Updated
Omega Speedmaster Professional vs Omega Speedmaster Apollo XVII 45th Anniversary
Two chronographs compared — $5,000–$10,000 vs $25,000+
Quick Verdict
The Omega Speedmaster Professional ($5,000–$10,000) offers In-House Manual-Winding Manufacture (Co-Axial) precision in the tier below the Omega Speedmaster Apollo XVII 45th Anniversary ($25,000+). The Speedmaster Professional measures 42mm and is rated 50m (5 ATM). The Speedmaster Apollo XVII 45th Anniversary counters with Swiss Made craftsmanship and 50m (5 ATM) water resistance. Both are exceptional chronographs for their respective tiers.
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Specifications Compared
| Feature | Omega Speedmaster Professional | Omega Speedmaster Apollo XVII 45th Anniversary |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $5,000–$10,000 | $25,000+ |
| Case Size | 42mm | 42mm |
| Movement | Manual-Winding Caliber 3861 | Hand-wound chronograph, Omega Calibre 1861 |
| Caliber Type | In-House Manual-Winding Manufacture (Co-Axial) | Omega 1861, manual-wind Moonwatch calibre |
| Power Reserve | 50 Hours | About 48 hours |
| Water Resistance | 50m (5 ATM) | 50m (5 ATM) |
| Crystal | Hesalite or Sapphire | Sapphire Crystal |
| Case Material | Stainless Steel | 18k gold (Sedna gold per Omega; Amazon lists yellow gold) |
| Origin | Swiss Made | Swiss Made |
Category-by-Category Analysis
Design & Aesthetics
Omega's design language vs Omega's approach
The Omega Speedmaster Professional features a Stainless Steel case at 42mm with Hesalite or Sapphire protection. The Omega Speedmaster Apollo XVII 45th Anniversary offers 18k gold (Sedna gold per Omega; Amazon lists yellow gold) construction at 42mm with Sapphire Crystal. Both represent their brand's distinct design philosophy and heritage.
Movement & Performance
Manual-Winding Caliber 3861 vs Hand-wound chronograph, Omega Calibre 1861
The Speedmaster Professional runs the Manual-Winding Caliber 3861 (In-House Manual-Winding Manufacture (Co-Axial), 50 Hours power reserve) at 21,600 vph (3 Hz) frequency. The Speedmaster Apollo XVII 45th Anniversary uses the Hand-wound chronograph, Omega Calibre 1861 (Omega 1861, manual-wind Moonwatch calibre, About 48 hours reserve) at standard. The Speedmaster Professional edges ahead on power reserve.
Wearability & Fit
42mm vs 42mm — different wrist presence
At 42mm, the Speedmaster Professional is similarly sized compared to the Speedmaster Apollo XVII 45th Anniversary at 42mm. Water resistance differs: 50m (5 ATM) vs 50m (5 ATM).
Value & Cost of Ownership
Omega sits in the lower tier
The Omega Speedmaster Professional sits at $5,000–$10,000 and the Omega Speedmaster Apollo XVII 45th Anniversary at $25,000+. On the specs that outlast any price: the Speedmaster Professional uses Hesalite or Sapphire with 50 Hours, against Sapphire Crystal and About 48 hours on the Speedmaster Apollo XVII 45th Anniversary. Service intervals are typically 5-7 years for both.
Water Resistance
50m (5 ATM) vs 50m (5 ATM)
The Speedmaster Professional is rated to 50m (5 ATM) while the Speedmaster Apollo XVII 45th Anniversary handles 50m (5 ATM). Both offer identical water resistance ratings.
Our Verdict
Omega
Speedmaster Professional
Choose the Omega Speedmaster Professional if you prioritize In-House Manual-Winding Manufacture (Co-Axial) engineering, Swiss Made craftsmanship, and 50m (5 ATM) water resistance. At $5,000–$10,000, it delivers Manual-Winding Caliber 3861 with 50 Hours power reserve.
View the dossierOmega
Speedmaster Apollo XVII 45th Anniversary
Choose the Omega Speedmaster Apollo XVII 45th Anniversary if you value Omega 1861, manual-wind Moonwatch calibre technology, Swiss Made heritage, and 42mm proportions. At $25,000+, the Hand-wound chronograph, Omega Calibre 1861 with About 48 hours power reserve makes it a compelling choice.
Check Price on AmazonThe Bottom Line
The Omega Speedmaster Professional and Omega Speedmaster Apollo XVII 45th Anniversary represent two distinct approaches to the chronograph category — the Omega bringing Swiss Made tradition while Omega delivers Swiss Made engineering.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How This Page Was Made
Our comparisons are generated from a hand-maintained specification database and reviewed under our editorial standards. We use AI tools to assemble pages from that data. We don’t invent specs: every number traces back to the database, and when we correct an entry, the fix is applied site-wide. As an Amazon Associate, The Horologist earns from qualifying purchases.