Why This Watch Matters The Speedmaster 125 celebrated Omega’s 125th anniversary in 1973 with its own caliber 1041, a Lemania-based chronometer certified automatic movement that can only be found in this model. The Full Story Since its establishment in 1848, Omega has continuously pushed the envelope with technical developments and watch designs, majorly contributing to the horological industry. Always being ahead of the curve and unafraid to break any barriers, the manufacturer released this Speedmaster 125 model celebrating the company’s 125th anniversary. The design quintessentially represents the design elements from the 1970s rolled into one: large, bold, and heavy, but constructed in a way that it wears comfortably on the wrist, with its specially designed integrated bracelet. At a glance, some might be reminded of the dial configuration of the Speedmaster Mark III – with the 24-hour indicator on the left sub-dial, but in a monochromatic dial colorway – and of the angular case shape of the Speedmaster Mark IV. The applied OMEGA 125 signature at the top is a nice touch differentiating from the other Speedmaster models. The biggest differentiating factor, though, is the movement inside. It is fitted with a Lemania-based caliber 1041 which was only used for this anniversary model. The caliber 1041 was introduced as the first chronometer-certified automatic chronograph movement. There has been some controversy and speculation surrounding the actual quantity that were produced (2000 pieces according to Omega), but regardless, it’s a special creation from a historical and design perspective, and is still fairly undervalued considering that it is an important anniversary piece. The Fine Print Maker: OmegaModel: Speedmaster 125Reference: 178002/3780801Year: Circa 1973Case No: N/AMovement No.: 34911846Material: Stainless steelDimensions: 42mm x 51mm dimension; 15mm thicknessCrystal: Mineral glassLume: Yes, tritiumCaliber: Omega self-winding caliber 1041Bracelet/Strap: Omega stainless steel bracelet reference 1221/212Lug Width: N/A (due to the special construction of the bracelet, conventional straps/bracelets will not fit on this model)Box/Papers: No What we Love and What You Should Know The watch is in very good overall condition with not much wear visible. The case and bracelet are both in very good condition, likely with a very light polish, retaining the subtle radial and vertical satin finishes. There are very minor nicks on the edge of the curved lugs on the top right side, but otherwise it is in pristine condition. The caseback has the proper Hippocampus logo and is etched with the code “G 19X” with the last digit illegible. The pushers and the crown are likely to be service replacements. The mineral crystal is in pristine condition without any chips, which can often be seen on the edges. The dial is in clean condition without any visible imperfections; it has aged wonderfully with a beautiful rich patina on the lume. Based on the brightness and duration of the lume on the handset glowing under a UV light, as well as the current state of the handset itself, it appears to have been fitted with a service replacement set, but this certainly does not detract from the watch's appearance. As a whole, this is a very well maintained example with many years of wear left for the new owner.
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