Omega Speedmaster "Japan Racing" Limited Edition 3570.40.00
Modelled after a handful of “Racing” dial Speedmasters dating back to 1968, the modern variant was introduced in 2004 as a Japan exclusive limited edition featuring a dial with orange, red and white accents.
This is the Omega Speedmaster “Japan Racing” Limited Edition. Likely the model that’s most associated with the Omega brand, this iconic chronograph was introduced in 1957 as a sports and racing chronograph. Originally powered by the famous Calibre 321, the Omega Speedmaster was worn by astronauts on space missions as they needed a watch that could withstand the conditions of outer space and in 1964, only Omega’s Speedmaster passed the rigorous selection criteria.
While not the most well-known limited-edition, the “Japan Racing” Speedmaster nevertheless has its own interesting backstory. Introduced in 2004 as a Japan-only domestic release of 2004 pieces, the design was heavily based on a handful of Speedmasters dating back to 1968 with a racing dial variation, the modern Japan Limited Edition is a fitting tribute. Truthfully, the production numbers of the vintage Speedmasters with the Racing dial variation is unknown but only a small number of these variants have surfaced, all dating towards the end of the 1960s.
Paying tribute to the truly scarce vintage Racing Speedmaster, with some modern details added such as a bigger case size and wider lugs, the modern version is highly reminiscent of its vintage counterpart. Besides the stepped centre and luminous material, all the other details of the dial remain as close to the vintage Racing Speedmasters as possible. Featuring the traditional matte grey dial often associated with Speedmasters, the indices are bordered by accents of orange, red and white which differentiates this modern reference from its counterparts.
Given the small number of the original Racing dial Speedmasters that have exchanged hands, it is no exaggeration to say that all-original Racing dials are among the most sought after by vintage Omega collectors at astronomical prices that is justified by the rarity. An affordable alternative, the modern Japan Racing Edition retains many of the desirable elements and has its own special place among the plethora of modern Speedmasters.
This Omega Speedmaster Japan Racing Edition is in excellent pre-owned condition with only minor signs of wear on the case in the form of hairlines. The fully-linked bracelet remains in excellent condition with minimal wear and the caseback engravings are crisp and legible including the serial on the lug. The crystal and dial has no wear. The watch comes accompanied with its original inner and outer box as well as the original warranty card dated 2004 and is in full working order.
Brand Omega
Model Speedmaster
Reference 3570.40.00
Case 42mm
Movement Manual Wind
Case material Steel
Bracelet material Steel
Year 2004
Condition Excellent
Accessories Original Box and Warranty dated 2004
Limited Yes. 2004 pieces