Baselworld 2015 was a veritable treasure trove for the many Omega watch aficionados out there, and we simply couldn’t cover everything in our all-too-brief overview. One thing that we didn’t dwell on very much was the enlargement of the iconic Speedmaster collection. We covered the new White and Darkside of the Moon models in a reasonable amount of detail, but neglected to say much on the subject of the other Speedmaster developments. Needless to say, any fresh new chapter in the historic Speedmaster story is a significant one, so here are some of the releases we overlooked…
The Speedmaster ’57 Watches
Many years ago in 1957, there was an OMEGA Speedmaster model of particular distinction, and 2015 is the year when this particular wristwatch makes its long-awaited comeback. Such re-imaginations must be carried out carefully, as a balance must always be struck between retaining the essence of the original, whilst including a selection of new features to make such a renewal worthwhile. One of the ‘must-have’ style decisions was the ‘Broad Arrow’ cut of the original hands, and sure enough, this distinct pattern makes a comeback in the new timepiece. Vintage-style Super-LumiNova has been made use of too, but that’s not the only feature from yesteryear to be venerated within this watch.
The iconic Speedmaster of 1957 was distinguished by a tachymeter scale; such a complication was almost obligatory within chronographs at this time, after all. However, the timepiece is anything but stuck in the past, as the movement is among the very finest that the modern-day world can conjure. It’s a Co-Axial calibre, and that means a chronometer certification as standard, and you can view every detail of this marvellous calibre 9300 through an exhibition caseback. The butterfly clasp on the bracelet is one of Omega’s contemporary classics too, so this is a real blend of old and new.
We have two variants of this watch for sale. Our Omega Speedmaster ’57 Stainless Steel Strap Watch is available for pre-order today, whilst the Omega Speedmaster ’57 Stainless Steel Co-Axial Watch already possesses finance details, retailing at £5,690. Both are set for a July delivery, so order now to ensure you receive your watch – the latest incarnation of the Speedmaster – at the earliest date.
The Apollo 13 Silver Snoopy
Secondly, we have a generous tribute to the 45th anniversary of the pioneering mission from Apollo 13, but if the moniker of ‘Silver Snoopy’ sounds a little curious to you, then a short anecdote is in order. In bygone years, the official safety mascot for NASA was none other than Snoopy – the legendary dog from the Peanuts comic book strip. During complications on the actual Apollo 13 mission, astronaut Jack Swigert used an Omega timepiece to monitor the progress of an integral engine burn; a process that ultimately put the flight back on course. To honour this contribution, Omega received the Silver Snoopy Award in 1970, and this new timepiece displays that honour.
The caseback has the most overt nod to this singular achievement, but the wristwatch is notable in other ways too. The black and white aesthetic mirrors the appearance of classic Peanuts comic strips, and if you look closely at the 9 o’clock sub-dial, you’ll see that a tiny image of Snoopy himself is present. A nod to the historic 14 second timeframe – the duration of the mid-air correction of the Apollo 13 mission – is also evident on the dial, so this Omega Speedmaster Professional Silver Snoopy Award Watch is overflowing with delightful curiosities and historical significance. What’s more, it’s available from Banks Lyon for £4,630, but in highly limited numbers, so act quickly!
Don’t forget that 0% finance options are accessible for the vast majority of our products, and it’s also worth remembering that these few watches are just one small part of the Speedmaster legacy; you can take a look at our Omega Speedmaster page to view the whole impressive spectacle. We’re also happy to answer any of your questions, so if you have a specific enquiry about any of our Omega watches, don’t hesitate to run it past us! Call 01524 38 48 58 to speak to one of our friendly team.
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