As of late, what Omega is creating has really been grabbing more of my attention. After the ETNZ launch last month (here), where I saw more than one Speedmaster, I was intrigued, and started to look more closely at what the watch was, and I now understand and appreciate the appeal of the watch. Those who have been reading my articles for awhile now also know that I’ve been building a preference to white dials. But the Speedmaster only has a black dial, I hear you say. That was true, until this latest release.
But before we get to that, let’s get to the interesting technical details. Tucked away inside the 41.5mm case (yes, smaller than the familiar Speedmaster Professional) is the caliber 9300 co-axial movement that other Speedmasters in the lineup have. However, since it’s in a smaller case (and therefore dial), the subdials present larger – and it’s a sharp look. And looks is another area where this new model line diverges from the past (or, at least, from the mental image you call to mind when you hear Speedmaster – steel with a black dial).
For starters, we’ve got a variety of materials for the case and bracelet, including rose gold, yellow gold, a two-tone finish, and finally – titanium. To go along with the new case and bracelet looks, Omega has also introduced new dial colors, including a bluish-grey and white (which works well in all the finishes). Of course, the more traditional black and steel is still present as well.
On top of those dials spin appropriately sized hands – without the broad-arrow design. While that may be considered polarizing, or turn off some purists, I think it’s a good look, and it signals that this is a modern refresh of a classic design. Of course, the extremely well-balanced layout with the larger registers also helps in that regard. Frankly, while I’ve become interested in picking up a Speedmaster some day, the release of this ’57 model really cements the deal for me. One day, I tell you, one day!
Should that day be now, for you, these watches should be available come August or September. Pricing starts around the $8,000 mark in steel, bumps up to $9,000 for titanium, and hits somewhere around $30,000 for the yellow- or rose-gold variants (hit two-tone or on a strap, and prices will be lower, of course).
While I’m a relative newbie to the world of the Speedmaster, the folks over at Hodinkee are very well-versed, and Ben Clymer has an excellent article (here) that you really should check out for more information, as well as some great live shots of the watch. omegawatches.com
