The Omega Speedmaster sits on a rarified pedestal when it comes to tool watches, as it’s not just a pilot’s watch but an astronaut’s watch. However, before it became the Moonwatch, it did in fact start life as a humble pilot’s timepiece launched in 1957. Now Omega are paying tribute to the watch’s inside-the-atmosphere history with the release of the new Omega Speedmaster Pilot model.
Starting with the case it’s all about practicality and utility. It measures 40.85mm in diameter in matte finished steel, giving it excellent durability and scratch resistance. The matte finish is designed to prevent light from reflecting off the metal and striking the pilot in the eyes, useful when you’re flying above the clouds. For the same reason the black aluminium bezel with tachymeter scale has a matte finish too.
Where the watch really begins to sell the idea of being a pilot’s watch is the dial. The bevelled subdials are designed after prominent cockpit instruments. At 3 o’clock is a joint 60-minute and 12-hour chronograph timer with orange and white hands inspired by a “burn rate” indicator. Then, at 9 o’clock the small seconds subdial is styled with a blue semi-circle and yellow hand which looks like a targeting/sight indicator with artificial horizon. You can see the horizon concept writ large across the Bell & Ross Horizon from September.
The combination of sky blue, yellow, orange, black, silver minute track and green emitting lume elements makes the Speedmaster Pilot one of the most colourful Omegas I’ve seen in a long while. It’s quite playful despite its serious tool watch credentials. Although perhaps that playful element comes from the airplane shaped chronograph seconds hand, a sort of aviation parallel to the rocket-shaped seconds hand on the Apollo edition.
Housed beneath the dial is the Calibre 9900, a master chronometer movement with a 60-hour power reserve and automatic winding. It’s protected by a solid steel caseback that’s decorated with the traditional seahorse medallion engraving common to the Speedmaster collection. It’s equipped with hours, minutes, small seconds, date and chronograph functions, with the chronograph being operated by the classic pump pushers flanking the crown.
One of the coolest details about the Omega Speedmaster Pilot is actually found in the strap and bracelet options. Specifically, the NATO strap it’s presented with is reinforced with Kevlar threads, giving it serious military vibes. The bracelet option is instead a classic 3-link number, providing a solid amount of practical sportiness as well as increased presence on the wrist.
The Omega Speedmaster Pilot is priced at £8,900. This is the largest departure from the traditional Speedmaster recipe this year. Despite the full matte finish it remains bright and colourful thanks to its distinguishing pilot features and accents. A striking contrast to the often sombre and serious classic editions. Even the award winning white lacquer edition feels restrained compared to this. It’s tough not to fall in love with its character.
Price and Specs:
More details at Omega.
