Here we have a nicely aged example of a 1974 Omega Speedmaster 125, reference 178002/3780801. It has its original integrated lobster style bracelet design, with the Omega signed fold over clasp. The famously chunky two piece case design is impressive with the brushed finishing. It is a hefty case measuring 42mm wide x 51mm in length. The matte black dial has a host of features, neatly balanced and laid out. It has a chronograph central second hand, constant seconds, 24 hour hand, 60 minute counter, 12 hour counter and quickset date function. It has the applied Omega logo with the 125 also applied. Inside is the impressive calibre 1041 chronometer grade automatic chronograph movement. It comes with a period Omega box.
 
The model was introduced in 1973 to celebrate Omegas 125th anniversary. A special occasion deserved a special movement, with the calibre 1041 being the world’s first chronometer certified automatic chronograph. The movement was not used in any other watches, highlighting its special status. Omega sought to offer a design which showcased their prowess as a manufacturer. It sought to be innovative in its design, with a host of functions for the user. 
Although originally quoted by Omega as having a production run of 2000, the number of examples would seem to outnumber this. It is estimated around 17,400 were produced. None the less it is a relatively low production number watch for Omega. It was also an expensive watch, with a retail price of $425 which was 90% higher than that of the Omega Speedmaster Professional.
 
The design was wholeheartedly 1970s, creating a large, bold and heavy watch. Omega leveraged their expertise to balance these aspects, with the watch still being a comfortable fit to the wrist, thanks to the integrated bracelet design. The integrated bracelet only featured on this reference. The case was a special two-piece design with the outer square frame, but also the inner round case which houses the movement. This was designed for added protection to the movement and for ease of servicing too. 
 
This example:
The thin bezel holds the crystal and has a mirror polished finish. The top of the case has a brushed finish, following the flow of the circular dial. This leads into a polished bevel which breaks up the texture of the finishes, before the flat sides with the brushed finish. The top and bottom of the case have a large plane with angles down and blends the case into the integrated bracelet. This creates a dynamic case which has much more interactivity with light, compared to the standard Speedmaster. It is a punchy watch that has a real presence, with its 42mm wide and 51mm long case. This is matched with its 15mm depth. To the right-hand side are the two pushers, with the signed crown sandwiched in-between. The mineral crystal is a flush fit to the bezel. The Tachymetre scale sits on the underside of the glass, creating a level of depth and intrigue to the whole dial. 
 
The matte black dial has a white second track, with 1/5 second graduations and baton hour indexes coated in Tritium luminous paint. At 9 O’clock are the constant seconds, with a 24 hour hand. At 6 O’clock is the 12 hour register, with the date window at 3 O’clock. 
The hands are of luminous baton style, with aged white paint and Tritium luminous. Beneath the hours and minute hand is the broad 60-minute counter which is centrally mounted. The central second hand has a narrowing taper, with the luminous arrowhead to the tip. The sub-dial hands all match in their aged white tone. It has the applied Omega name and logo at 12, with the applied 125 anniversary signing below.
 
To the rear is the screw down steel back, which has the engraved seahorse logo with Speedmaster signing. It is in good condition and is clearly defined, with a brushed finish to the face. Inside the case is signed with the reference 378.0801/178.0002, with the patent number 508925.
 
Inside is the Omega calibre 1041. It is a chronometer grade automatic chronograph. It is shock protected, with a bi-directional automatic rotor. It has a jewel count of 22 and a 40-hour power reserve. It has a chronograph central second hand, constant seconds, 24 hour hand, 60 minute counter and 12 hour counter. It also has a quickset date. It is keeping time to within +/- 10 seconds deviation a day. 
 
The watch is presented on its integrated bracelet with the signed folding clasp. It will fit an 8” wrist diameter. Conventional straps or bracelets will not fit this model due to the integrated design. The bracelets are prone to wear due to the weight of the watch. The central link pins can tear with age and wear. They are good on this example. 
 
Full condition report below. Please see the images as these compliment and aid the description provided below.
 
Dial: 
The dial is good and original. The matte black tone is good with a light and even speckled patination. The signing is good, clear and unworn in a white tone. The hour markers have aged slightly with the original Tritium lume. The date window has an off white tone with age. The applied silver tone logo and 125 are good and bright with polished finish. 
 
Hands: 
The hands are original, with original lume in-fill. The lume in-fill is original and has an aged darker tone. The central second hand is original with aged paint, as are the sub-dial hands. The 60 minute hand is also original.
 
Glass: 
The mineral crystal is original and is in excellent condition with no scratching or marks. The Tachymetre scale is very good and unworn. 
 
Crown & Pushers:
The pushers are good and original with little signs of wear.  The crown is original and is in good condition with light surface scratching.
 
Case:
The case is in decent overall condition for the age. It has had the finishes polished in the past, during Omega servicing. It has brushed finishing to the top of the case with the polished bezel surround. The brushed top has some light scratching. The steps to the bracelet have a satin brushed finish and have some dints associated with age and wear. The sides have the brushed finish with polished bevel. There are some slight dints. 
 
Caseback:
The case back is stainless steel and is in good condition with the brushed finishing. The seahorse motif is well defined. It has had the finish restored. 
 
Bracelet:
Original integrated Stainless Steel Omega bracelet. It will fit up to an 8” wrist diameter. It is in good condition with little signs of stress to the pins of the links. There is some light scratching associated with age.
 
Movement: 
The movement is an Omega calibre 1041. It is a chronometer grade automatic chronograph. The movement was serviced 7 years ago. It is functioning well and keeping accurate time to within +/- 10 seconds deviation a day, with an amplitude of 290 degrees and a beat error of 0.2m/s.
 
Case dimensions: Case width: 42mm Case length: 51mm Case depth: 15mm