Besides the Moonwatch, OMEGA developed and produced a number of
Speedmaster watches that were not part of the Professional series. We would say that the Speedmaster 'Reduced' is probably the most popular non-Moonwatch Speedmaster and that the Speedmaster Automatic 'Holy Grail' the most sought-after model. For now at least.
This article is all about the new OMEGA Speedmaster Co-Axial Chronograph ref. 311.30.44.51.01.002 with the in-house caliber 9300 movement.
This two register Speedmaster chronograph was introduced during
BaselWorld 2011 but has been a bit in the shadow of the (also) newly
introduced Seamaster Planet Ocean line-up. The new Speedmaster non-professional does not get the attention it deserves to be honest.
It is not a Speedmaster Professional , so we won't do a comparison.
But let us say this: The Speedmaster Co-Axial Chronograph is meant for
those who love the NASA heritage, the Speedmaster-cult status and the
design of the 'original' but need a watch with a date, an automatic
mechanical movement and – perhaps – an in-house movement.
OMEGA was able to send us a Speedmaster Co-Axial Chronograph for review
purposes and in short: we had a hard time giving it back. The size of 44.25mm is more modest on the wrist than it seems by specification, so don't let this scare you. The dial of the watch is simply mesmerizing and very thought-through with only 2 sub registers.
OMEGA combined the 12 hour recorder with the minute recorder in one sub
register, which is quite easy to read when using the chronograph to
time certain things (we timed a few long trips with this watch).
We've heard people commenting on the watch that there is too much
distance between the sub registers, however, our logical explanation
would be that when the sub registers would be more close to the center
pinion, the short end of the chronograph second hand could possibly
block the view of one of the sub registers.
Our other guess is that people need to adjust to this lay-out and can't
stop comparing the Speedmaster Professional 'Moonwatch' with this
Speedmaster Co-Axial Chronograph.
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Before we get to the previously mentioned in-house chronograph caliber 9300 ( also discussed here in detail ), let's have a look at the new Speedmaster bracelet . A comfortable Oyster-style bracelet with 'Speedmaster' engraving in the clasp.
The clasp is identical to those on previous Speedmaster models, using
two pushers to open and a simple but firm 'click' to close. The links of the bracelet are connected to eachother using screws instead of pins. Well, that's not entirely true. There is a pin inside, that is being locked by two small screws on each side.
We expressed our worry about losing one of the two screws and thus losing the pin inside. Head of Development of OMEGA ensured us that this system has been tried and tested and that you shouldn't fear. During our period of testing this Speedmaster Co-Axial Chronograph, no issues occurred with the bracelet.
During the test period of this watch, we've been invited by OMEGA to visit their revamped museum in Bienne ( reported here, lots of pictures
), have a lunch with CEO Stephen Urquhart and visit the production
facilities of the Co-Axial escapement and their new in-house movements.
Unfortunately, we could not take pictures during the factory tour, but
let us assure you that OMEGA does everything it takes to make sure the
movements meet all requirements by both COSC, OMEGA and you, the
critical customer. The new caliber 9300 chronograph movement
is chronometer certified (which means it is very accurate – between
-6/+4 seconds deviation per day – and will be for at least 5 years) and
will not disappoint you in terms of look & feel. Look & feel? Yes, we think it is important how a chronograph 'feels' when operating the start, stop and reset buttons. We've had multiple comments on our test watch from (watch)friends who noticed that the start/stop mechanism feels like silk. With 'look' we mean the esthetics of the movement, which is in this case, sheer beauty.
Because we also witnessed the production process of the new range of
in-house movements, we've seen that a lot of effort and time is being
put in finishing all the various parts of the movement. Both those you can see through the transparent case back but also those that can't be observed by the wearer of the watch.
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RJ examining tiny movement parts @ OMEGA Factory
Talking about the transparent case back, this is – in our opinion – one of the coolest extras on this Speedy.
It seems that the sapphire crystal they used for the case back is
almost identical to the one on the front of the watch (which isn't the
case of course). This results in a very domed crystal on the case back, which you will definitely notice when wearing it on your wrist. The transparent case back catches sun light in certain angles, which gives it a very interesting look. The photo below should demonstrate this.
When you flip the watch, you”ll get a great view on the caliber 9300 movement. Partly, because the movement is covered by a main plate that covers most of the gears and gear trains. However, because the case back is entirely made out of sapphire, the view is still impressive. The finish of the movement and rotor clearly makes up for this. Also, the silicon parts are also noticeable through the sapphire crystal.
Although the watch is significantly larger than the Speedmasters we are
used to be wearing, it is one hell of a comfortable watch as a daily
wearer.
Despite the diameter of 44.25mm it wears comfortably on the wrist and
it actually tooks us only a few minutes before we were used to it
(instead of wearing 39/40mm diameter watches).
Because we have and have had our share of Speedmaster Professional
watches, we certainly appreciate the fact that OMEGA kept using the
design of the case that mr. Claude Baillod came up with in 1957.
The position of the pushers, crown guards and crown does remind us of
the design of the Speedmaster Automatic 'Reduced', where the crown is
somewhat smaller (because automatic instead of handwound) and is located
deeper between the crown guards.
The large black dial is being magnified from certain angles due to the
[super] domed sapphire crystal and makes it extremely readable in
combination with the white baton hands. Also cool, the date aperture located on 6 o'clock shows a black date wheel and a silver colored date. Completely in line with the printing on the tachymeter.
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A bit hard to capture on a picture, the lume is great as well. The hour markers and hands stay bright for a long time only after being exposed to (sun) light for a few moments.
Setting time and date is very easy, just pull out the crown in the 2nd
position (2 clicks) and move the hour and minute hands and put the crown
in the first position (1 click) to set the date. The date is being set by moving the hour hand independently from the minutes hand. This takes a bit longer than you are used to with a quick set date, but it's manageble. It is a similar to setting the date on a Rolex GMT-Master II.
If we have to mention something critical about this watch, perhaps this would be it: the lack of a quick-set date.
However, it didn't bother us until we had to change the date and we
soon forgot about it again when the watch was back on the wrist.
We've noticed that some people have difficulties with the price tag of this Speedmaster Co-Axial Chronograph. This OMEGA lists for 6.400 EUR (approx $8250.- USD ).
These kind of prices were – and perhaps are – quite unusual for OMEGA
but comparing this Speedmaster Co-Axial to chronograph watches of other
brands with similar features and built quality it is actually not that expensive.
The Speedmaster Professional retails for much less, but again – this is
not a Speedy Pro and definitely has some advantages over the hand wound
'Moonwatch'.
