Manufacturer: Omega Year: Circa 2004 Reference No: 3570.40 Case No: 77’128’825 Model Name: Speedmaster “Japan Racing” Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Manual, cal. 1861, 18 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Omega bracelet, endlinks stamped “849”, max length 210mm Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Omega deployant clasp “62” Dimensions: 42mm diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed Accessories: Accompanied by Omega instruction manual, leather wallet, outer packaging and fitted presentation box. Further delivered with Omega Extract from the Archives confirming its subsequent date of sale on 22nd July 2004 and its delivery to Japan.
Catalogue Essay
Initially introduced in the late 1960s, Omega’s Speedmaster “Racing” dials are among one of the most sought after vintage Speedmaster models in the market today, due to its rarity and is alluring aesthetics.
Paying homage to its ancestors, Omega released the Speedmaster “Racing” ref. 3750.40 in 2004 made as a limited edition of 2,004 examples exclusive to the Japanese market. At immediate glance one may notice the intrinsic resemblance to those examples from the late 1960s, however with refreshed and refined colours to cater towards the contemporary demand. The dial is blessed with an attractive crayon grey base with white, neon orange and crimson red accents to complete the frame. Nicknamed the “Racing” dial, the minute track mimics the likes of the checkered finishing line of the race track. With a harmonious balance of all the colours featured on the dial, it is no wonder the Omega Speedmaster “Racing” is so well received and the “Racing” Japan is perhaps the most attractive out of all.
The present example Omega Speedmaster “Japan Racing” ref. 3570.40 is presented in excellent overall condition with a long and unadjusted bracelet. Furthermore, it is accompanied by an Omega Extract from the archives confirming its date of manufacture in 2004 and its delivery to Japan.
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.