Omega Speedmaster

The Omega reference 176.0012 Mark IV was introduced in 1973 and only produced for a year, making it a rarity on today’s market. The Mark series of Speedmasters represents Omegas continual efforts to push the limits of their designs and technical innovations, and the Mark IV is built around the Lemania 1340 (AKA Omega c.1040) automatic movement, which features a practical and also largely seen central minute counter hand, rather than the typical minute sub-register. The Lemania 1340 is of course the movement that would later be stripped down into Lemania 5100, as classic chronograph caliber.

The tonneau-shaped case with hooded lugs is typical of Omega's, and the industry’s, design trends of the late 60s/early 70s, and was introduced in the first of the Mark series, the Mark II, in 1969. Though utilizing a radically different case and movement, Omega kept the same style hands as the original Moonwatch, and the dial is clearly a close derivative of the classic Speedmaster Pro.

The Omega Speedmaster Mark IV is one of the most desirable of the Mark series, second only to the original Mark I, otherwise known as the Caliber .861 Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch. The cushion case and automatic movement distinguish the Mark IV from the Speedmaster, and both can happily coexist in a vintage chronograph collection.

On the wrist, the watch feels like a solid piece of machinery. The case fits comfortably on the wrist, and though it shows some wear from use, it retains the beautiful original radial brushing pattern. The Mark IV is a joy to wear, and an interesting milestone in the history of the Speedmaster Professional model line.

Whether it’s a Moonwatch or a Mark IV, you can never go wrong with a Speedmaster!