We’ve now taken the time to review a good number of the timepieces that were touched upon in our Baselworld series of blogs, and we’re pleased to say that we have another one of these previously featured watches in stock; namely the Omega Speedmaster Mark II watch. This was undoubtedly one of Omega’s most celebrated announcements at Baselworld 2014, so it is only fitting to acknowledge this triumphant return of a classic wristwatch in a little more depth.
1969 was the year when mankind famously broke free of their terrestrial shackles and first set foot upon the strange and barren surface of the moon, and Omega can justifiably lay claim to a small piece of this unforgettable achievement, having provided the Apollo 11 team with Speedmaster timepieces to measure the passage of time on their journey. No other brand name can claim to have a timepiece that has functioned unprotected in outer space, and the Omega Speedmaster range has therefore carved out a place in history all of its own. This original Speedmaster Mark II was released in the same year as humanity first reached the moon, so its current 2014 embodiment is a true case of reincarnation.
However, this is not a hurried re-release of a tired and dated timepiece, but a vivid reimagining of a well beloved and timeless watch instead. The updated Speedmaster Mark II plays host to a brand new automatic movement with an accompanying column wheel chronograph, and the tachymetric details have also been infused with an extra sense of vitality and user-friendliness with the addition of SuperLuminova. This is a wholly new adornment that has never been realised within the Speedmaster collection before, and it enables the tachymeter scale to still be used even within the poorest of light conditions.
Choosing to forgo the blazoned ‘Professional Mark II’ inscription on the dial in favour of text that reads ‘Co-Axial Chronometer’ – a proud nod to the Speedmaster Mark II’s new and enhanced movement – Omega have also subtly altered their emblematic symbol to no longer be outlined in orange, but to now be an understated white colour. The case is barrel shaped and measures 42 mm in diameter, and every miniscule fraction of this case has been satin brushed to perfection; except where alternate chamfers have been finely polished instead. The crown of the new timepiece is also larger than its vintage predecessor, and a useful date corrector is situated alongside a dial with a very pleasing matt finish.
As you might expect, the sapphire crystal is breathtakingly smooth and is treated to resist both unwanted glare and scratching, and the tachymeter scale is actually illuminated from beneath this crystal by way of an innovative aluminium ring that houses the aforementioned SuperLuminova. Of course, no watch would be complete without a carefully considered bracelet or strap, and Omega have not only enlarged the satin-brushed bracelet on this watch, but have also enabled it to be micro-adjusted very easily using a small push button system too. This and the accompanying clasp are a patented mechanism of Omega’s, and one that has yet to be bettered in terms of pure convenience.
The movement of the Speedmaster Mark II has already been selected for its stability and chronometer certification, but to assist this even further a solid caseback has been chosen for this model. Not only does this waterproof the watch in depths of up to 100 metres, but it also provides a surface for Omega’s traditional Seahorse medallion to be imprinted in glorious detail. The sum total of these efforts is an effortlessly masculine timepiece that adheres to the wrist in a superbly streamlined manner, and the wearer will undoubtedly be transported back in time by the rebirth of this horological icon.
Certain to delight ardent traditionalists and watchmaking newcomers alike, the Omega Speedmaster Mark II is available today at Banks Lyon for just 36 monthly payments of £87.78 alongside a 20% deposit. The brand should indubitably be praised for making this timepiece so accessible, and they have also released another variant of the Omega Speedmaster Mark II watch with some stunning fluorescent orange detailing (see right). To find out more about these new models, or indeed to investigate any of our other Omega watches, be sure to call us on 01524 38 48 58 today.
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