There is a reason that James Bond chose Omega as his watch of choice. The brand is founded on ideals of innovation and pushing boundaries, these ideals are mirrored in the mythology of James Bond. It is with this same adventurous spirit that Omega was chosen as the watch to be worn on the inaugural moon landing, worn on the wrist of the crew. 12 years before the moon landing Omega launched one of its most iconic pieces to date – the Speedmaster. It is, in fact, a Speedmaster that was worn on all 6 lunar landings and has since been a part in every NASA mission since the end of the Mercury program. It is still the official chronograph on every NASA flight.
Today Omega has honored the original Speedmaster with the Speedmaster ’57, so called because 1957 was the year of the original release. The case of the Speedmaster ’57 carries a diameter of 41.5mm which is slightly smaller than most contemporary watches but is still viewed as an excellent size for men. The bezel is fixed and features an engraved tachometric scale which works in accordance with the chronograph to determine average speed over a given distance. The lugs on the case holding the steel bracelet are extended, reminiscent of the original Speedmaster from 1957. The bracelet is the classic three piece that has become a feature of most Omega timepieces.
Powering this timepiece is a self-winding chronograph movement Caliber Omega 9300. This movement is outfitted with Omegas superior Co-Axial escapement which guarantees greater precision stability and durability over time. Another aspect worth mentioning on this movement are the two barrels, where one is used for the chronograph, and the other for the watches main timekeeping functions. The movement winds in both directions, thus reducing winding time. The Omega 9300 movement carries a power reserve of 60 hours and in rhodium plated with Cotes de Genève decoration on the oscillating rotor and main plate. The movement is visible through a transparent case back made from sapphire crystal.
The dial is black on the model featured here and has rhodium colored indexes and hands. Unlike the original model, the Speedmaster ’57 carries two subdials as opposed to three. This is done by placing the chronograph hours and minutes in one register located at the three o’clock position. The chronograph seconds are indicated by a central hand, while the continuous seconds are displayed in the counter at nine. Completing the dial is a date aperture at six.
This model is a certified chronometer by the COSC. The crystal used is made from sapphire and is coated with anti-reflective treatment on both sides. The Omega Speedmaster ’57 Co-Axial Chronograph is water resistant to 10 bars or 100 meters.
TAGS: Automatic Watches, Chronographs, COSC, Date, Exhibition Case Back, Mechanical Watches, Men's Watches, Omega, Power Reserve, Sapphire Crystal, Selfwinding Watches, Speedmaster, Stainless Steel, Swiss Made, Tachymeter, Water Resistant