Manufacturer: Omega Year: 1988 Reference No: ST 376.0822 Movement No: 48'233'379 Model Name: Speedmaster Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Automatic, cal. 1045, 17 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Omega bracelet stamped ""809" to the endlinks, max length 190mm Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Omega deployant clasp stamped "1450" Dimensions: 40mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and clasp signed Accessories: Accompanied by Omega product literature, grey document holder, fitted presentation box and outer packaging. Furthermore delivered with Omega Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch on April 27, 1988 and its delivery to Hong Kong
Catalogue Essay
One of the rarest models among the Speedmaster line, ref. 376.0822 was in production for only 2 years between 1987 and 1988. Furthermore, it was the first Speedmaster model to feature an automatic movement. It is interesting to note how this innovation was introduced around the same time that it appeared on its direct competitor: the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona, which however lacked calendar features. The present lot is preserved in overall excellent condition, and is by all means a great addition to any collection.
Omega's rich history begins with its founder, Louis Brandt, who established the firm in 1848 in La Chaux de Fonds. In 1903, the company changed its name to Omega, becoming the only watch brand in history to have been named after one its own movements. A full-fledged manufacturer of highly accurate, affordable and reliable watches, its sterling reputation enabled them to be chosen as the first watch company to time the Olympic Games beginning in 1932. Its continued focus on precision and reliability ultimately led their Speedmaster chronograph wristwatch to be chosen by NASA in 1965 — the first watch worn on the moon.
Key models sought-after by collectors include their first, oversized water-resistant chronograph — the reference 2077, early Speedmaster models such as the CK 2915 and 2998, military-issued versions of the Seamaster and oversized chronometer models such as those fitted with their prestigious caliber 30T2Rg.