Earlier this year, Omega announced their re-introduced iconic 321 calibre, the first movement ever used in the original Speedmaster back in 1957. It was the very movement that began the watchmaker’s space-faring career and remains one of the most sought after vintage movements in existence.
Well, we were wondering what they were actually going to do with the movement and, at 2.56 last night, the very minute that the lunar lander first touched down on the moon’s surface, we found out: the Speedmaster Moonwatch 321 Platinum.
Based on a 4th generation Speedmaster, the new watch has a 42mm asymmetrical case with slightly twisted lugs, made from a platinum and gold alloy and capped with a ceramic bezel. More impressively, the signature trio of subdials are made from slices of lunar meteorite – moon rock – to reference yet again those first steps on the moon. Because Omega hasn’t been doing that enough this year.
It’s pure Omega through and through and a lovely case… but the movement is where the action is. The 321 calibre was known for its intricacy and that’s on full display here through the sapphire caseback. This isn’t just a straight-up re-issue of an old movement of course; the 321 has been brought in line with modern standards, but the architecture and layout of the movement are the same as the 50s original. It’s a phenomenal movement to look at, all the more so for the contrast between the platinum case and the bright rose gold bridges.
Price & Specs:
Model Name: Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch 321 Platinum
Ref: 311-93-42-30-99-001
Case/Dial: 42mm diameter, platinum and gold alloy (Pt950Au20)
Water Resistance: 50m (5 bar)
Movement: Omega caliber 321, 27mm x 6.74mm
Power Reserve: 44h
Frequency: 18,000 vph (2.5 Hz)
Strap: Black leather strap with platinum buckle
Price: TBC
More details at Omega’s website.
