3 Must-Have Omega Speedmaster Models

Why the Omega Speedmaster Pre-owned Market Matters

Omega Speedmaster pre-owned watches represent an accessible entry point into serious watch collecting. Unlike many luxury timepieces with prohibitive premiums, pre-owned Speedmasters offer proven quality, historical significance, and strong value retention—without the boutique markup.

The Speedmaster’s appeal is rooted in documented history. It’s the watch that survived NASA’s brutal testing in 1965 and the timepiece Buzz Aldrin wore on the Moon in 1969. This legacy makes the pre-owned market particularly compelling, as you are buying into a design that has remained fundamentally unchanged for decades. You aren't chasing trends; you're acquiring a tool watch with genuine credentials.

The pre-owned route sidesteps the boutique experience entirely. There are no waiting lists or pressure to bundle accessories, just transparent pricing on authenticated timepieces, often 20-40% below retail for modern references. The best sources are authorised dealers, specialist pre-owned retailers, and auction houses, while private sales carry higher risk.

In this roundup, we'll explore the most coveted Speedmaster references on the pre-owned market—from the original Moonwatch Professional to the modern Dark Side of the Moon and the highly sought-after Snoopy editions. We'll also cover what you need to know before buying, including authentication, condition assessment, and why dealing with a trusted Australian dealer matters.

Our Roundup of Coveted Omega Speedmaster Pre-owned Models

The Speedmaster isn't a single watch—it's a family with serious range. From the original racing chronograph that survived NASA's brutal testing regime to modern ceramic innovations and limited-edition collector's pieces, there's an Omega Speedmaster pre-owned model that speaks to every kind of enthusiast. Whether you're after the purist's choice or something with contemporary flair, understanding the standout references helps you focus your search.

Let's walk through the models that consistently attract attention in the pre-owned market.

1. The Moonwatch Professional: The Original Icon

This is where most collectors start, and for good reason. The Moonwatch Professional is the watch that made history. In 1965, it was the only chronograph to survive NASA's extreme testing regime. Four years later, Buzz Aldrin wore one during the Apollo 11 mission, making it the first watch on the Moon.

The classic Moonwatch features a Hesalite crystal (acrylic), chosen by NASA because it won't splinter in zero gravity. While it scratches more easily than sapphire, this is part of its tool-watch character, and minor marks can be polished out. Inside, you'll find a manual-wind movement. Early references used the legendary Calibre 321, later models switched to the workhorse Calibre 1861, and the newest iterations feature the modern Calibre 3861. All are robust mechanical chronographs built for precision.

The instantly recognisable design, with its black dial and tachymeter bezel—a Speedmaster innovation—hasn't chased trends because it never needed to. For collectors, a pre-owned Moonwatch Professional represents a direct lineage to the Apollo missions.

2. The Dark Side of the Moon: Ceramic Innovation

While the Moonwatch Professional honours tradition, the Dark Side of the Moon collection showcases modern materials. These watches are crafted from a single block of black zirconium oxide ceramic, creating a stealthy, all-black aesthetic that is exceptionally scratch-resistant and lightweight. Unlike the classic Moonwatch, these models feature sapphire crystals on the front and back, with an exhibition caseback to view the movement.

Inside, you'll find Omega's modern Co-Axial Master Chronometer movements, which offer superior accuracy and magnetic resistance. The Dark Side of the Moon appeals to collectors who appreciate the Speedmaster's heritage but want something unmistakably contemporary. A pre-owned Dark Side offers access to Omega's experimental side without the boutique premium.

3. The "Snoopy Award" Editions: A Collector's Grail

Now we're entering serious collector territory. The "Snoopy Award" Speedmasters are among the most sought-after references in the entire lineup. These watches commemorate NASA's Silver Snoopy Award, an honour Omega received in 1970 for its critical role in helping the Apollo 13 crew return safely to Earth after an in-flight emergency. The crew used their Speedmasters to time a crucial 14-second engine burn that was essential for their survival.

Omega has released several Snoopy editions, each with unique design elements featuring the beloved Peanuts character. The 50th Anniversary edition, for example, has an animated caseback where Snoopy orbits the Moon. Produced in limited numbers, their scarcity, historical significance, and charm ensure they command strong prices in the pre-owned market. NASA's Silver Snoopy Award is one of the highest honours in aerospace, and these watches are a wearable tribute to that legacy. Finding one requires patience and a trusted dealer who can verify its authenticity.

A Buyer's Guide to Acquiring a Speedmaster

Purchasing an Omega Speedmaster pre-owned should be exciting, not nerve-wracking. Whether you're drawn to the Moonwatch's Apollo heritage or the modern appeal of the Dark Side of the Moon, knowing what to look for makes all the difference. Here's what we've learned from years of handling these iconic timepieces in Australia.

Key Considerations for an Omega Speedmaster Pre-owned Purchase

Authenticity is everything. In the luxury watch world, peace of mind is paramount. At WristWorks, every timepiece undergoes exhaustive in-house authentication before it is listed. Our team examines every detail, from movement finishing to case engravings, to ensure what you're buying is genuine. We guarantee the authenticity of all watches we own and sell.

Condition assessment tells you what you're really getting. A pre-owned Speedmaster might show honest wear, and that's perfectly fine. We evaluate each watch carefully and document any signs of previous ownership. For modern Speedmasters, a light polish can restore their lustre, but with vintage pieces, we generally leave them untouched to preserve their originality and character.

Having the original box and papers—what collectors call a "full set"—significantly boosts both value and desirability. These items provide crucial provenance, proving the watch's history and authenticity. We prioritise offering full-set listings whenever possible.

Service history is worth asking about. A well-maintained Speedmaster will run reliably for decades. If a watch comes with documented service records, that's a bonus. If not, we can advise on potential servicing needs and recommend trusted watchmakers in Australia.

Understanding the Speedmaster's Value Retention

The Omega Speedmaster pre-owned market is remarkably stable. Unlike fashion watches that plummet in value, Speedmasters hold their worth impressively well. This is due to a combination of factors: consistently strong market demand from a global audience, a timeless design that has remained fundamentally unchanged since the 1960s, and a historical significance that can't be overstated. As the "Moonwatch," its connection to space exploration gives it a narrative that transcends typical luxury goods. Finally, Speedmasters are built to last, with a reputation for rock-solid performance, ensuring they hold real, measurable worth in the marketplace.

The Safest Way to Buy or Sell Your Timepiece

Navigating Australia's luxury watch market can feel overwhelming. At WristWorks, we aim to make the experience transparent, trustworthy, and accessible. As an online-first dealer based in Perth, we offer competitive, GST-inclusive pricing without the overheads of a physical boutique.

If you're looking to sell your Speedmaster, we prioritise direct-to-dealer sales. This method provides a straightforward quote, guaranteed authentication, and prompt payment upon agreement. It eliminates the uncertainty and hassle of private sales. We also offer a consignment service where we handle the entire process, from authentication to showcasing your timepiece to collectors across Australia.

Whether buying or selling, we serve collectors nationwide with free, insured shipping. Our goal is to be the first name Australians think of for buying or selling a luxury watch online—a trusted expert providing straight answers.

To explore our services or get an obligation-free valuation for your Omega Speedmaster pre-owned, we invite you to get a valuation for your watch today. Experience the WristWorks difference, where trust and transparency are how we do business.