Written & copyright © 2001-6 by Chuck Maddox .
Written on 26 September 2001
Last Revised: 30 November 05:01 GMT
Certain Rights Reserved... 

This genesis of this document was a reply I made in the TimeZone Omega Forum in December of 1999. In many ways it was my first attempt to describe a series or line of watches. The original document, although updated and expanded in the intervening time has become increasingly dated when compared to my later efforts. As a result either a massive revision or a completely new document has been needed for some time.
 
As the original article still provides a decent overview of the subject I have elected to leave it as is, largely intact and separate as of the date of the start of work on this "In Depth" document. Henceforth all updates will likely be made to this document only.
 
The path this article has taken has had as many twists and turns as the path of acquiring a set of these magnificent wrist chronographs. While I take great pride and satisfaction in my ownership of each of the examples in this section of my collection, the journey is truely the reward. The knowledge, places visited, people met both near and far serve to enhance the entire experience.

Index/Shortcuts

Top of Article
A c.1045 Family Photo
Foreward
A c.1045 Instruction Manual
Timeline
Tale of the Tape
The initial Wave
176.0012 'Mark IV'
176.0014 'TV Dial'
176.0015/176.0016 'Tonneau'
German Case makes a Mark (V)
376.0806 Mark V
The c.861 German Speedys
Forward to the Past
376.0822 Moonwatch case
Tonneau Cased Variations
c.1045 Part's list diagrams
German Service Manual
c.1045 Oddities
Summary
Certain Rights Reserved
Click on picture to enlarge in a new window...
Foreward:

All of this started back on on 18 December 1999 when Jay Levy posted the following query:


I have just acquired an Omega Speedmaster, but no one including the seller could tell me much about it. Here is the description:
  1. Omega Speedmaster Automatic
  2. Day & Date windows at 3:00
  3. 24 hour dial at 12:00
  4. Sweep second dial at 9:00
  5. Chrono second & minute hands rotate from center of dial, as do regular hour & minute hands.
  6. Dial at 6:00 is for chron hours (I guess)
  7. One other thing - the entire case can be pushed down out of the bracelet.
  8. 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.........
 
Jay was kind enough to email me a photo his watch and it appears to be a 176.0012 which we will discuss below along with the rest of the c.1045 line(Fig. 1):

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 knownor particularly well documented I felt that a complete write up was in order. That is how all of this started, my reply to Jay's request for information. In the mean tme the original document has aged suffeciently to require a nearly complete rewrite for the sake of completeness, even though the original serves adequately for an introductary summary of the topic.
 
Before I delve into the differences and similarities between the models within this product line and to similar product lines Omega has produced through the years, I should perhaps start with the similarities that all of the watches in this line share. All are Omega's all are part of the Speedmaster line (despite some confusion arising from the case backs on these watches), and all share the same movement. Namely the Omega c.1045 movement which is Omega's name for the Lemania c.5100 movement. For a good overview on how Omega percieved and projected these watches we can turn to one of Omega's instruction manuals for the watches, generiously provided by Henk van de Weg of the Netherlands:
 
A c.1045 Instruction Manual
 
The cover and back panel of original manual for a Mark V c.1045
The cover and back panel of original manual for a Mark V c.1045 (more on this later)... Click on picture to enlarge in a new window...
Inside first panel, Click on picture to enlarge in a new window
Inside first panel, Click on picture to enlarge in a new window...
A composite graphic, not in the manual, of an annotated diagram of features, created by the author...
A composite graphic, not in the manual, of an annotated diagram of features, created by the author... Click on picture to enlarge in a new window...
How to use the watch... Click on picture to enlarge in a new window...
How to use the watch... Click on picture to enlarge in a new window...
How to set the watch... Click on picture to enlarge in a new window...
How to set the watch... Click on picture to enlarge in a new window...
  

This particular instruction manual is an interesting document in and of itself. By it's cover it is clearly intended as an instruction manual for the 1984 production Speedmaster Mark V chronograph, however it's internal photographs are of a ST176.0017 which was produced in 1974~1977 (roughly). Here is the story on this manual as best as I can reconstruct it without being a pest to John Diethelm who heads up Omega's Vintage Information Department... When Omega came out with the Mark V in 1984, they needed an instruction manual for it, but didn't have pictures of the final product yet. So it seems as if they used an ST176.0017 to stand in for the ST376.0806 Mark V... An acceptable solution since operationally the watches are identical. Interestingly enough I have a German Language versions of this same manual, with the same photographs, etc. that I recieved with my Mark V (Henk recieved his with a purchased ST176.0012)... I probably could be persuaded to scan it in if someone were to request it, once I relocated it in the mess that is my work area... Another interesting point about this manual is that there is a rather glaring error in it that is not immediately obvious... In fact I worked on these files several hours before noticing this issue. I'd be real interested to see if anyone can spot it. In fact the first person to spot it will get his or her name included here in this document! Kjell Jorgensen of Norway was the first person to spot that the 24-hour indicator (pointing at 24 in the pictures) should be pointing to either just after 10 or 22 with the main timekeeping hands set to nearly 10:08. Sharp eyes Kjell! Thanks for playing everyone!

 
Thanks again to Henk van de Weg of the Netherlands for his contribution of these scans!
Common Name for
Model:

Speedmaster Auto Day-Date c.1045 Timeline:

1974
1975
1976
1977
1978
1979
1980
1981
1982
1983
1984
1985
1986
1987

Mark IV case

TV Dial/Link

TV Dial/Bar

Tonneau/Bar

Tonneau/Link

176.0017

Mark V

Moonwatch Case

 

 

The Speedmaster Day-Date Automatic c.1045 product line consists of seven distinct and different models with unique case reference numbers. First introduced in 1974, shortly after the bow of the Lemania 5100 Chronograph movement (c.1045 is Omega's term for it's version of this movement), the first five models introduced at that time consisted of one model, the 176.0012 with striking similarities to the Speedmaster Mark IV Chronograph, the 176.009, using a superficially similar but decidedly different Lemania c.1342 movement, and four models with case shapes unique to the c.1045 series. The span of time each model was in production and in the current/active product line in the above table is approximate, with the exception of the Mark V and the Moonwatch case models, which were only in active production and in the active product line for one year.
 
Tale of the Tape: Dimensions of Omega Speedmaster Day-Date Automatic c.1045

Width

Ref.#
Year
Calibre

Description

Height:
with
without
Thick-ness
Weight:
Lugs:

Notes:

Crown
176.0012
1974
c.1045

Mark IV case

45 mm
44 mm
42 mm
15 mm
134.05 g
22mm

Mexican Made Bracelet

176.0014(l)
1974
c.1045

TV Dial/Link Bracelet

42.8 mm
42.2 mm
39.7 mm
15.8 mm
139.68 g
22mm

Mexican Made Bracelet (376.0805 2nd Ref.)

176.0014(b)
1974
c.1045

TV Dial/Bar Bracelet

43 mm
42 mm
40 mm
15.7 mm
152.6 g
n/a

2nd Case Ref# 376.0805 (Bclt 1204/212)

176.0015
1974
c.1045

Tonneau /Bar Bracelet

43.2 mm
42.0 mm
39.0 mm
15.1 mm
155.15 g
n/a

2nd Case Ref#376.0804 (Bclt 1204/212)

176.0016
1974
c.1045

Tonneau/Link Bracelet

44.1 mm
42.0 mm
39.0 mm
15.1 mm
126.67 g
22mm

Original Bracelet Made in Mexico...

176.0017
1974
c.1045

Prototype model...

Never entered production, only exists in pictures...

376.0806
1984
c.1045

Mark V

44.8 mm
45.2 mm
44.1 mm
14.2 mm
126.4 g
n/a

Original Bracelet Ref: 1413/019

376.0822
1987
c.1045

Moonwatch Case

48.3 mmÝ
43.0 mm
42.1 mm
15.35 mm
118.9 g
20mm

Original Bracelet Ref: 1450/808 Ends.

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), but I'm working on that. In the mean time James Marcos was kind enough to let me measure his example...

   

The Initial Wave
 

For one reason or another it seems that the c. 1045's were not initially sold in the U.S. market. Most of the c.1045's I see have a non-English day wheel installed. The Mark V appears to have only been made for Central European consumption, and the Moonwatch c.1045 also seems to have a very small production run. Most examples I see also come out of Central Europe, although Janitor Jerry owned one at one time so we can assume that they were available in Canada at one time.

As for my examples (and the bulk of any watch with a day complication, more below) you can make general assumptions based on the day wheel language:

French:

English:

French:

German:

Italian:

Portugese:

Spanish:

Sunday

Dimanche

Sonntag

Domenica

Domingo

Domingo

Monday

Lundi

Montag

Lunedì

Segunda-feira

Lunes

Tuesday

Mardi

Dienstag

Martedì

Terça-feira

Martes

Wednesday

Mercredi

Mittwoch

Mercoledì

Quarta-feira

Miércoles

Thursday

Jeudi

Donnerstag

Giovedì

Quinta-feira

Jueves

Friday

Vendredi

Freitag

Venerdì

Sexta-feira

Viernes

Saturday

Samedi

Samstag

Sabato

Sábado

Sábado

Unique Day:

Language:

Thu

English

Jeu

French

Don

German

Gio

Italian

Qui

Portugese

Jue

Spanish

These languages seem to be the most common ones used. Typically the first three letters are used as an abbreviation of the date.

Thursday is the one day name and abbreviation name which is unique in each language. Thus to determine the language of the day wheel cycle through the three letter abbreviations until you run across one of the following: Thu, Jeu, Don, Gio, Qui, Jue... (Note: This will work with any Day complication watch using a 3 letter abbreviation, not just Lemania 5100 Base, or Valjoux 7750, but also Speedsonics, Seiko's, Citizens, and non chronos!)... Then use the chart above right to determine the Language of the day wheel for the watch in question...

176.0012 'Mark IV-Style Case'

176.0012 'Mark IV-Style Case'
 
(Mitch Noble recently had his 176.0012 restored at Omega Bienne... This is what a 176.0012 should look like)

176.0014/376.0804 'TV Dial'

ST 176.0014/376.0805 - c.1045 TV Dial/Link Bracelet/Sunburst Dial
640 x 512 version, 1280 x 1024 version

ST 176.0014/376.0805 - c.1045 TV Dial/Bar Bracelet/Matte Black Dial
640 x 512 version, 1280 x 1024 version
Please note that there are two different styles of dials on these watches...

ST 176.0014/376.0805 - c.1045 TV Dial/Link Bracelet/Sunburst Dial

ST 176.0014/376.0805 - c.1045 TV Dial/Bar Bracelet/Matte Black Dial
It seems that either dial was available with either bracelet style, please consider either to be historically correct.

176.0015/176.0016 'Tonneau Case' (376.0804 Alternate Ref #)

Space reserved for 176.0016 picture...
ST 176.0015/376.0804 - Tonneau/Bar Bracelet/Matte Black Dial
640 x 512 version, 1280 x 1024 version

ST 176.0016 c.1045 Tonneau / Link Bracelet / Sunburst Dial
640 x 512 version, 1280 x 1024 version
Aside from the obvious differences between the 176.0014 and 176.0017, namely the bracelet, the dial is also significantly different:

Space reserved for 176.0016 picture...
ST 176.0015/376.0804 - Tonneau/Bar Bracelet/Matte Black Dial

ST 176.0016 - c.1045 Tonneau / Link Bracelet / Sunburst Dial
 

German Case makes a Mark (V)

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.
 Forward to the Past:
Click on photo to access a 1,280 x 1,028 Scan
376.0822 Moonwatch case

For the final (unfortunately) installment in the Omega experience with the Lemania movement, Omega decided to produce a model of the c.1045 line which is probably the model they should have produced in the first place. Choosing the Moonwatch case as it's inspiration, only offered in 1987, the 376.0822 nearly certainly had a production run (unnumbered) of under 2,000, probably under 1,600, possibly 1,300 or even fewer [¿1,000?]. The 376.0822 was the first Automatic movement offered in a full-sized (about 1mm thicker) moonwatch case, first time Omega offered Day-Date on a Speedmaster, a watch that is nearly as easy to read as a moonwatch under duress and it has a lot more things going on the dial than a moonwatch.

 
It's also a watch which has become known among collectors as "The Grail". Why? It's a long story...

A personal admission: I'm the one to blame for "the Grail Watch" moniker...

My first Vintage Omega eBay purchase was nearly a 376.0822 out of Germany in January of 1999. Because the 376.0822 was in Germany, I didn't know any German (hell anyone in Germany at the time), I went instead for a 176.012 (the most common of the 7-8 Speedmaster c.1045 variants which sports a Mark II/IV style case) out of Iowa for around the same money (about $600 USD). I had owned my Mark II for 15 years at this point, that style case was a known quantity to me, and if I had a problem with the watch I figured I could gas up my Explorer and drive out to Iowa if need be, I couldn't really do that with the German watch.

About a month later I realized I wish I had bought both examples... So I stared looking for another example to purchase. And I searched, and searched, and searched. The only one I found was listed at over $10,000 on a Japanese website and there wasn't a speck of English on that site aside from "Omega Speedmaster" and Arabic numbers. It took me a year and a half to find another one (aside from the Japanese origin one) offered for sale and it was on eBay out of Philadelphia. I got into a three way shootout for it with a fellow TZOFer and one of the well healed Japanese collectors and came out in 3rd place with an winning bid well north of $2,700 (this is summer 2001). I finally tracked one down about six to eight months later with the help of another TZOFer and brought home my example. During this quest I searched with the intensity that King Arthur searched for the Holy Grail and I began calling this model "the Grail" because I was that obsessed with it.

I also had a long struggle to find the Gray dial Teutonic (Germanic market) Speedmaster c.861 and I call this model "Moby" as a reference to Ahab's obsession for the Great Gray (dial) Whale (Speedmaster). Some of my watches have nicknames. Some of them stick and become the commonly used names for that watch. Ever hear of the "Darth Vader Seamaster"? No one ever called it that before I did, and the watch was discontinued 2-4 years prior to Star Wars. But if you say "Darth Vader Seamaster" to a watch collector and s/he'll know exactly what you are talking about...

I know at least a half a dozen collectors who now own the Grail who can tell similar tales of the hunt, the near miss(es), the disappointment, the despair and the final joy of getting one. Hence, "the Grail"!

As for the 376.0822 (Grail) itself...

  • It is considered one of the rarest of the c.1045 Speedmasters (only the Mark V comes close to the Grail's rarity).
  • It is the first time Omega offered a Moonwatch case styled Speedmaster with:
    • an Automatic Movement
    • Day
    • Date in a window aperture (the 345.0809 had a date pointer)
    • 24-hour indication
  • It also utilizes the 1450 bracelet, which was by far the best bracelet Omega had used with the Speedmaster up until that time and is highly coveted by collectors
  • It sports the most easily readable dial of the c.1045 Speedmasters. (frankly, the other c.1045's dial readability isn't even in the same league as the Grail. I've had owners of other c.1045 Speedmasters scoff at this assertion until I pull out my 376.0822 and bit tongues and cheeks rapidly occur)

For these reasons it is in very high demand by collectors and avidly sought when offered. I have my example which is mid-90's or higher in terms of condition, and I'd love to have another example at a somewhat lower price. Who knows... In a year or two when I've revamped my desktop computer setup and done the new car thing I might be in the market again.

I (and other owners) believe that were NASA to conduct a Chronograph contest like the one's that resulted in the adoption of the moonwatch the watch most likely to topple the moonwatch would be the Grail. Unfortunately that won't happen because Swatch/Lemania has stopped production of the c.1045.

The sad fact is that if Omega had started with this model of the c.1045 first and produced it in quantity, it's not a stretch of the imagination at all to think that this model would still be in production, be in demand among customers to the extent it might even rival the popularity of the moonwatch. As it is, sadly, Omega stopped it's usage of the c.1045s after producing far too few examples of this model. Swatch Group recently purchased Lemania Watch company, promptly renamed it "Montrose Bregruet" and ceased production of the Lemania 5100 movement. The sad end of the c.1045 Speedmasters has an even sadder ending with the end of Lemania 5100 production.

As a result of the virtues of this model, the low production run and the high interest among collectors, this model of the c.1045's outstrips all of the other models in market value. This model routinely fetches prices greater than $4,000 when offered for sale and has even approached selling prices in near and above $5,000. I've archived several recent auctions in this folder on my webspace.

If you see one of these and you think you might be interested, be ready and have your monetary ducks in a row. If you're not in the market, watch anyway. Nearly everytime there will be lots of fireworks at the end of the auction gunfight. It can truely be a spectacle to watch!


 
Speedmaster ST176.0012
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 manufacters 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 manufactered in both 1974 and 1975, however one of the "1975" references also call it a Mark IV which is most definately 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 Portugese (1) language day rings on/in them. The rounded square dial c.1045 (Fig. 2) is the one in my collection that has the Portugese 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 ex-patriot'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 swaped into the watch when it is in for routine maintance. 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 Austrailia. Why this particular model would be prevelent in that area of the world is a mystery to me. Another point that bears mentioning is that there are two discinct variations of this style... One is fitted with an integrated Bar Braclet, 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 regretably 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!).

Speedmaster ST176.0014
Fig. 2: Ref. 176.0014 (1974)
 
Speedmaster ST176.0016
Fig. 3: Ref. 176.0016 (1974)
 
Speedmaster ST376.0806
Fig. 4: Ref. 376.0806 (1984)
 
Speedmaster ST376.0822
Fig. 5: Ref. 376.0822 (1987)
 
 
 
Rough Price Ranges (Circa 2003):
 
For me to authoratively 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. "

Omega Speedmaster ST176.0015 - ST176.0016 Comparision

"Left side type has narrow distance from corner."

"Right side type has wide distance from corner."

"Bar"-Style bracelet Tonneau c.1045
ST176.015

"Link"-Bracelet Tonneau c.1045
ST176.016
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 accomodate 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!
 


Omega c.1045 Part's lists...
 
A 176.0016 owner Alain LeFaucheux was kind enough to send to me some materials he came across while performing a restoration on his c.1045:

640 wide (50k) 1,280 wide (167k) versions
640 wide (91k) 1,280 wide (283k) versions
640 wide (75k) 1,280 wide (238k) versions
One get's an enhanced appreciation of the complexity of the c.1045 chronograph by looking at the part's list. Special thanks to Alain for his valuable contribution to this article. I should add that I have huge full-resolution versions of these three files which self-extracting zip format weigh in at over 2.2 megabytes. I would be happy to email them upon request.
 
Matthias Liebe-Kleymann (with whom, I co-wrote an article on Heuer Carrera Chronographs) was kind enough to purchase and share with me photocopies of an Omega c.1045 Service Manual in German. Which I have split out into a separate article.
 

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.

As an aside, the response to this article has been both gratifing 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.

-- 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...

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