There I was 3 years ago, happy with my Moonwatch but really wanting another Speedmaster. Preferably something a bit more vintage and if at all possible without the hefty price tag that usually goes along with that. Know the feeling? Then, If beefy 70s tonneau cases don’t scare you, the Omega Speedmaster Mark 4.5 reference ST 176.0012 might be for you. Not officially one of the ‘Mark’ series Speedmasters but lovingly nicknamed ‘Mark 4.5’ by the WIS community as it combines the case of the Mark IV with the movement of the Mark V.

You just gotta love those funky 70s cases with their bracelet tapering all the way down from 22 too 16mm. They were made for a relatively long period, from 1974 until 1986, which means there are plenty to be had if you’re looking for one. Finding one with the original sunburst brushing on the case intact can be a bit more challenging.

So what’s it like?

Is it big? I personally don’t think so, as 42mm is pretty much the Goldilocks size for me and my 19cm wrist. But as the trend seems to be heading towards smaller sizes lately some might disagree.

Is it thick? Heck yes! Some serious wrist presence going on here. This thing gets noticed. If you think your Speedy Pro wears a bit thick you ain’t seen nothin’ yet. Does that make it uncomfortable to wear? Not in the slightest.

Is it reliable? The Omega caliber 1045 (base Lemania 5100) is beating away at 28800 vph in that chunky case so that’s definitely another ‘yes’.

I fell in love with the Omega Speedmaster Mark 4.5 almost instantly and wear it several days of every week.

So any reasons not to get one? Apart from the cons mentioned below I can imagine that some won’t appreciate the busy dial with the day, date and 24h indicator in addition to the regular chrono subdials. Hey, no smartphones back then!