Are Omega Watches a Good Investment?
The short answer to the question “Are Omega watches a good investment?” (aside from “don’t buy a watch as an investment”) is that most of them will take a hit when bought new, but they do generally retain their value well when bought secondhand–and the most popular models can certainly increase in value. Maybe the increases won’t be as meteoric as with some Rolexes, but Omega has been making some great watches in recent years and collectors have noticed. We never recommend buying watches strictly as an investment vehicle, but it’s sensible to consider value and collectability when making a luxury watch purchase. With that in mind, we’ve made a list of ten of the most investment-worthy Omega watches.
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Which Omega Watches are the Best Investments?
In general, Speedmaster Professionals are the best “investment” Omegas, and some Seamasters do well too. While the supply of Omega watches is not as limited as that of other brands such as Audemars Piguet or Patek Phillipe, and their mainstream demand isn’t as high Rolex‘s, these watches still hold their value quite well. Limited edition watches are especially likely to increase in price over time, despite some collectors complaining that Omega’s quantities for limited editions can be on the high side.
Omega increased the price of the Speedmaster Professional in Europe and the UK by 7% in February 2023, as well as several times in the years before. As MSRP for new watches increases, prices for previously owned versions of the same watches tend to increase as well. But which Omega references are the best investments in particular?
We asked one of Luxury Bazaar’s watch procurement specialists, Marco Ferrante, for his thoughts on the best Omega watches from an investment standpoint, and his mind immediately went to the most popular modern steel Speedmaster references.
“The only Omega I can wholeheartedly recommend as an investment is any Snoopy. I would say also Ultraman is decent, Alaska Project is OK, and 321 Ed White is not bad. But the issue is we don’t know how many they will make–so big question mark there. Those are really the only ones in my personal opinion.”
Marco Ferrante
Later we’ll explain some of the key things that make vintage Omegas attractive, and we’ll discuss some other watches as well. But for now let’s go over each of the watches Marco mentioned.
Omega Speedmaster Snoopy
As Marco said, in general the Snoopy is the best Omega watch for investment purposes. But a “Snoopy” isn’t just one model–it’s three. The original Snoopy Speedmaster (ref. 3578.51.00) made its debut in 2003, with no differences from a standard Omega Speedmaster Professional aside from the astronaut Snoopy art in the 9 o’clock subdial and on the caseback. Subsequently, a white Snoopy variant was introduced in 2015 (ref. 311.32.42.30.04.003) to commemorate the 45th anniversary of Apollo 13, and in 2020, the “Silver Snoopy” Speedmaster (ref. 310.32.42.50.02.001) marking the 50th anniversary was released. The black and silver Snoopies sell for around $20,000 while the white one goes for roughly twice that.
More on the Snoopy models: The Omega Snoopy: A Collector’s Guide
Omega Speedmaster Professional “Ultraman”
The tasteful orange accents on the “Ultraman” Speedmaster Professional completely change the look of the watch, giving it more of a racing vibe. In 1967 (or 1968 depending on who you ask), a handful of 145.012 Speedmaster models were built with orange chrono hands for some reason. This variant was worn by a character in the Japanese TV show “Return of Ultraman,” which helped popularize it and gave it its nickname, and today the original vintage Ultraman Speedmasters go for about $40,000.
Omega has fully and officially embraced the “Ultraman” name with this reissue, and they’ve added just a little bit more orange than the original: the hour plots, the “tachymetre” text, and “Speedmaster” text are now orange as well. These 2018 Ultraman Speedies were a limited edition of 2,012 pieces, in honor of the year that the “Speedy Tuesday” phenomenon (sharing pictures of Speedmasters online on Tuesday) became popular. They were sold online in July 2018, and sold out in under two hours. Now they go for about for about 1/3rd of the price of the vintage Ultraman models.
Omega Speedmaster Speedy Tuesday Ultraman Specs
| Model | Omega Speedmaster Professional Speedy Tuesday Ultraman |
| Reference | 311.12.42.30.01.001 |
| Case Material | Stainless steel |
| Case Diameter | 42mm |
| Case Thickness | 14mm |
| Dial | Black, orange accents |
| Movement | Omega Caliber 1861 (Manual-wind, 6 beats per second) |
| Power Reserve | 48 hours |
| Bracelet/Strap | NATO strap |
| Crystal | Hesalite |
| Water Resistance | 50m |
| Limited Production | 2,012 pieces |
| Last MSRP (2018) | $7,100 |
| Market Price (2023) | $13,500 |
Omega Speedmaster Alaska Project
Omega made two types of prototypes in collaboration with NASA from 1969-1972, with the goal of making a watch highly suitable for use in space. The Alaska I prototypes had huge, odd-looking cushion cases, while the Alaska II models had a typical Speedmaster case shape. Conspicuously, a large red removable aluminum heat shield could be added to the watch to help it resist extreme temperatures.
In 2008, Omega released a limited-edition production watch based on the Alaska II prototypes, which is fondly referred to as the “Alaska Project” Speedmaster. Naturally, the distinctive aluminum heat shield is once again part of the package. The awkward subdial hands, designed to maximize legibility, contribute to its distinctive look. Since there are only a few Speedmasters with white dials, the Alaska Project has remained highly desirable; it sells for over 3x its original MSRP.
Omega Speedmaster Professional Alaska Project Specs
| Model | Omega Speedmaster Professional Alaska Project |
| Reference | 311.32.42.30.04.001 |
| Case Material | Stainless steel with removable aluminum heat shield |
| Case Diameter | 42mm |
| Case Thickness | 14.3mm |
| Movement | Omega Caliber 1861 (Manual-wind, 6 beats per second) |
| Dial | White |
| Bracelet/Strap | White leather Velcro strap |
| Crystal | Hesalite |
| Water Resistance | 50m |
| Limited Production | 1,970 pieces |
| Last MSRP (2008) | $5,500 |
| Market Price (2023) | $18,000 |
Omega “Ed White” 321 Speedmaster
While Rolex never exactly copies their past designs, Omega almost egregiously does. Not only did Omega replicate the exact size (39.7mm) of the popular vintage “Ed White” Speedmaster reference, they even went so far as to start re-producing the same caliber of movement again. That’s right, Omega started making a 1960’s-era caliber again, just because they knew collectors loved the vintage Lemania 321 movements so much.
As for the dial, Omega didn’t overthink it, and seemed to go for an exact copy of the original Ed Whites. They even added some “fauxtina” to the hands and hour markers. The build quality of these modern Omegas is quite high, so resale prices of the modern “Ed White” are actually often higher than average-condition vintage ones, even though it’s not a limited edition.
Omega Speedmaster “Ed White” 321 Specs
| Model | Omega Speedmaster Calibre 321 Ed White |
| Reference | 311.30.40.30.01.001 |
| Case Material | Stainless steel |
| Case Diameter | 39.7mm |
| Case Thickness | 13.7mm |
| Dial | Black |
| Movement | Omega Caliber 321 (Manual-wind, 5 beats per second) |
| Power Reserve | 55 hours |
| Bracelet/Strap | Stainless steel bracelet |
| Crystal | Sapphire |
| Water Resistance | 50m |
| MSRP (2023) | $15,400 |
| Market Price (2023) | $20,000 |
For More of Our Picks:
The Best Entry-Level Vacheron Constantin Watches
The Best Entry-Level Blancpain Watches
The Best Entry Level Cartier Watches
11 of the Best “Investment” Watches
Now we’ve covered all of Marco’s favorites, but we still think there are some other relatively slept-on Omegas with solid investment pedigree. Let’s start with the only gold model in this article:
The Green Speedmaster (Moonshine Gold)
When the green Rolex Daytona was first released, the general public paid little attention at first. Eventually, John Mayer expressed his enthusiasm for the watch and the collecting world ultimately agreed that it was, in fact, a sweet watch. Perhaps the same realization will come for the green Speedmaster Professional, made in Omega’s own extra-bright Moonshine gold alloy. Although it has the classic 42mm Moonwatch size and shape, it sports a modern Master Chronometer coaxial movement with industry-leading magnetic resistance (more on that soon) and outstanding timekeeping.
Green Omega Speedmaster Professional Specs
| Model | Green Omega Speedmaster Professional |
| Reference | 310.60.42.50.10.001 (Bracelet) 310.63.42.50.10.001 (Strap) |
| Case Material | Moonshine gold |
| Case Diameter | 42mm |
| Case Thickness | 13.2mm |
| Dial | Sun-brushed green |
| Movement | Omega Caliber 3861 (Automatic, 6 beats per second) |
| Power Reserve | 50 hours |
| Bracelet/Strap | Moonshine gold bracelet Green leather strap |
| Crystal | Sapphire |
| Water Resistance | 50m |
| MSRP (2023) | $41,600 (Bracelet) $29,500 (Strap) |
| Market Price (2023) | $35,000 (Bracelet) $25,000 (Strap) |
Omega Speedmaster Super Racing
The only automatic Speedmaster on our list is the Omega Speedmaster Super Racing (ref. 329.30.44.51.01.003), announced in late January 2023. Omega has made many Speedmaster Racing references, but the Super Racing Speedmaster is another beast entirely. This is Omega’s first watch with the Spirate system, which features a silicon hairspring with adjustable stiffness, allowing a watchmaker to adjust the watch in increments of 0.1 seconds/day.
As with all of Omega’s Master Chronometer watches, they are certified by METAS, the Swiss Federal Institute of Metrology. The METAS certification process runs each watch through eight different tests, including magnetic and water resistance, and accuracy testing. All Master Chronometer watches must already have been chronometer-certified by COSC (Official Swiss Chronometer Testing Institute). This double-testing helps ensure that all Master Chronometers run within -2/+2 seconds per day.
Omega has raised the bar even further with their Spirate system, which debuted in 2023 and guarantees 0/+2 seconds per day in accuracy. Like all of Omega’s Master Chronometers, the Speedmaster Super Racing has a magnetic resistance of 15,000 gauss (roughly equivalent to an MRI machine). The famous Rolex Milgauss only has a magnetic resistance of 1,000 gauss.
Omega Speedmaster Super Racing Specs
| Model | Omega Speedmaster Super Racing |
| Reference | 329.30.44.51.01.003 |
| Case Material | Steel |
| Case Diameter | 44.25mm |
| Case Thickness | 14.9mm |
| Dial | Black honeycomb motif |
| Movement | Omega Caliber 9920 (Automatic, 8 beats per second) |
| Power Reserve | 60 hours |
| Bracelet/Strap | Stainless steel bracelet |
| Crystal | Sapphire |
| Water Resistance | 50m |
| MSRP (2023) | $11,600 |
| Market Price (2023) | $12,000 |
Seamaster Diver 300m No Time to Die Edition
The next watch we are featuring is the Seamaster Diver 300m No Time to Die Edition. Created to celebrate Daniel Craig’s final appearance as James Bond in 2021’s No Time to Die, this is a sleek variation of the Seamaster Diver 300m. Daniel Craig himself actually assisted in the design of this watch, collaborating with Omega’s watchmakers on a watch he believed James Bond would wear.
Like the Speedmaster Super Racing, this watch has a Master Chronometer rating, and a magnetic resistance of 15,000 gauss. As this is the final watch worn by Daniel Craig’s James Bond, and arguably one of the best-looking Bond watches, this piece is likely to retain its value on the secondary market.
Omega Seamaster Diver 300m No Time to Die Edition Specs
| Model | Omega Seamaster Diver 300m No Time to Die Edition |
| Reference | 210.90.42.20.01.001 |
| Case Material | Grade 2 Titanium |
| Case Diameter | 42mm |
| Case Thickness | 13.0mm |
| Dial | Matte black with tan hour plots |
| Movement | Omega Caliber 8806 (Automatic, 7 beats per second) |
| Power Reserve | 55 hours |
| Bracelet/Strap | Grade 2 Titanium mesh bracelet |
| Crystal | Sapphire |
| Water Resistance | 300m |
| MSRP (2023) | $10,000 |
| Market Price (2023) | $8,500 |
Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch “Sapphire Sandwich”
Now let’s take a look at an Omega that isn’t limited or rare at all, just timelessly endearing–the Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch “Sapphire Sandwich.” Although vintage Speedmaster Professionals have hesalite crystals and steel casebacks, this version sports sapphire crystals on both sides, hence the nickname. Note that this is an upgrade over the original Sapphire Sandwich (ref. 3573.50), as the new Sapphire Sandwich features Omega’s gorgeously finished Caliber 3861 movement. This watch is the modern epitome of what many of us think of when we hear the word Omega. The Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch is a timeless piece, likely to hold its value very well for decades to come.
Omega Speedmaster Professional “Sapphire Sandwich” Specs
| Model | Omega Speedmaster Professional “Sapphire Sandwich” |
| Reference | 310.30.42.50.01.002 |
| Case Material | Stainless steel |
| Case Diameter | 42mm |
| Case Thickness | 13.2mm |
| Dial | Black |
| Movement | Omega Caliber 3861 (Automatic, 6 beats per second) |
| Power Reserve | 50 hours |
| Bracelet/Strap | Stainless steel |
| Crystal | Sapphire |
| Water Resistance | 50m |
| Limited Production | 1,970 pieces |
| MSRP (2023) | $8,000 |
| Market Price (2023) | $6,500 |
Are vintage Omega watches good investments?
Omega indeed produced some highly collectible watches from the 1950’s through the early 1970’s. Omega Ranchero models from the late 1950’s are worthy investment pieces, as are early Railmasters and obviously Speedmasters. But Omega lost their way a bit in the 1970’s–the era of Seamasters with non-screwdown crowns and movements with stamped parts–and collectors don’t generally clamor for 1980’s Omegas either.
Omega got back on track a bit in the 1990’s with the coaxial movement and the Bond Seamaster, which was the best Omega dive watch they had made in years. Another product of the 1990’s was the legendary Mitsukoshi Speedmaster, a Speedmaster Professional with a beautiful “panda” dial, limited to only 300 pieces. While those have proven good investments thus far, now the market is so saturated with Mitsukoshi “builds” (regular Speedmasters with the silver-and-black dial swapped in) that buyers need to exercise caution.
Love for Caliber 321
If we’re talking about investment-grade vintage Omegas, we have to mention the Lemania caliber 321 movement. Vintage Speedmasters powered by the 321 tend to be the most collectible, from the original “Ed White” reference with straight lugs (105.003) to the models worn by Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin on the moon (105.012 and 145.012, respectively). Even after six decades or more, a properly maintained 321 Speedy will keep great time and feel absolutely wonderful to wind; there’s a reason the movement is so revered.
Love for the “Dot Over Ninety” Bezel
Another detail revered by Omega Speedmaster collectors is the “dot over 90” bezel. Many of these old bezels have since been replaced by later versions, which have slightly different placement of the number 90, but these “DON” bezels are a good indicator of originality. It is admittedly odd that the placement of a small dot relative to a tiny number on the bezel is such a big deal to Omega collectors, but, this is the world of collectible vintage watches. Buying vintage requires a lot more due diligence than buying modern watches, especially if you’re looking at the purchase as an “investment.” Market value is hugely affected by condition and originality, so if you see a vintage Omega reference seemingly priced below market value, there’s usually a reason.
That concludes our guide to Omega “investment” watches. If you have a different opinion about the best investment Omega watch, let us know in the comments! Personal taste and enjoyment should be the main considerations when buying a luxury watch–very few luxury watches skyrocket in value–but Omega has made a wide variety of models that are likely to at least retain their value for years to come. An Omega watch is a good investment as long as you’re investing in enjoying it.
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