press archive announcement documents that initiative, but does not provide current application instructions. Contact Omega to confirm today’s process and eligibility.

How to interpret the list’s prices and production counts

The euro and dollar figures above are Fratello’s 2021 observations or estimates, not current asking prices, sale results, or appraisals. Condition, originality, service components and documentation can distinguish two watches with the same reference. Likewise, the production totals for the BA145.022-69 and Centenary references are figures reported by Fratello in 2021, not independently verified production records. Use those figures as attributed historical context, not as a guarantee of rarity or value.

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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