Omega unveils new Speedmaster Moonwatch Automatic Master Chronometer ahead of Baselworld 2017
The storied Speedmaster is already available in several different flavours - and Omega has now unveiled another
Omega has announced a new edition to its iconic Speedmaster line ahead of Baselworld 2017: the Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Automatic Master Chronometer.
The Speedmaster is unquestionably one of the world's most recognisable watches, largely due to its long association with space exploration. Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Nasa supplied all its Apollo astronauts with "Speedies" and in 1969, it became the first timepiece to be worn on the surface of the Moon.
Unsurprisingly, Omega has spun this milestone into marketing gold, releasing numerous limited editions and variations of the watch.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
However, the latest edition looks back to a time before the Speedmaster became synonymous with astronautics, taking instead its inspiration from the watch's original incarnation as a precision motorsports timepiece.
So what is new (and old) about the Speedmaster Moonwatch Automatic Master Chronometer?
First, the styling of the minute markers from the 1968 models of Speedmaster has been incorporated on to a matte-black dial with bright orange markings. Further reinforcing its racing credentials, the design is reminiscent of some of the brand's special edition Michael Schumacher Speedmasters, A Blog to Watch says.
The Speedmaster Moonwatch Automatic Master Chronometer also has bevelled 18K white gold arrowhead indexes filled with white Super-Luminova, while its sub-dials are slightly larger for improved legibility.
The watch has a 44.25mm (1.7ins) case, which is not huge by modern standards, and it is thinner than previous Speedmasters thanks to the work done on the sapphire crystal in particular.
Speedmasters have traditionally come with either hesalite (read: plastic) or sapphire crystals, with the latter often criticised for being too boxy, so it appears Omega may have finally listened to enthusiasts' feedback.
Just like the Speedmaster Professional, the Speedmaster Moonwatch Automatic Master Chronometer features a tachymeter, but uses a polished ceramic bezel, with a harder wearing scale made with Omega's licensed Liquidmetal technology which the brand claims is three times as hard as stainless steel.
The new Speedmaster Automatic is powered by a calibre 9900 which was introduced at last year's Baselworld in the Seamaster Planet Ocean.
It comes on black leather strap with orange rubber sections and micro perforations. The result is a strap that again references Speedmaster's racing past.
Omega hasn't released a price for the Speedmaster Moonwatch Automatic Master Chronometer yet, but Frattello Watches says it will probably cost around 7,800 Swiss Francs (£6,215).
Given 2017 marks the Speedmaster's 60th birthday, experts agree the Speedmaster Automatic Racing Dial is unlikely to be the last Speedy we see released this year.
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Death Cafe: where people talk mortality over tea and cake
Why everyone's talking about The meet-ups are intended to offer a judgement-free and respectful space to discuss the end of life
By Chas Newkey-Burden, The Week UK Published
-
Mark Menzies: Tories investigate MP after 'bad people' cash claims
Speed Read Fylde MP will sit as an independent while party looks into allegations he misused campaign funds on medical expenses and blackmail pay-out
By Arion McNicoll, The Week UK Published
-
'Another day of chaos in DC'
Today's Newspapers A roundup of the headlines from the US front pages
By The Week Staff Published
-
The Space Shuttle That Fell to Earth: was Columbia an avoidable disaster?
The Week Recommends Three-part BBC documentary examines lesser-known Nasa catastrophe
By The Week UK Published
-
The Westbury Hotel review: stunning suites in charming Dublin
The Week Recommends This hotel is the perfect spot to while away a weekend in Ireland's capital
By Kaye O'Doherty Published
-
Drama movies 2024: new films out this year
In Depth Latest reviews include The Boys in the Boat, One Life and Tchaikovsky's Wife
By The Week UK Last updated
-
Best new hotels and places to stay in 2024
The Week Recommends Featuring stylish island resorts, historical properties and wilderness retreats
By The Week UK Last updated
-
Albums of the year: best music of 2023
The Week Recommends A look back at the best pop, rap, jazz, dance, classical and rock releases
By The Week UK Published
-
Savoy Grill by Gordon Ramsay review: an institution reinvented
The Week Recommends Traditions are maintained and the tweaks are clever and modern
By Neil Davey Published
-
Tulum: a Mexican beach town of 'two halves'
The Week Recommends With the 'pueblo' and 'Zona Hotelera', Tulum is home to great hotels, restaurants and beach clubs
By William Leigh Published
-
La Zebra review: beach chic, perfect tacos and secret cenotes
The Week Recommends Enjoy a stylish stay in Mexico at this family-friendly beach hotel and restaurant
By William Leigh Published