This rare Omega Speedmaster referred to by collectors as the “Holy Grail”. This example is in excellent original condition and is one of the best examples we have come across. The original dial with tritium luminous is showing a nice patina and matching with its original “long lume” hands. The watch is powered by a cal. 1045 movement with serial no. 48.2xx.xxx. The 42mm stainless steel case (made uniquely for this reference by Charles Rene Spielmann who also made the cases for the Rolex Daytona) appears unpolished with some small scratches from occasional use. The original case back bears the reference 376.0822 and embossed with the Speedmaster emblem. It features the original B4 bezel which is correct for these late “Holy Grail” watches produced from February 1988 onwards. This is stated in the Moonwatch Only book from their extensive research. The watch is complimented by its original reference 1450 “Grail” bracelet and 809 end links in very good condition.

This watch is accompanied by the Omega Archive Extract dating the watch to February 25th 1988 and delivered to the UK (one of only 50 pieces delivered to the UK). The watch was serviced by STS in November 2021 and has a 2 year mechanical warranty.

The reference 376.0822 was produced for under two years and first known to be delivered in March 1987 with the last known being delivered November 1988. There were as little as 2000 examples thought to have been produced with the majority being delivered to Germany, Italy and Switzerland. Our example was delivered to the UK and there were only 50 ever delivered to the UK.

Chuck Maddox was one of the first Speedmaster collectors (and chronographs in general) who created an online archive with information and was responsible for giving this reference the nickname of the “Holy Grail”. This was most likely due to the fact he was based in the US and there was only ONE example that was ever delivered to the US making them incredibly rare. Besides his lengthy replies on TimeZone and WatchUseek in the late 1990s, Chuck Maddox also started his own website packed with Speedmaster information. It is still available, as his friends ensured that these archives are still accessible.
He was also the creator of nicknames that we still use, like “Teutonic Speedy” (ref. 1450040, 3450803 and 3760806), “Darth Vader” (ref. 145.023), “Skywalker” (ref. 376.0822) which Omega officially used in its last X-33 edition, “Jedi” (ref. 145.024) and of course, “The Holy Grail” (ref. 376.0822).

This reference is also part of what collectors call the “Holy Trinity” of the 1980s. The three models were designed and produced during the quartz crisis, each model has novel features and aesthetics appreciated by all. The two other models are:

The Speedmaster 20th Years Flight-Qualified for Space which was the first stainless steel model with sapphire display back (ref. ST 345.0808, 1985-1988), 1’000 numbered watches.

The Speedmaster Moonphase Speedymoon (ref. ST 345.0809, 1985-1988), approximately 1’300 watches produced.