Speedy Tuesday – Rare Speedmaster Michael Schumacher
Before Formula 1 driver Michael Schumacher switched to Audemars Piguet, he was Omega ambassador since 1995. Omega honored him with many pieces, starting in 1996 with a Speedmaster Reduced model. These models came in different colors. Below is the yellow version we covered earlier.
Michael Schumacher
Schumacher was active in Formula 1 from 1991 till 2006 and returned in 2010 to be active till 2012. He became World Champion F1 driver 7 times. End of 2013, he had a nearly fatal accident during a ski trip in France. He has been released from the hospital since 2 years to focus on revalidation at home. It has become relatively silent around Michael Schumacher since then.
Omega Speedmaster Michael Schumacher
There are a couple of versions of the Speedmaster that were dedicated to this great racing driver. We covered a similar Omega Speedmaster Michael Schumacher edition before, in this post. Limited to 6000 pieces. This specific watch was introduced to commemorate the 6th World Championship at the time. Below, the image of the Omega Speedmaster Michael Schumacher ref. 3559.32 from one of our readers, Raul.
Last week I came across a much rarer version of this watch though, the Omega Speedmaster Michael Schumacher Special Edition of only 500 pieces. At first sight, I didn’t immediately see it. But upon closer inspection is is definitely different. Instead of the ‘automatic chronometer’ indication, you’ll find the signature of Michael Schumacher on the dial and his name. Speedmaster was printed in red in the other ‘Panda’ Omega Speedmaster Michael Schumacher Legend watch, while it is in black here.
500 Pieces
Besides the reference 3559.32 that was introduced in 2004 to commemorate Schumacher’s 6th World Championship title, there is this reference 3553.32 that was only limited to 500 pieces instead of 6000. Although there is little known about this piece, it is to be believed that it was marketed for Japan as the 6th World Championship title was won during the 2003 Japan Grand Prix race on the Suzuki circuit. We could not get a confirmation about this though.
This particular watch is 069 of 500, which is nice, as Schumacher’s year of birth is 1969.
Update: Just confirmed. These 500 pieces were done especially for the Schumacher Ferrari team.
Not a Moonwatch
Needless to say perhaps, but do not confuse this Omega Speedmaster Michael Schumacher edition with a Moonwatch. Although the case and bracelet design are very similar (and also measures 42mm in diameter), the watch is fitted with a totally different movement. Inside, there’s Omega caliber 3301 movement. A movement that was also used in the Speedmaster Broad Arrow Automatic line-up at the time. This movement, based on an F.Piguet caliber 1285 movement is automatic instead of the hand-wound Moonwatch, and of course has a date feature. The movement itself has been chronometer certified by COSC.
A Rare Piece
Just 500 watches is nothing much for a big brand like Omega, so this makes the Omega Speedmaster Michael Schumacher 3553.32 a rare watch. The Omega Speedmaster Michael Schumacher 3559.32 of 6000 pieces is already a bit difficult to find (only two for sale on Chrono24, cheapest one being around 3300 Euro), this edition of 500 pieces seems to be safely tucked away in people’s collections.
We just wanted to show this rare piece to you, so you now will know of its existence. So if you every run across one that is being offered to you, don’t wait too long.
