omega Speedmaster Moonwatch: A Collector’s Deep dive
The Omega speedmaster Moonwatch—a watch beloved by many, yet surprisingly owned by few—has seen its price climb steadily. While its fit might not be universally praised, its unparalleled precision as a tool watch remains undisputed. The latest iteration boasts an impressive 15,000 Gauss magnetic resistance. Masamasa Hirota, a long-time owner, shares his candid assessment of this iconic timepiece.
“I’ve probably bought the Speedmaster Professional, or what we now call the Moonwatch, four times so far,” hirota reveals. “Ref.ST145.022 with Cal.861 twice, Ref.3594.50 with Cal.1861 and Ref.310.30.42.50.01.001 with master chronometer. All of them were good,but the new ‘310’ feels like a tool that can be used anywhere. The Speedmaster is somthing I end up using even though I complain about it.”
A Legacy of Innovation: The Speedmaster’s Origins
Omega introduced the Speedmaster in 1957, a significant departure from its previous chronograph designs. Two key innovations set it apart: an inner case enhancing magnetic resistance, and a highly legible dial inspired by automotive instrumentation.
The original Speedmaster, Ref. CK2915, housed the Calibre 321 movement—a remarkably compact 27mm mechanism considering its 12-hour counter. This was significantly smaller than contemporary movements like the Valjoux 72,Venus 178,and Worldwide’s 285 series.
The Calibre 321, based on Lemania’s Cal.27 CHRO C12, showcases impressive engineering. Omega’s innovative use of press technology in creating the column wheel—a technique uncommon in the 1940s—was crucial to the movement’s miniaturization. “According to omega’s description, Lemania punched out the column wheel with a press. No other manufacturer in the 1940s used a press to create column wheels, which are normally shaped by cutting,” explains Hirota.
This compact movement allowed Omega to quickly integrate a chronograph into the Seamaster line, culminating in the 1957 release of the Speedmaster, later dubbed the Speedmaster Professional, which combined a waterproof case with an anti-magnetic inner case.
The Modern Moonwatch: A Leap forward
While the Speedmaster Professional maintained a largely unchanged design as 1957, the 2021 Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional marked a significant evolution. By eliminating the anti-magnetic inner case, Omega achieved a remarkable 15,000 Gauss magnetic resistance. “In fact, prior to this, I had heard from an Omega official that the Spimas Pro would become a Master Chronometer. It is theoretically impossible to make a chronograph resistant to 15,000 gauss of magnetism, as it has more metal parts than a normal movement,” Hirota notes, highlighting the engineering feat.
Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch: A Refined Icon
The Omega Speedmaster moonwatch Professional has long held a legendary status among watch enthusiasts. This latest iteration, boasting significant upgrades, has finally arrived, and we’ve got an exclusive review. The watchmaker has addressed previous criticisms,resulting in a timepiece that’s both historically accurate and remarkably cozy.
“If such a watch comes out, I’ll buy it,” I told Omega CEO Reynald Aeschlimann. His response? “Then let’s deliver Japan’s first watch to you.” while not technically the first in the US, I was fortunate enough to secure one of the initial releases of the Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional (Ref. 310.30.42.50.01.001), opting for the Hesalite crystal model over the sapphire crystal version (Ref. 310.30.42.50.01.002). My reasoning? The Hesalite crystal maintains the classic Speedmaster aesthetic.
Omega “Speedmaster Moonwatch” Ref.310.30.42.50.01.001 Key Features: This powerhouse of a watch boasts a manual-winding Caliber 3861 movement,featuring 26 jewels and a 50-hour power reserve. Its stainless steel case measures 42mm in diameter and 13.2mm in thickness, with a water resistance of 5 ATM.The retail price is $9,200 (USD equivalent).
On the Wrist: A New Era of Comfort?
In 2006,I noted in my personal journal: “An eternal masterpiece,the Speedmaster.Though, I have never been satisfied with the fit. The large links and uniform shape of the bracelet, combined with the round watch case, made for an unstable feel on the wrist.” This new model aims to rectify these issues.
Omega has significantly improved the bracelet, making it lighter and more comfortable. The elimination of the anti-magnetic case contributes to the reduced weight. The redesigned bow tube also shortens the overall length. However, the significant tapering of the bracelet—from 20mm at the case to 16mm at the clasp—is a point of contention. While the bracelet is well-made, this extreme taper feels insufficient to support the weight of the watch head. A 20mm to 18mm taper would have provided a better balance, a common issue even in high-end watches from other brands like Rolex.
“It’s a well-made bracelet, but the taper is too much,” I observed. “The change from a ‘T-fit’ to a ‘U-fit’ bow tube has shortened the watch, but I’d prefer a 20-18mm taper on the bracelet.”
Despite this minor drawback, the Omega Speedmaster moonwatch Professional remains a remarkable timepiece. The improvements to the bracelet and the overall weight reduction make it a significant upgrade. It’s a watch that seamlessly blends classic design with modern refinements, solidifying its place as a true icon.
Omega Speedmaster Professional: A Modern Icon
The Omega Speedmaster Professional, affectionately nicknamed “Spimas Pro” by enthusiasts, remains a legendary timepiece. This in-depth review examines the latest iteration, highlighting both its strengths and areas for potential improvement.
The bracelet,while robust and suitable for professional use,features a somewhat limited adjustment range. “Omega probably didn’t want to make it heavier,but if it was 2mm thicker,it would have been more comfortable to wear,” notes one reviewer. The hand-wound crown,embedded within the case for protection,presents a challenge: “the crown is still challenging to wind…winding the mainspring is quite a hassle.” This contrasts with the smoother winding experience of models equipped with the reprinted Cal.321 movement.
Early production runs exhibited overly sharp edges, a characteristic also seen in contemporary Seamaster models. “The same thing happened with the Seamaster from the same period, and when I wore it, the ‘seahorse’ mark on the case back was clearly visible on my wrist,” recalls one wearer. While Omega has significantly refined the case finishing, some believe the improvements may have gone too far. “The 2021 Spimas Pro was extremely well made, but it was a little unbalanced. Once again, the latest work is more subdued.”
The initial models possessed such sharp edges that they raised concerns about quality control—a rare misstep for Omega. Though, subsequent iterations have addressed this issue.
Despite Minor Flaws, the Spimas Pro Remains Exceptional
Despite the fit and finish issues of early models, “I would like to declare that the Spimas Pro is one of the best watches out there,” asserts a reviewer.This assessment is supported by the watch’s impressive accuracy (within +2 seconds), magnetic resistance exceeding 15,000 Gauss, and significantly enhanced dial legibility thanks to engraved phosphorescent paint. “The combination of a black dial with a moderately roughened base and white hands and printing provides excellent legibility,” the reviewer explains. The watch’s precision is particularly noticeable during tasks requiring precise timekeeping, such as radio recording. “The beauty of being able to promptly tell how many minutes have been measured at a glance is a bit unique. It makes sense that astronauts would use this watch.”
The dial’s exceptional readability is a key feature. “By strongly roughening the base, the dial will not become cloudy even under strong light sources. Visibility in the dark has also been improved thanks to the phosphorescent paint engraved into the dial.” The Cal.3861 movement, beating at 21,600 vph, provides 1/3-second increments on the seconds hand, a hallmark of precision instruments.
Even the wearing comfort has been considered. ”It feels strange at first, but if you fine-tune the bracelet and wrap it snugly, it won’t bother you after about 3 days.” While not as comfortable as some luxury competitors, like the Bvlgari octo Finissimo, the reviewer finds the Spimas Pro’s comfort acceptable. “I don’t think anyone would want the comfort of Bvlgari’s Octo Finissimo in Spimas, so I think this is fine. At the very least, my head doesn’t feel as heavy as before, and I feel like I’ll be able to get used to the ‘comfort of wearing Spimas’ quickly.” The reviewer even suggests that the challenging crown winding is part of the watch’s appeal: “If you ask me, the difficulty of winding the crown is also a ‘promise’ for getting along with Spimas. As you wind the crown despite the difficulty of winding it, you can feel the rigidity of this classic watch, whose basic design dates back more than 80 years, to your fingertips.”
The Omega Speedmaster Professional’s enduring popularity is evident in its past significance. “A few years ago, there was a trend for watch enthusiasts to buy a Rolex Explorer I and a Spimas and leave it at that. These two are certainly classics, and I think they were part of a rite of passage for many collectors.”
The enduring Appeal of the Omega Speedmaster and Other Durable Timepieces
For watch enthusiasts, certain timepieces transcend mere accessories; they become trusted companions, reflecting personal style and enduring quality. While luxury watches often command hefty price tags, the appeal of robust, reliable watches remains strong.This is particularly true for models like the Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional, a watch with a legacy as rich as its design.
One seasoned watch lover shared their experience, stating, “If you are interested, I would definitely recommend you to try out the latest Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional. After all, the design has remained unchanged for over 50 years, but the inside has evolved to the point were it can be saeid to be something else.” This sentiment highlights the balance between classic aesthetics and modern advancements found in this iconic timepiece.
However, the reviewer also offered a note of caution: “Don’t expect a great fit. Although it now has a high-quality exterior, it is still a tool watch, not an accessory.” This emphasizes the Speedmaster’s functional origins, designed for performance rather than solely for fashion. The watch’s enduring popularity speaks to its ability to bridge the gap between practicality and style.
The same enthusiast went on to say, “If you don’t go wrong with that, the latest Spimas Pro is sure to become your standard forever. At least, I’ve been using this watch for over three years.” This long-term commitment underscores the watch’s reliability and the owner’s satisfaction.
Beyond the Omega Speedmaster, other durable watches have earned a dedicated following. The reviewer cites the Sinn 244 Ti and the Damasco DC 57 as personal favorites, highlighting their practicality and dependability. ”It’s not a luxury watch,” they noted,”but the sense of security that it will never break is priceless.” This speaks to the value many place on a timepiece’s resilience and longevity.
The rising cost of these watches, though, reflects their increasing desirability and the quality of their craftsmanship. While not easily accessible to everyone, their enduring appeal continues to attract watch enthusiasts seeking a blend of style, function, and lasting value.For those seeking a timepiece that will stand the test of time, both literally and figuratively, these models offer a compelling option.
For more details on the Omega Speedmaster, you can contact Omega directly at 0570-000087 (Please note: This may be an international number and may require additional dialing codes for US callers).
