1969 was a memorable year for humankind. The same year, Omega introduced the Speedmaster Mark II, a timepiece with a streamlined case that was powered by the same space-tested, hand-wound calibre 861 found inside the Moonwatch. In 2014 Omega has reintroduced this classic Speedmaster Mark II and updated it to include an automatic movement with column wheel chronograph and a tachymetric scale that is visible in the most limited light thanks to its ultra bright superluminova– a first in the iconic Speedmaster family. Additionally, the watch features fluorescent orange accents instead of bright orange as its predecessor, and the Professional Mark II writing on the dial has been replaced with the words ‘Co-Axial Chronometer’. Lastly, the Omega symbol that used to be orange in the original Speedmaster Professional Mark II is now white.
The barrel-shaped stainless steel case measuring 42.4 mm in width and 46.2 mm in length features the most beautiful satin-brushed finish with alternating polished chamfers. The watch features pump pushers and a date corrector located at 10 o’clock on the case band.
The new Omega Speedmaster Mark II Co-Axial Chronograph is fitted with one of the best matte finished dials. Fitted with either a matte black dial as ref. 327.10.43.50.01.001 or a matte grey one as ref. 327.10.43.50.06.001, the dial features a running seconds register at 9, a 30-minute chrono-register at 3 and a 12-hour chrono-register with small date aperture at 6 o’clock. The beautiful matte finish of the dial is enhanced by a perfectly flat scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment on both sides that provides exceptional readability. Depending on lighting conditions, the black dial looks more like a charcoal grey due to the grain on its matte finished surface.
The transparent tachymetric scale on the sapphire crystal is illuminated from beneath by an aluminum ring filled with superluminova. The aluminum ring on the gray dial reference is orange matching the accents on the dial, while on the black dial reference it is dark gray. Interestingly enough, the ring on the gray dial reference almost seems to glow when light hits it at certain angle. The varnished white and black hour and minute hands are also coated with superluminova as is the central chronograph hand.
The watch is equipped with a nice solid satin-brushed finished stainless steel bracelet and an Omega signed clasp. The heart is the Omega Co-Axial calibre 3330, an automatic movement with column-wheel chronograph mechanism, co-axial escapement for greater precision, stability and durability of the movement and a free sprung-balance equipped with Si14 silicon balance spring. This watch is an Officially Certified Chronometer and it provides a power reserve of 52 hours when fully wound. To protect the movement, the watch is fitted with a solid case back featuring the seahorse medallion engraving, “Mark II”, “Si14” and “Column Wheel”. The watch is waterproof rated to a depth of a 100 meters.
On the wrist, the watch wears true to its size and with remarkable wrist presence. Once you put this watch on, prepare to be taken back in time with one of the most iconic watches ever designed by Omega. If you want one right now, make sure you swing by the Omega Boutique. Price starts from USD$6,000.
MOVEMENT
Caliber: Omega 3330
Self-winding chronograph with
column-wheel mechanism and Co-Axial Escapement for greater precision,
stability and durability of the movement.
Free sprung-balance equipped with Si14
silicon balance spring. Officially certified
chronometer.
Power reserve: 52 hours
FEATURES
Chronograph
Chronometer
Date
TECHNICAL DATA
Crystal: Flat scratch-resistant sapphire
crystal with anti-reflective treatment on
both sides
Case: Steel
Bracelet: Steel
Dial: Black
Water resistant: 10 bar
(100 metres / 330 feet)
Size: Case Diameter: 42.4 x 46.2 mm
