Omega - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XIV Hong Kong Friday, May 27, 2022 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Omega
    Year: 1997
    Reference No: ST345.0818
    Movement No: 48’370’120
    Model Name: Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch “Special Italy”
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 1863, 18 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Omega bracelet, max length 180mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Omega deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 42mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Omega fitted presentation box and outer packaging. Delivered with an Omega Extract form the Archives confirming its date of production of the present timepiece on 4th December 1997 and its subsequent delivery to Italy.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Since the successful and historical event of the moon landing in 1969, the Omega Speedmaster has gained a cult status as being one of the most iconic wristwatches ever produced. Commemorating the event, a series of limited edition variants of the Speedmasters were produced in the following decades offering Speedy collectors a wide array of dial configurations case materials and insignia.

    The present Speedmaster Professional ref. ST345.0818 was released in 1997 as a limited edition of 500 pieces made specifically for the Italian market. One of the most attractive and adored limited editions created by the firm, it features an “Albino” cream coloured dial paired subtly with grey accents. In addition to the rare off-white dial, Omega used Luminova, not tritium, for the hands and hour markers, which was a first for the brand. Additionally, the markers were outlined in crayon grey for contrast, which was the reverse of a similar feature seen on Omega’s Snoopy series. Featuring yet another unique feature was the incorporation of a sapphire crystal on the dial side and the caseback allowing the wearer to admire the cal. 1863.

    The present example numbered 245 from 1997 confirmed by an Omega Extract from the Archives is offered in attractive overall condition.

  • Artist Biography

    Omega

    Swiss • 1848

    Omega's rich history begins with its founder, Louis Brandt, who established the firm in 1848 in La Chaux de Fonds. In 1903, the company changed its name to Omega, becoming the only watch brand in history to have been named after one its own movements. A full-fledged manufacturer of highly accurate, affordable and reliable watches, its sterling reputation enabled them to be chosen as the first watch company to time the Olympic Games beginning in 1932. Its continued focus on precision and reliability ultimately led their Speedmaster chronograph wristwatch to be chosen by NASA in 1965 — the first watch worn on the moon.

    Key models sought-after by collectors include their first, oversized water-resistant chronograph — the reference 2077, early Speedmaster models such as the CK 2915 and 2998, military-issued versions of the Seamaster and oversized chronometer models such as those fitted with their prestigious caliber 30T2Rg.

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1069

Ref. ST345.0818
A very fine, attractive and rare limited edition stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with “Albino” dial and presentation box, numbered 245 of a limited edition of 500 pieces, made for the Italian market

1997
42mm diameter
Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed

Estimate
HK$160,000 - 320,000 
€20,400-40,800
$20,500-41,000

Sold for HK$189,000

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Head of Watches, Asia 
+852 2318 2001
WatchesHK@phillips.com

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XIV

Hong Kong Auction 27 - 28 May 2022