Review: Omega Speedmaster Professional Mark II Vintage Ref. ST 145.014 "Moonwatch MKII, Almost"

[@MrDidaxi]

This vintage beauty was passed on to me by my father (god rest his soul), who purchased it once it hit the shelves, in Germany. It is a “veteran” so to speak. It has been used excessively and it shows... but, it is operational and priceless for yours truly. Likewise, some day, I shall see to it for a restoration... regardless though, I enjoy it. Cheers. George from Hellas. NB: my father wore it till 1999 and I have been using it ever since.🙂

[@dono1man]

Great review. I just picked one up and am waiting anxiously for it to arrive. I appreciate the thoroughness of your review and the practicalness of it as well. Clear, concise, clean.

[@stewartmurray4658]

A refreshing take on watch collecting. They don't need to be perfect, just for the collector to like them. That's always been my philosophy too.

[@555Gear]

Thanks for weighing in! It took me a while to realize I enjoyed my watches more when I wasn't as retentive about them.

[@jonathanelcar8090]

Just bought a Mark II and I absolutely love it. Great video, I have watched it about ten times and I feel this model doesn’t get the attention it deserves. :)

[@markojirasek]

Thanks for this review. My father bought one Mk2 in 1970, when his newly wedded wife (my mum) told him to choose between her and his passion for rally racing. So he chose to drop his rather successful racing career, he sold his racing car, and bought this watch. I grew up beside this watch on my dad's wrist, and i even wore it few times in high school. My father had some passion for watches, so he switched to some other piece at some point later. For years and years this Mk2 was in some draw, but far from forgotten. Recently i asked my father about it, when i indulged myself with a new piece (because i have inherited the passion), and to my surprise he went up to his bedroom, came back downstairs, and handed me the famous Mk2. It's currently undergoing service, will receive some polishing, new glass etc. The only thing i really really fear is mineral glass. Back in the days this was standard, but sapphire is not available for this original. So it's not really for everyday use, as you pointed out in your review, but as something which has a deep meaning and story.

[@NauticayYatesMag]

Lo tengo desde 1972 y funciona a la perfección. Es uno de mis favoritos de la colección. Además exige poco mantenimiento. Uno de los mejores Omega de todos los tiempos. Gracias por el buen vídeo.

[@TheGuitarSpaSingapore]

thanks for the video. I bought a minty Mark II that I love...the Mark 3 and the 125 I bought both are sent back to omega to have it back like brand new..that's what i like..great history with a nice story behind it is what i love

[@555Gear]

Thanks for watching! Enjoy your great watches!

[@CampfireTalk]

Great closing thoughts on vintage equipment. I'm new to the channel and have been enjoying going through your catalog of great content. Take care!

[@555Gear]

I really appreciate it! Your channel is great too. Thanks for watching. Cheers, Andrew

[@amacro11]

Excellent review makes me want to go and check price and learn more! Thanks for posting

[@555Gear]

Thanks! There are some great articles out there on this model, I imagine you'll enjoy reading them!

[@4gegtyreeyuyeddffvyt]

Still has a futuristic look to it .

[@555Gear]

Retro-futuristic, I love it!

[@zenodio3D]

That was beautiful! And I completely agree with you about why you want to collect watches, I feel the same way. Collecting watches isn't an investment for me, they just have very personal value to me, doesn't matter if it's $500 or a $5000 watch, so long I think it's beautiful and can appreciate it for what it is. By the way, I didn't know about this watch until it was re-released at Baselworld, but I've been in love with it ever since. I didn't know the originals were that much cheaper than the new ones though, I'm kind of entering the $1500 - $2500 pricepoint at the moment. So I feel even more interested in the Speedmaster Mark II now than I was before.

[@phmwu7368]

0:41 already looking to the future with the Alaska Project which had a 60 minutes bezel as most astronauts requested ... although used in training by a couple of Skylab astronauts, the Mark Speedmasters were used by Russian cosmonauts. Read: " Time Peace - How Omega watches got behind the Iron Curtain & into the Soviet-Russian spaceflight program " #MoonwatchUniverse

[@DuelLego]

Just won one on eBay for $1K USD literally a few minutes ago. Can't wait for it to arrive!

[@raksh9]

It's been four years. Was the Mark II what you'd hoped it would be?

[@emtp1013]

This is a great watch, and the price for a vintage in good shape is very reasonably priced. Thanks for this review.

[@tiangvincent2573]

Very nice review! I have the 145.012 speedy mk ii n I wear it daily. There are scratches on the case n my bracelet links are stretched. I like it. Comparing it to the re-issue version, I would rather get the vintage version as it’s more affordable n more original. I don’t like the co-axial auto movement as the mkii is well known for its hand winding movement. Omega should have fitted the 1861 movement into their modern reissue of the mkii. The reissue at such a high price point and the co-axial movement instead of a hand-wound movement, is a failed project by Omega itself.

[@ericklopez9457]

good review, you seem very passionate about it

[@grinder2755]

It’s on my wish list.

[@edcgunner]

was looking forward to see the review on this one :) what a stunner and great video ! and love your thoughts on collecting

[@555Gear]

Thanks for watching, glad you enjoyed it!

[@eberlined]

I tend to idolize the Omega Speedmaster Pro (it's out of my price range, but maybe someday I will own one) so it's great hear your thoughts. I'm not too fond the barrel case of the mark 2, but still a very unique piece.

[@555Gear]

I do the same thing! It took me a really long time to warm up to the barrel case myself, it's not very photogenic for one thing. Much more normal looking in person haha. Thanks a lot for your comments and for watching!

[@michaelschmidt7080]

Great Review and the rigt attitude on vintage watches.

[@555Gear]

Thanks, I try to keep it a balanced attitude about it.

[@silverja1966]

Great review and history. I have Speed master reduced/3539.50 which I bought over this Mark2. I would like to see a comparison between the Mark 2 and the current re-issue of the Bulova Lunar watch as they are more closer in dimensions and appearance the the Speedy Professional. Maybe you can do a review. Thanks.

[@brandondiec4556]

Who do you send your watches out to? I have an old 60's Omega Constellation with a bad redial. I'm looking to have a new service dial put in and considered sending it back to Omega. However, its about $950 est just restore it! Quite frankly, that's just too much considering what the watch is worth. What are your thoughts?

[@DeanO]

That is a beautiful watch

[@GarchyOG]

Beautiful watch!

[@CopperJacketTV]

Very nice review"

[@555Gear]

Thanks!

[@martingingras8397]

Something has happened with the second hand backing up (0:46)... anyone noticed?

[@russells509]

Comparing a good example of the mark 2 on EBay with a "Man on the moon", I definitely want the mark 2 considerably more. I think the MOTM is cliche to a large extent. The price of a good mark 2 is also extremely appealing compared to a MOTM. Thanks to this video, I definitely think an original mark 2 is going to be the next big addition to my collection! As I love watches for their function and specifications more than their branding, I think the mark 2 will make a good grail piece for me.

[@555Gear]

I love them both, but definitely the MKII is a more uncommon watch and delightful in its own right! Happy hunting.

[@russells509]

Bob jones When I originally posted this comment, good condition Mk2s were going for $1500-2000 with the original bracelet and recent service.

[@russells509]

Bob jones the really important thing, if you buy a watch on eBay, all has to do with the eBay buyer protection. This is what will protect you from fake watches. If you buy any more expensive brand watches on ebay, it is imperative that you take it to a watch maker after you get it and have them verify the authenticity. It may cost you $50 or whatever, but it's your best line of recourse. If it is fake, you can have them make a quick write-up of how to tell and submit that under the buyer protection. Even if you can't get the money back from the seller, eBay themselves will actually refund it for you. Buying it on eBay should save you way more than enough money to justify taking it to a watchmaker.

[@jdevans2640]

Where did you have your case brushing done?

[@jimvonkropsberg399]

Dat Watch is just awesome 😎

[@gunenthusiast9201]

Cool Watch !!

[@555Gear]

Glad you like it!

[@marinopescadorspinningalva2475]

It’s a treasure muy friend !!

[@ansont1824]

Great video, I'm a new subscriber. Love the zulu/nato strap, where did you get it?

[@555Gear]

Anson Tsugawa Thanks for the sub! I actually found it on eBay I think. I forget the seller. Panatime has nice straps in a similar style.

[@lowbudgetproduction]

Well reviewed. This (1969 MkII) is a real elegant tool watch with an updated touch of style, as opposed to the new model which is just a "form over function" ridiculously oversized piece (What I would call a "show-off" watch).

[@555Gear]

Thanks for your comment and for watching! I have to admit, I was equally surprised and disappointed with the new MKII.

[@emirsaracevic]

this is mechanical hand wound watch...whats power reserve one fully wound?? i have same watch but in bad exterior condition, watch works flawlessly..

[@mepicaeltrasero]

Just bought one for under a thoundand bucks

[@Ryandlg12]

Where did you get the strap?

[@555Gear]

That's just a generic zulu, you can find them on ebay

[@b_altmann]

The finish is gone though on this one. Originally it would have had polished edges and a grained radial finish on the top. Only the sides were brushed.

[@cedarcanoe]

The watch first worn on the moon was a 1965 105.012, and not like you said a 1969 watch.

[@andrewbravo6510]

I have one its a omega speedmaster mark II.how do u know if it's real ?i think it's a vintage one dose any one know how I can tell?

[@b_altmann]

The mineral crystal wouldn’t have stood up well to the temperature changes. - I find it’s a rather thick watch. I see this review is from 8 years ago - it’s still not very sought after compared to the classic version. I still like it though

[@danmartin4552]

Oh my... as soon as I see, "Omega", I know I am going to hate the video... I will want it but not be able to afford it. I have an Invicta 4802 that is molded (aka kind of legally copied) off of the Omega Planet Ocean. My dream watch is a Rolex Submariner in blue or green. But I think it will have to wait to be some extravagant gift for myself with the help of loved ones for some big life event for me to justify 4 grand on essentially jewelry.

[@555Gear]

No doubt getting one of these higher end Swiss watches is something usually reserved for special occasions! Hopefully you can get that Sub someday. They are awesome watches. Thanks for watching!

[@laszlopolgar7632]

Nekem is volt ilyen !

[@cryptokiddie2910]

Great watch, awful strap