Powered by the OMEGA Co-Axial calibres 9300/9301BASELWORLD 2013: The OMEGA Speedmaster ’57 Co-Axial Chronograph
Since it was launched some 56 years ago, the OMEGA Speedmaster has defined the classic chronograph. It is rugged and reliable and has a timeless design. And while it has been distinguished by its association with numerous missions in space, including all six lunar landings, it was born more than a decade before the first human beings set foot on the Moon.
This year, OMEGA introduces the Speedmaster ’57 OMEGA Co-Axial Chronograph, an innovative new member that salutes its legendary ancestor but which has been designed to experience new adventures of its very own. Among the subtle nods to the very first OMEGA Speedmaster from 1957 are the straight lugs extending from the watch case and the bracelets which recall that iconic chronograph.
The OMEGA Co-Axial movement at the heart of the Speedmaster ’57
The Speedmaster ’57 models are powered by the OMEGA Co-Axial calibres 9300/9301 – the first of OMEGA's exclusive in-house Co-Axial calibres to incorporate a chronograph function. The column-wheel chronograph has 12-hour and 60-minute counter hands placed on the same sub-dial at 3 o'clock. This familiar arrangement of the hands, which recalls the hour and minute hands on the main dial, enables intuitive reading of the chronograph. It also has a central chronograph seconds hand, a small seconds hand on the sub-dial at 9 o'clock and a date window at the 6 o’clock position. The two chronograph control pushers function totally independently – accordingly, there is no risk to the chronograph mechanism as a result of inadvertent manipulation.
The Co-Axial calibres 9300/9301 are also equipped with a silicon balance spring. Silicon is non-magnetic so it is not influenced by magnetic fields. This quality combined with the excellent resilient coefficient of silicon allows the balance springs, which are etched on a silicon wafer, to deliver improved chronometric performance. Silicon also has a very low fatigue influence and ages slowly. The outstanding reliability delivered by the combination of Co-Axial technology and the silicon balance spring is such that OMEGA delivers its Co-Axial watches equipped with silicon balance springs with a full four-year warranty.
A dynamic range of options
The Speedmaster ’57 has been created with a 41.50 mm case available in a choice of metals, including 18K red or yellow gold, lightweight titanium, a fashionable bicolour blend of 18K red gold and stainless steel or in classic stainless steel. Each model is presented with either a matching bracelet or a stylish leather strap.
The Speedmaster ’57 in glittering 18K gold
The most elegant members of the Speedmaster ’57 family are offered in a choice of 18K red or yellow gold. The 18K red gold model is presented either on a matching bracelet or a black leather bracelet while the 18K yellow gold version is outfitted with a matching bracelet or a brown leather strap. The dials are either black or silvery and are defined by their pure, understated design. There are two sub-dials instead of the three normally associated with Speedmaster, an eye-catching distinction made possible by the innovative placement of the 12-hour and 60-minute counters in the same sub-dial at 3 o’clock allowing a comfortable and intuitive chronograph reading. The 18K gold applied indexes are coated with Super-LumiNova. There is a black tachymetric scale on the brushed 18K gold bezel.
The Speedmaster ’57 models in 18K gold are equipped with the OMEGA Co-Axial calibre 9301 with a special luxury finish and an 18K red gold rotor and balance bridge.
A Speedmaster in lightweight titanium!
The Speedmaster ’57 has also been created in grade 5 titanium. This lightweight model has a white dial with distinctive blued hands. It is powered by the OMEGA Co-Axial calibre 9300 and presented on either a titanium bracelet or a leather strap.
A fashionable bicolour Speedmaster
Bicolour watches have enjoyed a recent revival and the Speedmaster ’57 model in 18K red gold and stainless steel makes a bold fashion statement while retaining its pure Speedmaster DNA. It is presented on a leather strap.
Recalling an icon: the Speedmaster ’57 in stainless steel
The Speedmaster ’57 OMEGA Co-Axial Chronograph has a 41.50 mm case in the classic stainless steel that has always been associated with the Speedmaster Professional. This model has a wide range of dial options, including black or blue PVD with rhodium-plated indexes, silver-coloured with 18K red-gold applied indexes. The stainless steel Speedmaster’ 57 models are offered on a brown leather strap or a stainless steel bracelet.
Carrying on a legacy
The Speedmaster ’57 OMEGA Co-Axial collection is a welcome addition to the great Speedmaster family. With its choice of case metals, its advanced movement and its legendary family name, it will find an enthusiastic following among Speedmaster fans who wish to honour the impressive legacy of an iconic chronograph by combining it with the best series-produced mechanical watch movement in the world.