Written by Chuck Maddox

on 16 October 2001, 14:15 GMT

Last Revised: 24 July 2004, 22:26 GMT

Omega Speedmaster Cal. 866, Ref. ST3450809 Posted By: Dave [Date: 10/15/1 - 17:20:08]

 

I purchased this watch in 1985. Can anyone tell me anything about this model? It includes a calendar and moonphases.

 

Thanks!

Hello, while I don't know a lot of about this model, I'll try to fill in some of the gaps as best I can...

In 1985 Omega produced three Moonphase Chronograph models in limited production... The first was called the Speedmaster Moonphase Case Reference ST 345.0809.

Speedmaster Moonphase (Original Model), 1985, Reference ST 345.0809 was a limited production run of 1.300 units in Stainless Steel. It used an improved c.866 movement which included a Dial Calendar indication at 12 o'clock on a common subdial with a moonphase indication. Both of these functions were controled via pushpieces on the upper left side of the case.

Recently Christoph ("-the "kraut" from Aachen/Germany" <--His discriptive phrase not mine!) sent me five wonderful picture's of his example... They are listed below in thumbnail form... If you click on one of the Thumbnail's below a full resolution picture will open in a new window...

Pictures courtesy of Christoph...

In 1986 Omega made a 400 piece limited edition run of the TI 345.0810 with the same c.866 movement in a titanium case. This case is exceedingly similar to the"Teutonic" German Speedmasters, however the bracelet is closer to the Seamaster Quartz models of the late 1980's... The picture to the right from a Japanese website which was at the time of this original reply the only picture I've seen of a watch fitting the description given in the Time Capsule book... Since then I was able to purchase an example thanks to a tip from a well known Dutch Speedmaster fan, and I am happy to include the pictures below of my example...

Click here for a 1024 pixel wide version, and click here for a 2048 pixel wide version.

Finally, also in 1986 Omega produced a limited edition of 300 pieces of the same basic watch c.866 in Titanium and Gold with a White Dial with Gold trim Case Reference TA 345.0810. the case and bracelet design for this model is idential to the TI345.0810 above. Christoph also owns an example of this model and purchased it from the same dealer as I bought my TI345.0810 (It's a small world, isn't it? =) ) and was gracious enough to send me pictures of his watches in June 2004 to include on this page. As above, click on these thumbnails below to open a full resolution version of the pictures in a new window...

Pictures courtesy of Christoph...

All three "Vintage" models, as you can well imagine, are very hard to come by, very desireable and priced to match. Typically prices of the Stainless Steel model fetch between $4,000 and $6,000 because of the rariety. The Titanium model I've only seen offered once and it was for the equivelent of $10,000 or more, on a Japanese site and they do not respond to English Language queries... I've seen and heard of the Titanium model changing hands in the $3,500~4,000 dollar range in the 2003-2004 timeframe. I should point out that only the Speedmaster Professional Moonphase ST 245.0810 is an actual Speedmaster. The other models are mearly Omega's with no model indication save for the caseback with has the ombiquitous Seamaster engraving on it. The ST 345.0810 is also a Professional Model and states so on the dial.

And Omega made no more until the end of the Milennium when they revived the movement and the model in a series of Moonphase models that are firmly in the Speedmaste line.

Speedmaster Moonphase (Reference 3689.30.31) is a current production model featurring a case made of of white gold. It uses an improved c.1866 movement which includes a Dial Calendar indication at 12 o'clock on a common subdial with a moonphase indication. Both of these functions are controled via pushpieces on the upper left side of the case. As the movement is a c.1866 it is plated in White Rhodium as opposed to earlier model's Gilt plating and has an additional jewel to bring the jewel count up to 18. This model remains in production according to the Omega.ch website... It is only available in 18k white gold on leather strap, it is not available with a bracelet...

Replica Moonphase in Stainless Steel (Reference (3575.20.00) with a White Gold Bezel. The easiest way to distinguish this model from the earlier replica is the Bezel which is black text embossed into a White Gold Bezel, while the earlier Replica has a Bezel which has a conventional white enamel paint on Black enamel paint Bezel. This model also uses the modernized c.1866 White Rhodium plated 18 Jewel version of the Lemania base movement as opposed to the earlier (non-replica) Gilt plating... This model was in the 2003 Dealer binder but not the 2004 Dealer binder indicating that it was dropped from production at some point during this time (Thanks to Ruckdee for running down that info!)

Speedmaster Moonphase (Reference 3688.30.32 ) is a Limited production run of 57 pieces made of Platinum with a skeletonized White "dial" with blued markers and hands.. It uses an improved c.1866 movement which includes a Dial Calendar indication at 12 o'clock on a common subdial with a moonphase indication. Both of these functions are controled via pushpieces on the upper left side of the case. As the movement is a c.3604 (which I've never heard of before, but I expect it's a special skeletonized version of the c.1866) which is is plated in White Rhodium plated and has an additional jewel to bring the jewel count up to 18. This watch features a Sapphire Crystal instead of the satndard moonwatch's hesalite. To my knowledge this model is only available on a leather strap, and the price is "If you have to ask, you probably can't afford it...

The most recent Moonphase model to be put in production is a new model in Stainless Steel (Case Reference: 3576.50.00). The easiest way to distinguish this model from the 1985 model are the metal rings around the lower three sub-dials... This sub-dial treatment is very similar to that utilized by the Seamaster Professional Chronograph (Omega 1154/Valjoux 7750 movement. which have a tendancy to disappear when reflecting colors that are similar to the dial color. It's possible to mistake this model for the origing 1985 model if the photography is just right, but it's difficult to be fooled when seeing the watch in person. Mistaking these two models can be very expensive so be careful... This model also uses the modernized c.1866 White Rhodium plated 18 Jewel version of the Lemania base movement as opposed to the earlier Gilt plating... This model also features a new Moonphase Wheel that has nearly a "Three-dimensional" look to it and is also available on a Leather strap (Case Reference: 3876.50.31). Both of these models feature a Sapphire display back and a Sapphire Crystal. This model is currently in production.

I hope this is helpful/useful... At this point (23 July 2004) it's the sum of my knowledge on the topic at hand.

-- Chuck

P.S. Special Thanks go to Christoph for his pictures and interest in seeing them included in this document!