Omega's Speedmaster Automatic was instrumental in popularizing the Speedmaster in the watch market. Even though production has ended, it remains popular among watch enthusiasts as a vintage Omega. Let's take a look at the history of the Speedmaster Automatic, from the first model to the final model, along with its distinctive features.
The Speedmaster Automatic, still highly acclaimed by watch enthusiasts
Omega's Speedmaster Automatic (Speedmaster Reduced) is a series that is no longer in production, but it is still beloved as a vintage Omega with features not found in standard models.
To better understand the history of the Speedmaster Automatic, let's first take a look at the series' distinctive features.
A latecomer series that appeared in the 1980s
Omega's Speedmaster collection has a long history, dating back to 1957. The Speedmaster Automatic is a relatively new series, having begun production in the late 1980s.
The background to the introduction of the Speedmaster Automatic was Omega's desire to popularize the Speedmaster, which was originally created as a professional line, to the general public.
The original Speedmaster Automatic was more affordable than the Speedmaster Professional, which was released at the same time. Furthermore, unlike the manual-winding Speedmaster Professional, the Automatic, as its name suggests, was self-winding.
Its distinctive feature is that it incorporates a level of convenience not found in previous Speedmasters, both in terms of price and ease of use.
The design is more diverse than the Moonwatch
The Moonwatch Professional, synonymous with Omega, is a series with a generally retro feel. The Speedmaster Automatic also has models in the same style as the Moonwatch Professional, but it also produces sporty watches such as racing models.
There are many other variations of the Speedmaster Automatic, including models with moon phases and models for women. Combined with its smaller case compared to the Moonwatch Professional, it can be said to be suitable for a wider range of occasions.
The History of the Speedmaster Automatic
The Speedmaster Automatic was a long-selling Speedmaster with the longest production run. Let's trace its history from the introduction of the first model to the end of the series.
1987 - "Ref. ST376.0822" begins
The Speedmaster Automatic was born in 1987, 30 years after the Speedmaster's history began.
The first model is "Ref. ST376.0822." It is an automatic chronograph that follows on from the Speedmaster Mark III (Ref. ST176.002). Its appearance is very similar to that of the Professional Series. The case and bracelet are made of stainless steel.
The following year, in 1988, the reduced version, "Ref. 3510.50," was released and was produced until 2006.
Subsequently, successor series were released with changes to the design and buckle structure, including "Ref.3511.XX~," "Ref.3513.XX~," and "Ref.321X.XX~."
Around 2008: The end of the "Ref. 323" series
Even after production of the original Ref. 3510.50 ended, the "Ref. 321X.XX~" series was released and the Speedmaster Automatic continued to be produced for a while. However, with the "Ref. 323X.XX~" series, which began production around 2008, the Speedmaster Automatic's history came to an end.
The "Ref.323X.XX~" series is an automatic Speedmaster that uses the same three-row dial as the manual-winding Professional. It offers improved performance compared to previous Speedmaster Automatics, including a stronger crystal and a power reserve of approximately 48 hours.
However, no successor model to the Speedmaster Automatic was ever produced as part of the series.
The History of the Automatic Speedmaster
When understanding the history of the Speedmaster Automatic, it is important to understand the evolution of the automatic Speedmaster. We will introduce the features of the first automatic Speedmaster model released, as well as the history of the Speedmaster Automatic from its discontinuation to the present day.
The first automatic watch was the Speedmaster Mark III
The Speedmaster collection consisted exclusively of manual-winding models until the first automatic model was released in 1971. The first automatic model was the Speedmaster Mark III (Ref. ST176.002).
When the Ref. ST176.002 was first released, the Speedmaster Automatic series did not yet exist. It was an automatic model created to distinguish itself from the hand-wound Speedmaster Professional.
The Ref. ST176.002 also has futuristic elements in its design, and it's easy to imagine that Omega wanted to create a watch that was different from previous Speedmasters.
An automatic model that continues to this day
The history of the Speedmaster Automatic ended with the "Ref. 323X.XX~" series. However, there are many automatic Speedmaster models in recent years.
Automatic movement (Cal. 9900). 54 jewels. 25,200 vph. Power reserve approximately 60 hours. Stainless steel case (diameter 40.85mm, thickness 14.65mm). Water resistant to 100m. Price: 1,298,000 yen (tax included).
For example, the Speedmaster Pilot, which was released in 2024, follows the Speedmaster '57, which incorporated details from the original Speedmaster released in 1957, but emphasizes its pilot's watch design. The case is large, measuring 40.85mm in diameter and 14.65mm thick, and its colorful use of colors gives it a different feel from the Speedmaster collection, including the Speedmaster Automatic.
The Speedmaster Racing Master Chronometer, released in 2017, inherits the distinctive racing dial style reminiscent of the original Speedmaster. Another key feature is the Cal. 9900 movement, which boasts the highest level of Master Chronometer certification.
Automatic movement (Cal. 9900). 54 jewels. 28,800 vph. Power reserve approximately 60 hours. Stainless steel case (diameter 44.25mm, thickness 14.9mm). Water resistant to 5 bar. Price: 1,061,500 yen (tax included).
The new Speedmaster Super Racing, announced in 2023, is not only extremely accurate with a daily accuracy of 0 to ±2 seconds, but is also popular for its sporty design among Speedmaster models. When you hold it in your hand, you will feel a different charm from the manual-winding Moonwatch Professional.
Automatic movement (Cal. 9920). 54 jewels. 28,800 vph. Power reserve approximately 60 hours. Stainless steel case (diameter 44.25mm, thickness 14.9mm). Water resistant to 5 bar. Price: 1,061,500 yen (tax included).
The Speedmaster 38 is also equipped with an automatic movement. Although it is a collection targeted at women, with its glittering diamonds and sophisticated colors, the simple models are sized to fit perfectly on men's wrists as well.
Automatic movement (Cal. 3330). 31 jewels. 25,200 vph. Power reserve approximately 52 hours. 18K Moonshine gold case (diameter 38mm, thickness 14.73mm). Water resistant to 100m. Price: 3,069,000 yen (tax included).
A Look Back at the Lineage of the Speedmaster Automatic
If you want to learn more about Omega's Speedmaster, you can't ignore the existence of the Speedmaster Automatic, which was manufactured for a long period of about 20 years. This series was made for the general public rather than the professional line that had existed up until then, and contributed greatly to the popularity of the Speedmaster.
Although the name "Speedmaster Automatic" came to an end with the "Ref. 323X.XX~" series, the automatic Speedmaster remains an essential part of Omega's lineup. Automatic watches have advantages that are different from manual winding watches. When choosing an Omega, it's a good idea to remember the history of the Speedmaster Automatic.
