The Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch Moonphase Aventurine is a genuine rarity among luxury watches. This chronograph broke cover at Baselworld 2010 and then disappeared from the public eye. Rediscover this rare Omega Speedmaster and other rare luxury watches in this episode of "Watches Tonight!"

Omega's Speedmaster is a core model line for one of the largest Swiss watch brands in the world. But not every Speedmaster is common; the Moonwatch Moonphase is a rare exception. Previewed in 2010 but rarely seen afterwards, Omega reference 311.30.44.32.01.001 cost a fortune and proved challenging to manufacture. Few customers took delivery, and most watch collectors forgot this chronograph even existed.

Even more exceptional than the Moonwatch Moonphase Aventurine's rarity is its exceptional collection of features. Most watch collectors are not aware that a Moonwatch Moonphase series has existed since the 1980s, and even fewer watch buyers realize that the Moonphase is a full-fledged "Speedmaster Professional." The 42mm Moonwatch case and Lemania-based Moonwatch caliber provide a basis for calling this watch a "Speedmaster Professional."

The Omega caliber 1866 is based on the same Lemania 1873 ebauche as the calibers 1861 and 1863 found in standard Speedmaster Professional chronographs. Unlike standard Moonwatches, the Moonphase adds a set of complications including a moonphase display and a pointer date. The Omega caliber 1866 also employs the superior finish of the caliber 1863 in order to warrant a sapphire display caseback.

But the standout feature of the Omega Moonwatch Moonphase Aventurine is its extraordinary aventurine glass dial. While naturally occurring aventurine exists, virtually all aventurine - including Omega's version - is a type of fired enamel with a dark blue base and metal additives to recreate the mineral sparkle of naturally sourced aventurine stone. The complexity of coating, firing, polishing, and fitting aventurine dials is believed to be the cause of the Moonwatch Moonphase Aventurine's exceptional price and rarity.

Despite its high retail price - almost $13,000 - in 2010, the Speedmaster 311.30.44.32.01.001 has proved to be a strong investment for watch collectors with foresight and patience. Today, the Moonwatch Moonphase Aventurine can sell for as much as $17,000 as a collectible watch on secondary markets.

Learn all about the new watches as Watches And Wonders 2023 in tonight's interactive program!

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