Omega Speedmaster Mark Series Chronograph
Written by Chuck Maddox on 28 December 1999,
Last Revised: 21 May 2006, 16:16 GMT
certain rights reserved.
6 examples of Mark Series Omega Speedmasters...

The Speedmaster Mark Series consists of four distinct different "Marks" that in some cases (pardon the pun) spawned their own offshoots. The first of the "Marks", which is almost never referred to as the Mark I, is the original Omega Speedmaster commonly referred to as the moonwatch in c.861. Apparently, Omega for some reason decided to either: a) begin to phase out the moonwatch case in favor of the Mark II or b) to offer the Mark II as an alternative. Perhaps Omega was planning on distinguishing between the c.321 and c.861 by naming the c.861 Mark I, but this is speculation on my part which typically bears little or no resemblance to reality.

Here is a brief run down on the cases and movements of the Marks:

Dimensions of Omega Speedmaster Mark Series
Reference

Width:

Number:
Calibre:
Description:
Height:
w/ Crown:
w/o Crown:
Thickness:
Weight:

Remarks:

 Omega Speedmaster Mark II Professional:

145.014
c.861

Mark II Professional

45 mm
44 mm
41.75 mm
14.55 mm
134.61g

 Omega Speedmaster Mark III Professional/Automatic:

176.002
c.1040

Mark III(a) Automatic/Pro

51.6 mm
43.5 mm
41 mm
15.9 mm
157.165g

Flightmaster-type case

c.1040

Mark III(b)

unknown
unknown
unknown
unknown
unknown

Seamaster-type case

Instructions
c.1040

Mark III(c)

unknown
unknown
unknown
unknown
unknown

TV Dial Seamaster case

 Omega Speedmaster Mark IV Professional:

176.009
c.1040

Mark IV(a) Professional

45 mm
44.65 mm
41.6 mm
15.5mm
144.7g

Often Confused w/c1045

c.1040

Mark IV(b) Professional

A put-together Mark III(b) ???

Separated at Birth? - The similarity of the Mark IV and the ST176.0012...

 Omega Speedmaster Mark V:

376.0806
c.1045

Mark V

44.5 mm
45.25 mm
43.75 mm
14.2 mm
126.40 g

c.861 non-Mark variants.

Notes:

  1. Weight is with an proper Omega SS Bracelet fitted to my 8" wrist unless otherwise stated.
  2. I am looking for measurement of the thickness/weight of the watches listed above which are blank.
    1. Please email me if you have one of the models that I am missing data...


Omega Speedmaster Professional Mark II (1969):
Click on photo to access a 1,280 x 1,028 Scan
Click on photo to access a 1,280 x 1,028 Scan

 

The Speedmaster Professional Mark II was introduced in 1969 and marks the first departure from the main moonwatch line to have been made available to the general public. This model along with the Mark IV are the only models of the Mark Series to consistently have the Professional moniker... Only some Mark III's and no Mark V's are marked "Professional", while all Mark II's and Mark IV's are. I will discuss specifics on this further along in the appropriate sections...

The Mark II was produced in three main variants:

  1. Black dialed Stainless Steel Cased version that looks very close to the Moonwatch. (Ref. ST145.014)
  2. Black dialed SS case version with Orange/Red/Gray coloring along the minute track. (Ref. ST145.014)
  3. Gold dialed Gold case version with a Maroon Tachy ring. (Ref. MD145.034)
All three variants used the same c.861 movement as found in the c.861 Speedmaster Professional (moonwatch) of the same vintage. Although to my knowledge the Mark II was not ever submitted for NASA Flight testing it supposedly was intended as a eventual replacement of the Moonwatch case from what I've read.
 
However, on this point Owain Blackwell of the United Kingdom forwarded me the following dialog he had via email with Jean-Luc Miranda, Omega Museum, Vintage Information, after contacting Omega on this point:
"Dear Sir/Madam,
I would be most grateful if you could help me answer the following three questions that have been puzzling me. Re: Speedmaster Professional Mark II

(1). When this was introduced in 1969 was it originally intended the supersede the 'Mark I' or simply to be an alternative? The Mark II is the first model of the "MARK" Series, there is no Mark I

Response: The Mark II is the first model of the "MARK" Series, there is no Mark I
[Although on rare occasions, collectors have referred to the main "moonwatch" Speedmaster line as "Mark I" Speedmasters...]

(2). When it was designed did the designers have its use on future Apollo space programmes in mind?

Response: Difficult to say but we know that in February 1969 our US Agent and our Sales Manager paid a visit to the NASA in Houston and proposed the Mark II as an alternative to the already in use and most appreciated "moon watches". This proposal was denied because the Apollo program had tight schedules and that it would have taken too much time to the NASA to get the official approval from the Test Division.

(3). The terms 'Mark' in a series usually suggests that improvements are being made with each succeeding mark. Where the improvements (ie mineral crystal, water resistance) made with the Space programme in mind?

Response: These improvement were brought to several watches of the same period, not specially having the space program in mind..
 
Thanks to Owain for doing the leg work on the topic of of Mark II's and NASA!

Of the three variants of the Mark II they are listed above in order of apparent rareness. One of the things that may not be immediate noticable on a Mark II is that while it is a handsome watch on a Bracelet because of it's large and thick case it looks a bit odd on a leather strap. Fortunately it is possible to get a suitable Omega Bracelet for at least the stainless steel versions of these watches with a little bit of foot work.

 
Red/Orange/Gray OSP Mark II
Red/Orange/Gray Omega Speedmaster Professional Mark II

-- Photo by Ruckdee C.

However, in doing research for this article, I located a fourth variant that I had forgotten about... This variant has an unusual multicolored minute ring instead of the usual Tachy ring. A showcase of these variants follows:
 
Showcase of Omega Speedmaster Professional Mark II Variants:
Mark II from back
1) Ref. ST145.014
2) Ref. ST145.014
3) Ref. MD145.034
4) A Funky Bezeled Mark II
c.861 in a Mark II
1) Ref. ST145.014

2) Ref. ST145.014

3) Ref. MD145.034

4) A Funky Mark II
 
It is important to note that it is possible to change the bezel with factory produced alternatives (such as a pulseometer) and still be a genuine product. The "Funky" Mark II (Number 4 above) is the only example I've seen of this particular variation. There is a nice short article on Bezel Inserts for the Moonwatch Speedmasters on TimeZone Classic Number 876 written by Bo Hansen. I should also mention a short article I composed for an article on the Speedmaster 125 that explains How to use four different types of chronograph bezels... Finally, I have a picture of a Mark II Styled c.1045 that has a Pulseometer Bezel as shown below to illustrate the possibility of doing this.
   
Omega c.1045 with Pulseometer
Omega Speedmaster c.1045 w/Pulsation Dial
This is not a Mark II or Mark IV!!!
 

Update!: A Gold Mark II with a Black Bezel was recently offered on eBay, and indeed it is an attractive color combination:

 
Omega Speedmaster Professional Mark II

Omega Speedmaster Professional Mark II,

-- Photo by Mike V.

 
Recently, eieioeieio emailed me a series of photo's of his Red/Orange Mark II... Vincent's example is as clean of an example as I've ever seen, and he has granted me permission to include those photo's here:
 
This is about as good as it get's folks! Thanks again eieioeieio for your scans and your permission!
   
Commentary on the Mark II's: The Mark II is the most commonly seen of the Mark Series by a goodly amount. The black dialed Speedmaster being the most common of the common. The Red/Orange/Gray dialed version be somewhat less commonly seen. The Gold version is even rarer. I don't know if the Gold version is simply gold plate, or gold filled (or 14k/18k) but the caseback on these models is Stainless Steel... Although I have never seen one so equipped it would be a relatively simple matter to put a black bezel crystal onto the Gold edition which came with a Red or Maroon Bezel, which I would think would be an attractive combination. I should mention that my first Omega and first quality Swiss watch was a Black Dial Speedmaster Mark II Professional. A watch I still hold dear. I recently restored that Mark II and the story of it's restoration is located here: Speedmaster Professional Mark II: Reborn...


Omega Speedmaster Mark III Automatic / Professional - Automatic (1971~1973):   
Click on photo to access a 1,280 x 960 pixel Scan
     
The Mark III is an odd bird. In 1972, Lemania and Omega presented their jointly developed caliber 1040a central rotor winding automatic chronograph with a diameter of 13 3/4 lines, and a height was 8 mm. The Mark III marks the first use of this movement in an Omega watch. The Omega c.1040 movement is a non-chronometer rated movement. However in 1973 after some fine tuning the chronometer grade c.1041 movement used in the Speedmaster 125 Anniversary Chronograph would be produced.. Both Omega Calibre 1040 and 1041 are also known as the Lemania Calibre 1341. The 125 marked Omega's first Chronometer Chronograph, and was the first chronometer grade automatic chronograph. a precursor to the current Seamaster Professional Chronograph-Chronometer, although the movement has little in common with the current model Seamaster The Mark III is the only one of the Mark Series to have three very distinctive case styles, the second of which has a very similar model in the Seamaster series. Hence I have classified them as Mark III(a) and Mark III(b) and Mark III(c). The Mark III(a) is also available in at least three different dial combinations:
 
c.1040 Omega Movement (Lemania c.1341 base)
Omega c.1040 Movement used in the Speedmaster Mark III and Mark IV
 
Mark III(a) Variants (Flightmaster-Style Case):
     
  1. A Black dialed Stainless Steel similar in appearance to the aforementioned ST 145.014 Mark II and the Moonwatch (Ref. ST176.002) from 1973, but in a modified Flightmaster Styled case.
  2. A Navy Blue Dialed/White Sub-dialed Stainless Steel case with a Gray Tachy Ring, also (Ref. ST176.002) from 1973.
  3. A Silver dialed Stainless Steel model with a medium blue Tachy Ring, also (Ref. ST176.002) but listed in the Time Capsule book as dating from 1973.
         
Mark III(b) Variants (Seamaster-Style Case):
     
The Mark III(b) Variant is also an odd bird in that I have seen listed in both Stainless Steel and Gold versions on line numerous times, but neither version I have seen shows up in the Time Capsule book. I have seen enough of these to believe they are not fakes or custom made versions. A picture I have cobbled together of a Mark III(a) and a MarkIII(b) side by side follows:
     
Omega Speedmaster Mark III: Variant Mark III(a) at left, and Variant Mark III(b) at right
Omega Speedmaster Mark III: Variant Mark III(a) at left, and Variant Mark III(b) at right.
The author owns the Mark III(a) at left.
    
In addition to the Blue dialed variant pictured above right, the Mark III(b) Variant was also available in a Gold/Gold Case/Dial version as well. Additionally, Omega made a number of Seamaster models with this same basic case and dial layout. A picture of one of my Seamaster examples follows:
 
 
Mark III(c) Variants (Square Dial Seamaster Case):
   
The Mark III(c) Variant is also unusual in that it shares a case with a Seamaster of the same vintage.
     

Omega Speedmaster Mark III(c)

(At Left) The Speedmaster Mark III, variant (c) Reference number 176.005 manufactured in 1972 from the Time Capsule Book. (Above) A Gold case/Gold Dial c.1040 Seamaster also roughly from the same era. You might not believe it but these two watches are from different lines within the Omega Family!

Two of my Stainless Steel Seamasters with this style case are pictured below. There seem to be greater availability of this particular case in Seamaster trim than Speedmaster

As you can see the Seamaster TV Dial's were offered in a number of different dial configurations...

Is the Mark III a "Professional" or not?
 
One of the more interesting facts about the Mark III is that it was offered both as "Omega Automatic Speedmaster Mark III" and as the "Omega Speedmaster Professional Mark III Automatic" as indicated on the dial, at least in the Mark III(a) variant. An email correspondence with John Diethelm of Omega Vintage information yielded the following information: "existing in one and unique reference: ST 176.0002 - Calibre 1040 - automatic chronograph" and that "°ref. ST 176.0002 = we have surely one and unique reference for this watch, but in 1971, when launched, this watch had a dial " without the name... Professional " these names have only been added to the versions produced after 1973, which is therefore a Seamaster " Speedmaster " chronograph automatic Mark III (automatic at 3 hours ! )"...
 
Omega Automatic Speedmaster Mark III / Omega Speedmaster Pro Mark III Auto
Omega Automatic Speedmaster Mark III
(1971-1972)
 
Omega Speedmaster Professional Mark III
Automatic (1973-)
 
Thus, it appears that early Mark III(a)'s manufactured during 1971 and 1972 sport the "Omega Automatic Speedmaster Mark III dial with no reference to "Professional" (pictured above on the left), while Mark III's manufactured during 1973 and thereafter feature the "Omega Speedmaster Professional Mark III Automatic" dial as pictured above at right... I have yet to see a Mark III(b) or a Mark III(c) marked as "Professional". This is not to say that they don't exist, but until I see to the contrary, it appears that only the Mark III(a) have this variability, being marked as "Professional"...
 
Mark III Instruction Manual

These scans are from a Mark III Directions booklet. They can be used not only for the Speedmaster Professional Mark III Automatic and Speedmaster Mark III Automatic, but also any Omega Chronograph utilizing the Lemania 1342 base movement. These include the Speedmaster Professional Mark IV, Speedmaster 125, and several different Seamaster Automatic models.

Clicking on the picture will open a new window with a 1280 x 800 pixel version of the picture
Clicking on the picture will open a new window with a 1280 x 800 pixel version of the picture
     
Commentary on the Mark III's: The Mark III(a) case is probably the thickest watch I own. At 17mm or .65625 inches, it's very tall, but it has an unusual high-tech look to it that I find very appealing. My example has been nicknamed "Dr. Evil" by me as it reminds me of the sweet spot of the Bond movies (from Goldfinger through On Her Majesties Secret Service) as well as the Austin Powers movies that were inspired by these films, as a watch that would show up on the wrist of a character in one of those movies... I do not own an example of the other variants, nor are they on my acquisition list, as I do not find them as attractive as the Black Dialed Mark III(a). It is not that they aren't appealing, just that they don't appeal to me that much. The Mark III(a) and the Mark III(b) while less common than the Mark II are fairly common, the Mark III(c) seems to be considerably less common.
 
Click on photo to access a 1,280 x 1,028 Scan

Omega Speedmaster Professional Mark IV (1973):
Click on photo to access a 1,280 x 960 pixel Scan
   
The Mark IV, along with the Mark II are marked "Professional" on the dial. The Speedmaster 125, the Mark V, the c.1045 Speedmaster's, and some Mark III's also do not rate "Professional" status.
 
Initially I had thought that there was only one variant of the Mark IV made by Omega. But not too long after my initial posting of this article Jussi Peltola, a Finnish Mark IV Speedmaster owner pointed out a variant on a site in Denmark that differs from the published pictures in the Time Capsule book and from what I have seen previously on the web. Hence I have named the more common and published variant as a Mark IV(a), and the Danish variant a Mark IV(b). As I haven't seen this variant in-person and hence cannot confirm it's authenticity, At the moment I will assume that it is a genuine product offered by Omega although it may not.

Both of the Mark IV variants use a c.1040 movement (2-Register) watch based off of the Speedmaster 125 movement (like the Mark III). The Mark IV(a) uses a variant of the Mark II case with the Bezel being slightly modified to handle the extra thickness of the c.1040 movement. While the Mark IV(b) appears to use the same case as the Mark III(b). Why Omega choose to do this is somewhat mysterious, but probably was a way or offer a different model at little additional cost. As I do not know if this model is a product offered as such by Bienne it remains possible that the IV(b) is a put-together watch made of genuine Omega components from other donor watches.

 
Separated at Birth? - The similarity of the Mark IV and the ST176.0012
 
The Mark IV(a) is very frequently mistaken for a non-Mark c.1045 (Lemania 5100) movement Speedmaster offering that shares the same case. The easiest way to spot the difference is the Mark IV is a two-register Chronograph (as it shares the same movement at the Mark III), whereas the c.1045 is a Three-Register Chronograph. A picture of each follows:
   
Separated at Birth? - Illustrated...
Omega Speedmaster Mark IV
Omega Speedmaster Ref. ST176.0012
Omega Speedmaster Pro Mark IV(a) Ref. ST176.009
Omega Speedmaster c.1045 Ref. ST176. 0012 
 
At a glance it is easy to see how a Mark IV(a) could be confused with a c.1045 Speedmaster. However the layouts of the Sub-dials are very distinctive. The Mark IV(a) shares the layout of the Mark III and Speedmaster 125, while the c.1045 Speedmaster follows the well known layout of the Lemania 5100 movement that it is based on. Another quick and easy way to tell the difference is the Mark IV only has a Date, whereas the c.1045 has a Day-Date. Most watches that use the Lemania 5100 have a day-date, however I own several Heuer's that omit the Day display.
 
Jussi also pointed out to me that the Mark IV(a) along with the c.1045 based ST176.0012 also share a feature with the Speedmaster 125 that none of the other "Marks" do in any of their variations... The movement, crystal and all, can be removed from the case as one module. A picture loaded from Eric Katoso's excellent My Favorite Omega's site shows this feature on the 125. From this image one can see the thickness of this movement:
   
The modularity of certain c.1040 movements...
Omega Speedmaster 125

-- Photo from Eric Katoso's My Favorite Omega's site...
 

   
Mark IV(b) Professional:
 
Danish Mark IV Variant / Mark IV(b)

Note: the "Danish" moniker is due to this piece being discovered on a Danish website, not because it was necessarily a model intended for Denmark...
 

As I have only seen this one picture of this variant it is hard to draw any solid conclusions about this variant. It appears to be the same watch as a Mark III(b) or a Seamaster c.1040 Cushion case counterpart described above but with a different dial. The case also appears like it might have been coated with a PVD-type material to make it a black cased chronograph that would later become in vogue with the introduction of Porsche Design "Black Watches" in the late 1970's although with digital photography, it's possible that lighting conditions could cause polished or brushed Stainless Steel to appear black. This particular watch is posted for sale on a Web page in Denmark priced at 7,800 Krones, an amount roughly exchanging to $1,035, at the writing of this section. Any additional information on this watch, including someone who could translate Danish into English would be greatly appreciated!
 
UPDATE: As of late Spring/Early Summer of 2003, two additional Mark IV(b)'s have shown up on the web both in the Denmark region of Europe. Fortunately Peter Bjerring had the foresight to contact me and I requested him to contact John Diethelm with Omega Vintage Information. The following is John's reply:
 
Following info from our archives :
 
OMEGA - SEAMASTER
Mvt. No. 34'680'xxx (I xxxed out the last three digits -- Chuck)
Automatic calendar chronograph of calibre 1040
Watch reference : ST 176.0007 - stainless steel case: diameter 38 x 38 mm
Strap lug-size: 22 mm
Armoured hesalite glass
Manufactured and delivered to Germany in August 1973 !
Therefore, the illustrated watch is correct, except the dial and hands are the wrong ones…
i.e. they should belong to another chronograph reference " ST 176.0009 " &endash; cal. 1040 &endash; barrel shaped steel case with " mineral flat glass" and having a diameter of 41.5 x 45 mm ! - collection Speedmaster Professional Mark IV (collection 1974)
Thus, we can lay to rest the Mark IV(b) as a misdialed Mark III(b) or Seamaster c.1040. It does not appear that this configuration is something that originated from Bienne originally in the mid-1970's...
 
Commentary on the Mark IV:
The Mark IV(a) seems to be perhaps slightly less common than the Mark III(a) and Mark III(b) variants, but more common than the Mark III(c)'s. If one is considering purchase of this watch they should also consider the c.1045 that it is frequently confused with. The price range on the similar c.1045 should be slightly less, the 24-Hour register is branched out from the small seconds and you upgrade to a Day-Date display from the Date-only display on the Mark IV. For more information on the c.1045, link on over to the article I've written on c.1045 series of watches. All of the c.1045's I have run across have had non-English day rings installed. An English Language Day Ring is obtainable and can be swapped into the watch when it is in for routine maintenance. I have done this on three of my c.1045's and will be doing it shortly to the fourth. The Omega Part number is: 1045-1516 A (9/97). 
The Mark IV(b) seems now to be proven as a "Put-Together" as I had previously supposed. Special Thanks to Peter Bjerring for contacting me in regards to his example.
(Special thanks to Jussi Peltola for his extensive contributions to this section! -- Chuck) 

Omega Speedmaster Professional Mark IV Automatic 176.009
Click on photo to access a 1,280 x 1,028 Scan


Mark V (1984, Central European {¿German speaking countries?} Market(s) only): 
Click on photo to access a 1,280 x 1,028 Scan
 
After producing a slew of Mark'ed Speedmasters in the early to mid 1970's Omega didn't produce any additional ones for a number of years. Then in 1984 Omega introduced the Speedmaster Mark V, using as it's movement the familiar Omega c.1045 movement based on the Lemania 5100 Calibre first offered in 1974. With a diameter of 31.0mm and a 8.25mm thickness, this 17 Jewel movement with it's 48 hour power reserve would be, along with the Valjoux 7750/1 and Zenith El-Primero, one of the most popular, widely used and successful automatic chronograph movements ever produced.
   

The Speedmaster Mark V
The Speedmaster Mark V as clearly indicated on the dial.
All other models using this case are variants, not Mark V's.
   
 

According to most literature the Mark V was only sold in the West German market. However, Daniel Klooz emailed me that it was also marketed in Switzerland, where he bought his Mark V in 1986. Which he paid 600 Swiss Francs (Regular Price was 1200 Swiss Francs). He mentions that his is a very accurate and dependable watch and remains in his collection...

c.1045 Movement in a ST176.0014 (1974)

-- c.1045 movement in a ST176.0014 (1974)
 

The Mark V consisted of a c.1045 movement that had not been used in a Omega for a number of years, incorporated in a modified case that had been used previously in the Speedmaster 1982 c.861 model. Both of these models were marketed only in central Europe, possibly German speaking countries only, for a short amount of time, usually quoted as only one year in each instance. While the Time Capsule Book states it was marked only in Germany I find it difficult to believe that it was available in the DDR (East Germany) as I think it unlikely that many East Germans bought or had access to this model considering the condition of the DDR's economy at that time... It was however apparently available for purchase in Switzerland, and it is not too much of an intuitive leap to assume it was also probably available in Austria.   
    
Mark V Cased c.861 Variants:
 
In addition to the Mark V Speedmaster Omega also produced at least four variants of this case with the c.861 movement.
  1. Satin finished stainless steel case/bezel with black dial.
  2. Satin finished stainless steel case/bezel with satin silver dial.
  3. Satin finished stainless steel and gold case/bezel with black dial.
  4. Satin finished stainless steel and gold case/bezel with Gold Dial and Silver sub-dial's.
Mark V Cased c.861 Variant Showcase:
c.861 in a Mark V
1) SS/Black Dial
2) SS/Silver Dial
3) TT/Black Dial
4) TT/TT Dial
c.861 in a Mark V
1) SS/Black Dial
2) SS/Silver Dial
3) TT/Black Dial
4) TT/TT Dial
 
The Time Capsule book lists these c.861 variants as being offered only in Germany for the year 1982. So in all actuality the Mark V is based on these earlier models. However... It should be noted that the only "true" Speedmaster Mark V is the one with the c.1045, as it is indicated as such on it's dial... The other models are simply 1982 Omega Speedmaster's. The Time Capsule book lists the Reference number of only the SS/Silver Dialed version (Number 2 above) as ST145.0040. The Reference numbers of the other variants are currently unknown. However, I soon expect to know the Reference number's of Number's 1 and 4 above soon as I have located examples of each and have purchased them. I remain searching for an example of the others.
 
Commentary on the Mark V and it's c.861 variants:
 
Finally! I have acquired a Speedmaster Mark V, to go along with my two examples of the c.861 variants (1 and 4 above). Both the Mark V case with the c.861 movement and the Mark V case to be the nicest, best engineered and most modern of the Mark Series cases. The "c.861 variant" case is actually subtly different in design and size than the case used in the Mark V Speedmaster. The case is thinner and has a couple of other minor differences due to the differing dimensions between the c.861 and the c.1045 movements. As a result the Mark V's case thickness at 14mm is 1.5mm thicker than the c.861 Speedmasters using this basic case design.
 
In a way it is also a misnomer to say that the c.861's are Mark V variants, as they were produced prior to the Mark V. In reality the Mark V is a variant of the c.861's not the other way around. However, since the c.861's were never given a distinctive name it is easier to refer to them as Mark V variants than the other, proper, way...
 
If Omega were ever to consider offering for sale a "Modernized" Speedmaster with the c.861 the Mark V case would be a perfect starting point. It is sleek, modern, smart looking, comfortable, offers great protection for the crown and buttons. I'd probably recommend a inverse treatment (black background with metallic numerals) on the Tachy ring for viewability, but it's a great watch from a wearer's standpoint.
 
Note: Since the initial publication of this article I have written a separate article with more details on the German Market Speedmasters called "Hooked on Teutonics". For more information and scans please link over to that article.
  
Click on photo to access a 1,280 x 960 pixel Scan

In Summation...
 
The Speedmaster Mark Series is an fascinating group of watches. While it can be unnerving to consider that it was at one time possible that Omega may have come close to dropping the moonwatch in favor of one or more of the Mark Series, the continuing popularity and classical lines and looks of the moonwatch doesn't mean that these watches are unworthy specimens for anyone's collection. In the end, all of the "Mark" alternatives to the moonwatch suffered from a problem of thickness. The only example in the series that comes close to approaching the thickness of the original moonwatch is the c.861 variant of the Mark V. It is a very handsome watch that probably would have sold well if it had been sold to a wider market than it and it's Mark V cased relatives were.
 
Each of the Marks are very collectable and they show greater variation in design and style than moonwatches. So if you really like Speedmaster's and wish to have watches that are truly different from one another as opposed to variations on the same theme (like a moonwatch) both the Mark Series and the c.1045 series of Speedmasters are a great place to start. The moonwatch is a great classic design, but it is sometimes difficult to decide on which of the dozens and dozens of variations that exist is the right one for you. It is far easier to do this with one of the Marks. They make great watches if you don't mind their size.
 
At this point in time it appears that for the most part Omega has decided to focus it's attention in the Speedmaster line to the Moonwatch and it's variants, various Schumacher editions, and Triple-Date Automatic Speedmasters. I suppose that it is hard to argue with success. However, I for one find the Mark Series and the parallel line of c.1045 Speedmaster Automatics to be excellent Chronographs. These Chronographs hearken back to a time when the watchmakers at Omega were allowed to think outside of the case and to create new shapes, styles, features and movements. Sadly, it is an era that we are not likely to see again anytime soon. But with whisperings of the Speedmaster Rattrapante and the recent production of the George Daniel's Coaxial Escapement, perhaps the time is ripe for another just around the corner...
 
 

Appendix A: Speedmaster Mark Series Oddities...
 
In addition to the "Funky Mark II" that I briefly mentioned above there is one additional Speedmaster that warrants discussion. Both "Speedmaster Addicted" Wichai (his words not mine!) and Spudmax in the TZ Omega Forum made inquiries about the watch pictured in the Time Capsule Book. In the Time Capsule book there is a picture in the gatefold of a watch that appears to be a c.321 Moonwatch with a Mark II Red/Orange/Gray dial. Unfortunately there is little information about this particular example. There exists a second example on KENJI HOMMA's Speedmaster page...
 
Odd Speedmaster Mark Series in Moonwatch Case
Enlargment of Odd Speedmaster Mark Series in Moonwatch Case

-- Images from Kenji Homma's Speedmaster page (Japanese)...

     
This example clearly does not exhibit the Mark II markings.
 
Thus I see no reason to state that this watch has any more relation to a Mark II than any other Moonwatch would.
 
As for the one in the Time Capsule Book, which clearly does exhibit the Mark II text on the dial... I suspect that either a) Someone cobbled it together (sounds like a fun project, actually) because they liked the look, b) it was an Omega experiment to see how this dial would look on a Moonwatch case.
 
Wichai said that an example similar to one of these had appeared on James M. Dowling's Rolex site and was priced around $3,000 before it's image left the site. A search of Mr. Dowling's site turns up no such watch up there currently (only a Orange/Red/Gray Mark II). I have found no information that would lead me to believe that Omega sold to the public a Speedmaster with a moonwatch case and a Mark II dial. It is an oddity and a curiosity but I don't feel that either is an original factory product. As such it's value is difficult to determine unless there is some sort of papers to go along with the watch I wouldn't pay much more than a comparable Moonwatch.
 
(Special thanks go out to both Spudmax and Wichai for their interest and assistance with this section. While I do not believe that these oddities belong in the "Mark" mainstream, they do merit mention and discussion in the context of this article. -- Chuck)

Appendix B: A note to non-native English language speakers...
 
In english "Mark" is often used to denote revised editions, versions, models or series, etc. In French sometimes a model is denoted by the suffix bis which means "the second time around" or second version.
 
Most of the instances I can think of off the top of my head involve (wait for it) automobiles (you should know me by now). Ford Motor Company has a habit of using Mark II, Mark III, Mark IV for different versions of cars (like the GT-40 Mark II's that won LeMans 1-2-3 in 1966, the Mark IV that won LeMans in 1967, etc.), and not just race cars either... Ford Motor Co.'s Lincoln Division had a series of cars called the Lincoln Continental Mark II, III, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII. The Mark VIII was discontinued past year or two and will most likely be the last of the "Mark's".
 
Mark's use as a term to distinguish differing models in a line of succession can be likened to that used for Royalty or Popes: King Edward the VIth, Edward the VIIth..., Pope John-Paul I, Pope John-Paul II, etc....
 
(Special thanks go to Ruckdee C. for this section as he reminded me that the English language is sometimes anything but logical and is not an easy language to fathom. Especially if your native language is anything else! -- Chuck)
 

Acknowledgments...
 
I would like to thank once again:
  • Jussi Peltola, Ruckdee C., Spudmax, and Wichai for their contributions to the article I have previously mentioned. Jussi also was kind enough to measure his Mark IV and provide me with it's thickness for the chart at the beginning of this article. His contributions to the Mark IV section are significant and add to the section greatly. I've since confirmed his measurements
  • Mike V. for photograph of his Mark II, not only does it look better than my Mark II, he takes a better picture!
  • Ruckdee C. for his picture of his Mark II that is within the Mark II section... I could say the same thing about his example and photography skills... They are both better than mine!
  • Daniel Klooz for his insight on the availability of the Mark V outside of Germany.
  • Chuck A. for posting a request for information that this article is intended to fulfill.
  • Michael Stein for spotting a typo which would have causes buckets of queries sooner or later.
  • Chris Santry for spotting a inconsistency in how I described which models were "Professional" and which weren't, which would have likewise caused buckets of queries sooner or later.
  • eieioeieio for the scans of his Red/Orange Mark II.
  • Owain M.Blackwell for forwarding to me an email from Jean-Luc Miranda of the Omega Museum and Omega Vintage Information.
  • The regulars in the Omega Forum for their contributions to providing a place to listen, learn and discuss these fine watches, and TimeZone for providing such a forum for doing this.
  • Last, but certainly not least, John R. Diethelm / Public Relations at Omega.ch who has patiently answered my numerous and lengthy requests for information and clarification. John has the patience of a mother of 2-year old triplets, and the good-cheer of someone who has won a lottery! It is John and people like him that set Omega apart from other watch concerns.
 

Statement of rights retained and permissions granted...
 
Sources included my own research, images gleaned from various sources on the web, Omega Designs book, the Time Capsule book and other Omega Publications and web sites.
 
The blue dialed Mark III(c) variant is scanned directly from the Time Capsule book, the picture of the Mark IV(b) is from the Danish site where it is available for purchase, the picture of the TT/Black dial Mark V variant was adapted from Eric Katoso's site, the Speedmaster 125 module image is linked from Eric Katoso's site, the images of the "Odd" Speedmaster Moonwatch c.321 with the Mark II Style dial is linked from Kenji Homma's site. Both Mike V. and Ruckdee C. graciously provided pictures of their Mark II Pro's . Each one adds to this article. These inclusions are made only for educational purposes and hence is considered "fair use" under provisions of the Copyright Act. The author of the Time Capsule book, Eric Katoso, and Kenji Homma, retain the rights to the items mentioned above. My inclusion of them here does not modify their rights in any way.
 
Permission is granted for Damon, Derek Ziglar, Frank N., Ross or Robert Jan to include within the FAQ's they are writing as long as I and the others mentioned in this section and the section above are given credit for their contributions if used. Permission for personal, educational or non-commercial use is granted. The author retains all other rights not specifically mentioned here.
 
For all other use please contact the author.
   
Disclaimer: Opinions are my own and knowing me should be taken with a grain or two of salt...
    
 
I hope you find this article informational and entertaining. Please contact me if you have corrections, additions or other comments.

-- Chuck

Go Speed Go!

Go! Speed! Go!

-- Photo/Art Collage by the Author...