Nowadays, every Omega enthusiast has the opportunity to choose from many variations of the Speedmaster – from the classic Moonwatch, through the more contemporary automatic versions, to special limited editions paying tribute to the brand’s history. Of all these models, however, it is precisely the versions inspired by the 1957 original that have a special charm, because they manage to bring back the feeling of the first Speedmaster, but presented in a contemporary interpretation.
The model presented today is inspired by the cult Omega Speedmaster, first introduced in 1957 and transformed into an icon for watch collectors around the world. The model is part of the limited series of 3 models launched in 2017 – precisely why it is called Trilogy – and created to properly mark the 60th anniversary of Omega’s cult models from 1957. The watch presented today has a very interesting story, as Omega tried to make it as close as possible to the original, and the way they achieved this is particularly interesting.
In essence, the case of the model was created using a 3D scanning technique of the original Speedmaster watch, based on parts that the brand has in its museum. When Omega decided to “revive” the model, it turned out that no original drawings from the 1950s were available, so they had to base the creation of the new case on this type of modelling technology. One of the interesting things Omega say they discovered is the fact that all Omega logos on the watch are different. In fact, there are five Omega logos on the watch and none of them matches another. The reason is that in the 1950s there were no specific dimensions for the logo, and Omega used different suppliers to produce the components for its watches. In this way, each supplier more or less drew the logo with the Greek omega letter themselves.
The different sizes of the logo have also been preserved in this 60th anniversary model, which in our opinion only adds to its character. The most modern part of the watch is undoubtedly the bracelet, which includes Omega’s micro-adjustment system, while the buckle design was subsequently also used in the new 2021 Moonwatch edition.
Although the Speedmaster gained most of its current popularity as the “Moonwatch”, before going into space the Speedmaster was designed for motorsport, and more specifically for timing racing cars. Only about a decade after the initial launch of the Speedmaster did it begin to serve as an astronaut’s watch, but nevertheless it is precisely the ancestor of today’s model that has the right to bear the title “original Speedmaster”.
The Omega Speedmaster ’57 Chronograph 38.6 mm 311.10.39.30.01.001 The 1957 Trilogy undoubtedly carries the DNA of its ancestor, presented in a contemporary interpretation. Everything in this watch is made to remind us of the original – the dial with its structure, the hands with their shape and colour, the colours and forms used – all of this is undoubtedly well executed and presented in Omega’s typical aristocratic style. The differences from the original are mainly in the modernised design, the materials used and, of course, the movement.
As most of you know, Omega launched the new Speedmaster series, which now comes with a slightly changed design, different movements and, as a result, many of the previous models have shot upwards, with their prices rising and continuing to increase. This has reflected most strongly precisely on this model, and one of the reasons is that it was launched in a very limited series of only 3557 pieces, which was sold out in less than a month.
The Omega Calibre 1861 used in the watch is based on the legendary Lemania 1873 – mechanical, manually wound, with 18 jewels, 48 hours of power reserve and operating at 21,600 vibrations. The rhodium plating of the movement gives it a luxurious finish, while the “Geneva waves” and engravings elevate it to a much higher level.
The solid caseback does not allow us to enjoy this wonderful movement, but in return it provides the opportunity to depict the legendary seahorse, and all of this leaves no doubt as to exactly what watch you are wearing on your wrist.
