Omega Speedmaster Mark II: Why Did NASA Reject This Watch?

[@ID-Guy]

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[@mr.bmt216a2]

This video is Elegant, Informative, and Sublimly Satisfying. Your approach in these reviews are pure art. Thanks for all your consistantly satisfying videos. Can't wait for the next one. I was wondering if you have any favourite homage alternatives for the "Omega Speedmaster Professional" and "Omega Speedmaster Mark II" models Cheers.

[@bani_niba]

Thank you. Content on lesser known watches are 1000x more interesting than the perpetual re-hashing of the same old things on most youtube channels.

[@ID-Guy]

Completely agree Bani. I struggle to keep idea's fresh at times, but once and a while you'll see me looking at a few obscure things ;) Thank you so much for the comment

[@cxwrench1]

I have a Mkll Professional that I inherited from my father. Grey face, orange & white hands. It's dinged, scratched, and dirty...but it still works well and I love it. Great video, thanks!

[@Liam-nx7hf]

At last someone has reviewed my watch.......thanks

[@ID-Guy]

And its a stunner. Loved looking into the piece. Thanks for the comment Liam!

[@Peter_WongVI]

What timing! Just as of late, I've been really drawn to the Mark ii- really, just the past two months. I came across this variant just through viewing the IG feed. More and more, I think this is the one watch for me- my grail watch. Funny how it has never caught my attention in the past. I love the era it exudes, not modern, but stuck in a historical period. I love the SPEEDY. Keep up the good work!

[@ID-Guy]

Crazy how we stumble onto these things, right? I don't know what set me off to write about them, but hey! It really is a photograph of it's time. How I would have loved to have seen this in Kubrick's 2001... Thanks as always for the comment, Peter!

[@pipolepaw]

I Own one, amazing watch , the modern version

[@pipolepaw]

austin rosin 2 years now, was able to get it at discount in omega boutique in istanbul during vacation trip, very funky watch, I love it, it is worth it to look for discount......

[@tippykaffu4047]

@@ID-Guy The vintage co-axial breaks easily. Do not get the first and second generation of Co-axial movement.

[@angelos6817]

I just really stumbled across this one today. What can I say?? I like it! For me the new version will do just fine. I don't have a co-axial Omega and already have a Speedy moon watch so I think this is my next big purchase. I'm always drawn to the odd not so over hyped watches and this one hits the spot. I love the racing dial!

[@hrabanus]

I've always appreciated the iterations of the speedmaster, and I'm looking forward to a further discussion of the various "Marks". Well done, that's what makes this channel so special!

[@allydea]

Expertly knowledgeable review! I am no stranger to this watch, but still found this presentation very informative and exciting!

[@danielmartini3229]

Can't wait for future episodes of this series!

[@ID-Guy]

Thanks a ton, Daniel. I'm actually looking forward to discuss the later generations (there are so many sick piece in the speedmaster family)

[@orangehand7929]

Another great vid IDGuy. I picked up a minty 1970 Mark II racing dial last month for a song. Loving it. This watch should command way more attention and respect among vintage collectors. True Speedmaster collectors put it next to Ed Whites and other important references in their collections. Only a matter of time before others catch on. ✊

[@ID-Guy]

And it seems like those in the know just nod and say "Hell yes, it's an amazing watch" I'd love to get my hands on a, Orange Racing reissue. It's the enthusiasts Speedmaster ;) Thanks for the comment as always, Orange Hand. Seeing your avatar makes me crave that damn 1655...

[@orangehand7929]

IDGuy wait till you see my next avatar. Your video inspired a change to the Mark II.

[@forstermatt1]

I love the 70s looking speedies, great use of color and case shape, many to pick from

[@ID-Guy]

Very interesting, right? I'd love to get my hands on an Orange Racing reissue and it's going to be great going into the greater depths of the various generations that came afterwards! Thanks for the comment, Matt!

[@majidm87]

Amazing reviews , really a big fan Of your channel..your up there with watchfinder!

[@samshamansky]

Great video. My Mark II is one of my favorite watches. Rarely see one. Keep up the great work.

[@drwindsurf]

Great summary of this project. I am looking forward to the rest of the series. Thank you :)

[@ID-Guy]

It's such a pleasure Jeffrey! Great to see your comment! Hope you're well, brother

[@Thomas_Burnett]

You know I love that 70’s Omega styling don’t you! The Mk2 is such a sleek version of the Speedmaster. Over the past few months I have been lusting over the Speedmaster Mk3. The first automatic Speedy. Big, Sleek, 70’s styling taken to the extreme!!! Yet another great video here my friend. Always entertaining and educating us. We love it! ✊

[@scottsj4625]

IDGUY, I think this is one of your best videos you have done. Really nice presentation. There was a lot of history I did not even know about. I used to want once since the mid-1990s. I never got one because it was heavy and a bit big on my wrist. There are a couple smaller ones like the reduced and first man in space. So many models of the speedmaster. I also like racing dials with red hands.

[@esteemedwatches1768]

Man I could listen to you all day 👍

[@thomasmoll8822]

Shhhhht - don’t you reveal that well-kept secret which is the Mark II...

[@ID-Guy]

I was actually considering holding it back a while... the reissue is calling to me...

[@esametsala3054]

1978 I became a proud owner of Mark II . It was my second ever watch. Kept it on my wrist for 17 years. Still owning, serviced before putting it into a trophy vitrine. Thank you for the video! All the best.

[@dominicrusho]

Brilliant video. I’ve always really liked the MK2, along with the Bulova Lunar Pilot which is clearly cut from the same cloth. Both pieces just exude that ‘space age’ feel to me much more than the regular Moonwatch.

[@Daud76]

Very well presented. Thank you for your upload. 😊

[@mr.bmt216a2]

This video is Elegant, Informative, and Sublimly Satisfying. Your approach in these reviews are pure art. Thanks for all your consistantly satisfying videos. Can't wait for the next one. I was wondering if you have any favourite homage alternatives for the "Omega Speedmaster Professional" and "Omega Speedmaster Mark II" models Cheers.

[@numberstation]

I’d look at a Bulova Moon Watch (I think they are now called Lunar Pilot) as a good, affordable homage. I own one and I think it’s excellent value. Also, the Bulova Lobster Chronograph may appeal, though I think it is now out of production. Both are quartz, but GOOD quartz movements.

[@enzogorlomi5300]

Love this one dare I say it I prefer it over the moonwatch!

[@ID-Guy]

I'm leaning towards the Racing MK2 Reissue... It's a real enthusiasts piece. Love that nobody would know what it was unless they truly knew something about watches ;) Thanks for the comment Enzo!

[@jorgerobles628]

One of the reasons the Mk II was not selected is not mentioned in this video- The Glass crystal. Why? It could brake in the inside atmosphere of the cabin and the floating pieces of glass could have been very dangerous for the eyes of the astronauts. The breaking of the glass would had also broken the tachymetric scale, with no way of calculating rates, something needed for these missions. The Plexy glass would only would shatter but would not produced those small fragments, and the tachymetric scale would not be affected, so the older model was preferred. That was explained in a video several years back.

[@wolfdna788]

Wow. It's beautiful and I never realized it until now

[@scdevon]

7:00 My favorite Mark II Ref. These watches are underrated for sleek, everyday wear with the tachymetre crystal, not bezel.

[@midas1929]

As an Omega fan, thanks again for a great video. To me it looks like the new H. Moser Streamliner really takes up some of this Omega design up.

[@ID-Guy]

Always a pleasure Andreas! And the Moser point, I feel the same way (partly why I made it a recommended video at the end) It feels like they must've used MK2 inspiration as a part of their design process.

[@blueshirtbuddah1665]

Another fantastic video IDGuy. While I am an original Speedmaster Professional fan (and owner) I can still appreciate the design aesthetics of the Speedmaster Mk II. That 70's style case has made a resurgence these days. When it comes to NASA's decision, I guess the old axiom still holds, if it ain't broke, don't fix it.

[@orangehand7929]

Blueshirt, I thought NASA was broke, no?

[@blueshirtbuddah1665]

@@orangehand7929 no longer, but AC3 is.

[@orangehand7929]

Blueshirt AC3 is broke and not worth fixing.

[@Tetlee]

@@orangehand7929 unfixable

[@ID-Guy]

Clearly that was their motto and there was mention that the astronauts found Seiko ;) Thank you as always for your comment, Blueshirt. I so appreciate you taking the time to watch everything I produce.

[@Tetlee]

The MK2 has been undervalued for seemingly ever. I have a vintage non racing and wear it alot, such a cool watch. I'd like a racing too but could be tempted with the modern for something different as I like a mix of vintage and modern.

[@ID-Guy]

It's crazy how all of these generations have stayed below the radar... they're scattered all over the place and their prices are so reasonable! Thank you for the comment Tetlee! Keep wearing your MK2 in good health

[@suwaidi]

I have been eyeing to source for a brand new racing edition for a while due to no avail I think I’ll just be happy to go for the standard edition at this point. If I do find one, this will be my first Omega watch.

[@badummm]

Thank you for the interesting story behind this timepiece.

[@jmfa57]

Despite the obvious practicality, I prefer the look of my Speedmaster Professional. Great video, great story!

[@zulu6ix290]

Excellent stuff

[@ID-Guy]

Thank you R&W, I can't wait to do more and look into the other variants of the line

[@hoppysport2872]

Thanks so much for this beautifully produced and presented video. Having owned the Speedmaster Professional, I never really appreciated the Mark ll until the last 10 years or so. I also own the most excellent Bulova Lunar Pilot...the other moonwatch. What's interesting about the Bulova is how it follows the Mark ll's design, with a more cushion care and the bezel under the crystal. I always banged and dented my Speedmaster Professional's bezel. Never do that with the Lunar Pilot.

[@chrisrheams4656]

I bought one of the new MK IIs and it is by far the most accurate watch I own. I never get tired of admiring its look, and find any excuse possible to use the chronograph. Very different from the moonwatch, fantastic in its own way.

[@juniorjohnson5961]

Excellent video 👍

[@ID-Guy]

Thanks a million as always, Junior! Loved putting this one together

[@jean-marcducommun8185]

Thank you for the thoughtful review that looks at this watch as it should be done. I already owned the original Speedmaster Mk II and just received the updated version. I always preferred the look of this watch compared with the so called Moon watch because to me the design of this watch is just absolutely perfect at least when it comes to the harmony of the dials, the proportions and finally the readability. To me this watch is THE classic chronometer and sort of archetype in this category. It should be handled much more carefully by OMEGA and if done so it could reach a standing like the Daytona from Rolex by refining every aspect of this watch over the years.

[@rickmann1587]

Another great video about a great watch! Thank you for doing it with care and attention, and for deciding to go on a different path than the "greatness" of the "R" branded watches (the ones with a crown..?). Cheers

[@jmbaug1229]

I don't why but I have an strong feeling that Marc Newson was looking carefully to this piece when he was developing IKEPOD. I love this Speedmaster Mark II J

[@jhoag2577]

Well said!

[@paulgalli6433]

Was the Mark II rejected also because of the choice of using sapphire glass vs the hesalite. I understand that was a major factor over Rolex and their use of the oyster perpetual movement and worries of sapphire glass breaking creating shards of tiny pieces of glass and the movement failure in weight less environments. Yes Rolex was on the moon also but "unofficially", I'm sure because it was not fully commissioned for space flight. Great video, enjoyable editing/cinematography on the watches show casing their elegance.

[@rodsalvador3608]

The Moonwatch is a C2 Corvette. Timeless and elegant. The Mark II is the C3 Corvette, faster, smoother, more integrated, But the C2 just looks so damn good. It all boils down to what you value as a collector.

[@sodapop1999]

Best unloved gem

[@TinBin-Craig]

very nice.... cheers

[@ID-Guy]

Always a pleasure, Craig! Thanks so much for the comment!

[@tippykaffu4047]

This is a very nice video about speedmaster. Btw, will there be a stream this saturday?

[@ID-Guy]

Thanks a million Tippy! And Yes! I thought a lil' A. Lange & Sohne appreciation stream would be fun ;)

[@tippykaffu4047]

@@ID-Guy How about German watch as a whole instead?

[@surfside75]

I've purged my watch collection and watch channels... Your's made the cut and will stay indefinitely, your channel is like my skx007 staying with forever✔️🍻

[@mrp9498]

Great video. I have a Mark III that’s needs full overhaul I would guess. It’s in pretty roughed up condition.

[@JB91710]

9:00 What watch is as beautiful as that? All the other Omega Speedmaster watches!

[@rickmann1587]

Also, regarding the MkII, I,ve heard there was some question about the safire glass could shatter upon impact and nobody wanted little shards of glass floating in a zero gravity environment.

[@andrejensen7837]

Been looking at the polaris and love its look. Now I can see why it has it's shape and name . Polaris is a northern star

[@macoyupadoodle]

Almost got one but decided on a dress watch which i did not have at the time ................. still think about the mark ii from time to time

[@dkev001]

NASA uses the Gshock DW5600 series now. Ain't nothing tougher.

[@masterwatch]

brilliant..

[@SgtHooch]

Nice watch. I worked with a guy for 8 1/2 years and he only wore the one watch. I always though that was cool. One watch and one that is different.

[@roamy3605]

Of course the Omega Speedmaster Mark II will go up in value now that I've decided to sell mine. I'll sell mine for the lowest amount ever seen for a Mark II and then prices will double within a month. Mark (II) my words!

[@Tetlee]

I've been expecting them to increase in value for years, at this point I'm starting to think they'll always be undervalued. They may go up a bit not I don't think much.

[@orangehand7929]

If you go on Chrono24 app you can track the prices. There has been a slow crawl of an increase over the past year. Interesting in the last month prices went up a few per cent.

[@RichReviews_]

Nice one

[@SkysaxonDragonslayer]

Would love to see your thoughts on the Speedmaster Nautilus which is my favorite in the Speedmaster line.

[@yonder_owls]

The movement change has nothing to do with it. No 861s went on the moon, but one did go on one Apollo mission. And 861s were used later on by NASA. I think the simple answer is that the OG moonwatch was not discontinued by the Mark II, so why bother certifying another option? I do agree these are great looking watches!

[@hugeshows]

I've heard it said that NASA doesn't like the idea of non-plastic crystals because of the possibility of tiny shards of mineral or sapphire floating around.

[@jb6027]

Great video. I still much prefer the original design.

[@gelmibson883]

Woo!

[@ID-Guy]

Thanks as always Gel!

[@cedarcanoe]

I own both a 105.012-65 and a 145.014-70 and must admit I prefer the MkII a lot better.

[@b_altmann]

The mineral glass would have most probably not been up to the task - extreme temperature changes etc.

[@johanboes1]

I have the tropical brown 1969 mk2

[@blainecole5452]

It is the first Swiss watch I purchased, and perhaps the last.

[@BobGolob]

Vintage MK2 racing: bargain! It is currently so under-rated that it is impossible it stays like this forever.

[@orangehand7929]

Second that BobGolob.

[@ID-Guy]

And I've just let the cat out of the bag.... Somehow I feel like the reissues especially are just going to disappear now hahaha!

[@BobGolob]

@@ID-Guy by the way, one of the most striking features of the vintage MK2 is the case original radial brushing (that often has been ruined by polishing...). So frustrating to try to find one in a good state...

[@eudaldguell3004]

When a lobster mk 2?

[@paulienkhamvaiphei134]

👍

[@faisalingalong]

I guess the ‘Mark 40’ or triple date falls out of scope...def not intended for space use!

[@johndesmond1987]

Judgements of industrial design are highly subjective of course, but I have always considered the Mk II to be supremely ugly compared with the moonwatch design, which to me is close to perfect. If only the bezel were ceramic, and the case a bit thinner!

[@SevenDeMagnus]

So sad. It looks better than the Speedmaster Moonwatch.

[@carlosoruna7174]

m2 looks a lot like the 125..

[@speedygonzales9993]

IMHO, the original looks much better.

[@junkyardparadise]

its just too chunky imo to be daily watch

[@duncankruz7267]

Thats the most pictures ive had to scroll thru .... after being clickbaited.... Good job collecting all those pics someone else took

[@badgermustelid1203]

I don't see the point. Less is more. Who needs a chronograph accurate to one-sixth of a second when you have a smartphone that is an order of magnitude more precise? Anyway, who needs that? Scientists use dedicated instruments, nut Speedmasters. Why all the numbers and complications? When I see an advertising executive or bond trader wearing a watch like that I think he is ridiculous, even rather pathetic. What do I need a watch for these days anyway? Not for accuracy or the date or lap times. I look at the original Italian Navy Panerai designed and manufactured in the thirties for frogmen. So simple it is perfect. It has everything I need in a watch. It tells me the time give or take a few seconds. Everything else is clutter.

[@jjlad5037]

Why? Because it's buck-ugly!