- Foreword:
Back on 18 December 1999
Jay Levy posted the following request for
information:
-
I have just acquired an Omega Speedmaster, but no
one including the seller could tell me much about it.
Here is the description:
- Omega Speedmaster
Automatic
- Day & Date
windows at 3:00
- 24 hour dial at
12:00
- Sweep second dial at
9:00
- Chrono second &
minute hands rotate from center of dial, as do regular
hour & minute hands.
- Dial at 6:00 is for
chrono hours (I guess)
- One other thing - the
entire case can be pushed down out of the
bracelet.
- The back has the
Seamonster logo and the word
"Seamaster".
- I can send a scan if
you e-mail me. I would like to know anything about
this watch - model number, age, value,
-
- Thanks in advance for
your help.........
-
For me it was immediately evident that the watch he
described was a c.1045 Speedmaster. I requested a scan
via email, which Jay was kind enough to send. Since
this branch of the Speedmaster family tree isn't
widely known or particularly well documented I felt
that a complete write up was in order. I compiled the
following information and this page is an expanded and
updated version of that write-up...
-
- As an aside, the
response to this article has been both gratifying and
overwhelming! I have had people contact me from many
different nations from Japan to Spain and other
locations elsewhere in the world. I have also tried to
find suitable examples of specific models for people
who have either became interested in a specific model
because of this article or had been searching for
information on these watches and found the article
either through trying or by luck.
-
|
Dimensions
of c.1045 Speedmaster
Automatics
|
|
Reference:
|
Description:
|
Height:
|
Width
|
Thickness:
|
Weight:
|
Notes:
|
|
w/Crown:
|
w/o
Crown:
|
|
176.0012
|
Mark IV case
version
|
45
mm
|
44
mm
|
42
mm
|
15
mm
|
134.05
g
|
|
|
176.0014
|
TV Dial/Link
Bracelet
|
42.8
mm
|
42.2
mm
|
39.7
mm
|
15.8
mm
|
139.68
g
|
2nd
Case Ref#376.0804 (Bclt 1204/212)
|
|
176.0015
|
Tonneau / Bar
Bracelet
|
43.2
mm
|
42.0
mm
|
39.0
mm
|
15.1
mm
|
155.15
g
|
|
|
176.0016
|
Tonneau /
Link Bracelet
|
44.1
mm
|
42.0
mm
|
39.0
mm
|
15.1
mm
|
126.67
g
|
|
|
176.0017
|
TV Dial/Bar
Bracelet
|
43
mm
|
42
mm
|
40
mm
|
15.7
mm
|
152.6
g
|
2nd
Case Ref# 376.0805 (Bclt 1204/212)
|
|
376.0806
|
Mark V
|
44.8
mm
|
45.5
mm
|
44.1
mm
|
14.2
mm
|
126.40
g
|
|
|
376.0822
|
Moonwatch
Case
|
48.25
mmÝ
|
43.05
mm
|
42.1
mm
|
15.35
mm
|
118.9
g
|
|
|
Ý
This
measurement is end of lug to end of lug.
Other c.1045 cased watches have hidden or
integrated lugs...
Special thanks
to Gene Henry for providing the dimensions of
his ST 376.0822... I've since independently
measured the 376.0822 with greater accuracy
and the revised numbers are above.
I
don't currently own a 176.0017 (yet), I'm
working on that. In the mean time James
Marcos was kind enough to let me measure his
example, Thank you Jim!
|
Jay was kind enough to email me a photo his watch and
it appears to be a 176.0012 shown immediately below
(Fig. 1):-
 - Fig.
1: Ref. No. 176.0012
(1974)
|
|
Omega uses it's
own in-house numbering system to refer to
caliber numbers of it's time pieces. This
watch uses the Omega cal. 1045 movement which
is the same as the Lemania 5100 movement. The
5100 has been and is currently in production
and used by a number of manufactures in their
Chronographs. Omega fine tuned the Lemania
movement it procured from Lemania and stamps
it's name and logo on the rotor (see below).
The c.1045 uses a 17 Jewel automatic
movement, and features four hands operating
from the central pinion which requires a
significant distance between the dial and the
inside surface of the crystal, making for a
thick watch. This movement is
not for the petite, or those
looking for a watch that will fit easily
under a dress shirt cuff. For Dimensions of
the watches I own please see the table I have
at the top of this article...
The
Lemania movement is also known for using a
significant number of plastic parts which are
significantly lighter and seem to perform as
well or maybe even better than metal parts
would despite what some watch purists
believe or would have you believe.
|
|
Omega made a number of models with this
movement starting in 1974 and ending in 1987
(as of this date anyway), with the vast
majority being made during the 1974-1975
timeframe. As this watch was (Fig. 1). The
Time Capsule book lists this particular model
as being manufactured in both 1974 and 1975,
however one of the "1975" references also
call it a Mark IV which is most definitely a
different watch using a different movement
and most likely is in error.
Of
the four c.1045's that I have all of them
have had Spanish language stampings on the
bracelets and have had Spanish (3) or
Portuguese (1) language day rings on/in them.
The rounded square dial c.1045 (Fig. 2) is
the one in my collection that has the
Portuguese day ring. From what I have been
able to puzzle out Omega sold a lot of these
models in Latin American market as this is
where the bracelets seem to be coming from...
I've talked to dealers who have said that
Omega sold a lot of these models to European
expatriate's living in Latin America. Among
the big selling points are that the 24-Hour
dial would allow them to figure out what time
it was at "home" by adding the time
difference with their home country, and that
Omega is a widely known and respected
watchmaker around the world.
|
|
Note: The
English 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).
With the
emergence of the Internet and the ease of
seeing a demand and interest in watches in
other parts of the world, there seems to be a
migration of these models from Latin America
to the north where they are sold by dealers,
stores, and by sellers on the Internet. I
have not been able to determine if these
models were ever offered by Omega in the US
or in Europe, indeed it is possible that
they, like the later West German market only
models, were not originally offered in the
U.S. or Europe.
The
176.0012
model as pictured above in Fig.
1 is
in my opinion the most common model. They
regularly show up on that famous Internet
auction site and on other places on line.
Bear in mind that they are not common watches
when compared with Mark II or Moonwatch
Speedmasters, just seemingly more common than
the other models sharing the c.1045 movement.
This model features a modular
construction
that allows the movement and crystal to be
removed from the case as one unit. This
feature is also seen on the Omega Speedmaster
Mark IV and the Omega Speedmaster 125.
The next most
common (Ref.
176.0014)
pictured in Fig.
2
is the rounded corner square (or TV
Shape) dialed c.1045. These are fairly common
as well. Next in most common is the Tonneau
shaped 176.0015/176.0016
(Fig.
3)
which is somewhat less common than the other
two models, but does show up from time to
time. An interesting point is that I've seen
a number of this model offered up on that
most popular auction site from sellers in
Australia. Why this particular model would be
prevalent in that area of the world is a
mystery to me. Another point that bears
mentioning is that there are two distinct
variations of this style... One is fitted
with an integrated Bar Bracelet, the other
has a more conventional case that will accept
spring bar's and a 22mm bracelet or strap.
The cases are different but look very
similar. I have added a special
section
below to further discuss the differences
between these two
variants.
The final two
models are very uncommon.
Neither the "West German market" Mark V
Speedmaster (Ref.
376.0806)
pictured in Fig.
4, or
the Moonwatch cased Ref.
376.0822
pictured in Fig.
5, are
commonly seen. I've only seen a couple of
Mark V's appear on the market (usually on
eBay.de), and I've only seen two of the
Moonwatch cased c.1045's. I have written
a
companion article on the Speedmaster Mark
Series
which also talks about the Mark V. The
Moonwatch cased c.1045 I saw was on that
auction site from a seller in Germany (which
I regrettably passed on as I had just been
bit by the collecting bug) the other is owned
by Gerry L. who's 376.0822's picture I
adapted from one of Gerry's posts (thanks
Gerry!).
|
|
|
Fig.
2: Ref. 176.0014 (1974)
|
|
- Fig.
3: Ref. 176.0016
(1974)
|
|
- Fig.
4: Ref. 376.0806
(1984)
|
|
- Fig.
5: Ref. 376.0822
(1987)
|
|
|
-
Rough
Price Ranges:
-
- For me to
authoritatively state values of any of these watches
would be quite arrogant of me, for I am by no means an
expert. The best I can do is to state general ranges
that I have seen these models go for. I've seen the
Mark II cased Ref. 176.0012 (Fig. 1) version
typically go in the $500-800 range, the rounded-corner
square dial Ref. 176.0014(Fig. 2) version
typically go in the $700-850 range, the Tonneau cased
176.0016 (Fig. 3) version typically going in
the $750-950 range, the other models I haven't seen
enough offered for sale to even guess at a range.
However, you should be aware that these ranges vary
greatly depending on the condition of the watch,
quality of the bracelet, and the demand for the
particular watch. According to the dealer that I
bought my 176.0014 from he had offered it two or three
times on TZ's Sales Corner before posting it on that
auction site where I snapped it up as it was the
cleanest one I have seen. I had missed it's posting on
the Sales Corner. It is also important to note that
people have preference for or against certain models
or styles of watches. Some people simply do not like
the looks of style X while other's will think it's the
bee's knees. Personally, I feel that the Tonneau cased
c.1045 (Fig. 3) is about the most handsome
chronograph that Omega has ever made. Your mileage
will vary.
-
Tonneau
Cased c.1045 Variants:
-
- One of the nice things
about posting an article such as this is that people
will ask you questions. Some of which will exceed your
existing knowledge of the subject and requires you to
do further research in order to answer. Sumihisa
Furufuji is a gentleman from Japan who enlisted my
assistance in locating a Tonneau cased c.1045 for
purchase. I was fortunate that I was able to locate
one for Sumi. But in while in the process, Sumihisa
asked me the following:
-
|
- " I have
a question about Ref.176.0016 case. I
think there are two types.
- Please
check enclosed picture. "
|
|
|
|
|
"Left
side type has narrow distance from
corner."
|
|
"Right
side type has wide distance from
corner."
|
|
|
- "Bar"-Style
bracelet Tonneau
c.1045
- ST176.0015
|
|
- "Link"-Bracelet
Tonneau c.1045
- ST176.0016
|
|
|
Photo's
and visual aids courtesy of Sumihisa
Furufuji
|
- Yes, there are two
different type of cases... I have an example of
each...
-
- One is slightly shorter
in length and is the one that has the "Bar"-Style
bracelet. Which is the one's pictured on the left in
Sumi's (fantastic) graphic. The other one (the longer
length one) has a longer case length to allow it to
accept a 22mm strap or a bracelet. It needs the extra
length to allow clearance for the bracelet/strap and
spring bar. Because the Bar-Style Bracelet is of an
integrated design it can and does use a shorter
case.Here are the measurements that I have taken from
my example of each of these watches:
-
|
Dimensions
of Tonneau-Cased c.1045's
|
|
Reference
|
Description
|
Height
|
Width
|
Thickness
|
Weight
|
|
w/Crown
|
w/o
Crown
|
|
176.0015
|
Tonneau / Bar
Bracelet
|
43.2
mm
|
42.0
mm
|
39.0
mm
|
15.1
mm
|
155.15
g
|
|
176.0016
|
Tonneau /
Link Bracelet
|
44.1
mm
|
42.0
mm
|
39.0
mm
|
15.1
mm
|
126.67
g
|
- As you can see the
dimensions are exceedingly similar. Most of the
differences are in the weight and the height. Most of
the weight difference can be attributed to the HEAVY
Bar-Bracelet, the height difference is due the the
necessary provisions to accommodate the spring-bars
that are necessary for attaching a strap or bracelet
to the watch's case... I also should note that the
ST176.0014 TV Dial (or rounded corner square-dial)
c.1045 also comes in both a Link and bar bracelet
variants. As I've never handled the bar bracelet
version I do not know the weight or case reference
number. If you own one of these and can provide me
information please
contact me...
-
- -- Special thanks
to Sumihisa Furufuji for his photos and valuable
assistance with this section!
An
Interesting Speedmaster c.1045...
One of the things that makes
watch collecting so interesting is just about the time
you've seen everything and have a decent handle on a
particular topic something comes along and gives your
existing knowledge base a nudge.
Then comes along something
that I hadn't actually seen before... (Thanks to Spudmax
for bringing this to my attention):
 
A little mystery here, eh?
It looks to be a 176.0012 but with lugs, and the watch
also has a standard 176.0012 case...
Here is the description
translated from the original language into English via
AltaVista Bablefish:
Omega speed master automatic
chronograph, 70's. Caliber omega 1045, red-gilds. Light
customs tracks, two thin scratches on the glass. All
functions perfectly. Goes very exactly. The chronograph
is supplied with two housing versions, which one changes
through the clock container exchange can. See pictures.
The hidden lug version with steel strip is the original
version. The second housing version was manufactured by
me in manual work, and is particularly suitable to carry
this otherwise very heavy chronograph with leather
bracelet even to more elegant events. The clock container
is held in the respective housing version by an O-ring,
which presses with into a groove locked. If you have
interest in a unique and unusual watch, then this is the
opportunity. Original omega steel strip and high-quality
new leather bracelet (see photos) is contained in the
scope of supply. Good Luck success and have fun bidding!
 
Ah, the description clears
everything up... So what we have here is a genuine
176.0012 c.1045 Speedmaster Automatic with an additional
custom made (non-Omega) lugged case in addition to the
case that Omega shipped with this particular watch
.
- All in all a very
interesting piece even though the argument could be
made that it's originality is, well, quite unusual...
I've since had several email conversations with the
creator of this custom c.1045, a friendly fellow named
Gilliam.
If you have a spare case you'd like modified, or even
a 176.0012 that you'd like converted, please feel free
to contact
him... Gilliam
recently sent me some more pictures to share in this
article:
-
 - In
order to keep download times low, I've included these
thumbnail pictures, click on them to see the
originals.
-
Summary:
-
- The Speedmaster
Automatic Chronographs are among the most
sophisticated chronographs Omega has ever produced.
About the only more complex chrono's Omega makes are
moonphase and triple-date variants of the
Speedmaster.
I wish I had more
information that wasn't conjecture and wished that I was
able to piece together more, but what can you do? If
anyone has more information to add please post it here or
email me at the link above
-- Chuck
Statement
of rights retained and permissions granted...
Permission is granted for
Damon,RJ, Derek, Ross and/or Frank N. to include within
the FAQ's they are writing as long as I'm given credit
for this work (and Gerry L. is given credit for the
picture of his Ref. 376.0822 Speedmaster). 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...
|
on 27 December 1999, 
