Speedmaster Mark III Volcano Chronograph (35611183)

The Omega Speedmaster Mark III stands out because it introduced Omega’s first automatic chronograph movement to the Speedmaster line. It blends bold 1970s design with serious tool-watch function, making it special for collectors who value innovation and vintage character.

The dial of the Mark III is bold and easy to read, with large hands and clear markers that glow in low light. It typically comes in black, blue, or silver with a date window at 3 o’clock and extra sub-dials for the chronograph and 24-hour time. The tonneau-shaped stainless steel case is big and chunky by today’s standards (about 41 mm wide and over 50 mm lug-to-lug), making it a strong presence on the wrist. The crystal is a flat mineral glass that sits over an inner tachymeter scale instead of an external bezel, and the steel bracelet feels sturdy and matches the case well.

Under the dial beats the Omega caliber 1040, a self-winding chronograph movement developed jointly with Lemania. This was Omega’s first automatic chronograph in a Speedmaster and runs at 28,800 vibrations per hour with about 40–45 hours of power reserve. It has a central chronograph seconds hand, a 12-hour counter, and a sub-dial with both running seconds and a 24-hour indicator, plus a quickset date. The movement is reliable and smooth in use, though its height helped drive the case’s thick profile.

The Speedmaster Mark III debuted in 1971 and was produced for only a few years in the early 1970s before being replaced by later Marks. It marked a big shift for the Speedmaster line because it added automatic winding and a date function to a model traditionally known for its hand-wound movement. The style of the case and dial reflects the 1970s taste for larger, fashion-forward watches, making the Mark III feel very different from the classic “Moonwatch.” Today, watches like this are popular with collectors who like vintage design and a watch with a clear link to Omega’s technological evolution.

The watch shows honest vintage wear. The case has visible surface scratches and light scuffs, especially on the sides and case back. The bracelet shows stretch and wear marks. The dial appears aged with patina, and the crystal looks clean with minor marks.

What do the different grading scores mean?

• BN 9.9: Brand new and unworn, with no signs of use.
• UN 9.5: Like new and unworn, but may lack original packaging or materials such as the box, links, tags, or bezel protector.
• LN 9.0: Like new and unworn, but only includes the watch without papers, box, or accessories.
• MT 8.5: Mint condition, lightly used with minor surface scratches or wear. Unpolished.
• VG 8.0: Moderately used, with scratches and one or two nicks on the case or crystal. Shows signs of polishing. The bracelet remains snug with minimal wear.
• GD 7.5: Shows signs of daily wear but is not abused, with noticeable polishing on the case. The bracelet shows clear signs of daily wear.

Watches with a rating below GD 7.5 are not listed for bidding to ensure that only high-quality timepieces are available to our members.