Omega introduced the most sensational chronograph of recent years: Omega Speedmaster Caliber 321.
I don't remember any other watch that got me thrilled like this one. I had a similar feeling when Omega introduced the platinum case Speedmaster, equipped with the re-production of the Caliber 321, which was used in the original Speedmaster model, last year. However, my excitement didn’t last long due to the model's case material and its astronomical price tag. Now we have the same movement with modern and “correct” details such as steel case-bracelet, sapphire crystal, and a ceramic bezel.
I can never deny my interest in nostalgia. Old songs, old houses, old cars I like pretty much everything old. These objects, which carry all the experiences, come to me incredibly warm and sincere. The same goes for watches as well. Fortunately, there are plenty of vintage-inspired models on the market. However, brands often launch “numb” models to reduce costs and boost their availability. Unfortunately, often the movements get the most share from this situation. At this point, Omega has brought the chronograph movement Caliber 321 back to our lives, which kept the warm feeling of the past. Moreover, the hot details I mentioned are not limited to the movement only.
The new model, based on the third Generation Speedmaster 105.003, which accompanied the astronaut Ed White in America's first spacewalk program back in 1695, has a stainless steel case with a diameter of 39.7mm. Nope, you didn't read it wrong, 39.7! Finally, the watch brands realized that the real gentlemen don’t want oversized watches! It is hard not to admire the nostalgic Omega logo on the dial and the stunning appearance of the yellowish indexes. This model features a sapphire crystal. In fact, I find this decision quite appropriate. The Speedmaster Professional models had advantages such as being resistant to during the space mission and not damaging the surrounding area. Sapphire crystal is much more useful unless you go out of the atmosphere. The fact that the tachymetric bezel around the crystal is made of ceramic instead of aluminum is another modern and useful detail.
Omega Speedmaster Ref. 105.003
The bracelet is made of stainless steel just like the case. While the modern Speedmaster bracelets offer a bold and sporty look, Omega decided to refer to the original form with a more elegant design. The width of the bracelet is 19mm, which is one of the many tributes to the old model.
Now let's come to the most important part of the watch, the movement. The Caliber 321, a chronograph with a column-wheel coordinator, which Omega used in its first Speedmaster, was replaced by Caliber 1861 with a vertical cam over the years. Let me explain briefly, what is a column wheel and a vertical cam. In chronograph movements, the chronograph mechanism operates independently. Activation and transmission of chronograph parts powered by the main gear assembly use either the column wheel coordinator, the wheel with large teeth visible at the rear, or the camshaft. During the activation of a chronograph with a column-wheel coordinator, the oscillation of the balance is less affected, less stress on the gears, and above all, the feeling of pressing the chronograph pusher is extremely soft. Don't we pay large amounts of money to these tiny pieces of metal on our wrists so that they can appeal to our senses? The manual winding Caliber 321, with 17 jewels, runs at 18000vph and has a power reserve of 55 hours. The beauty of the SEDNA Gold coated movement is enjoyed through the sapphire crystal display case back.
One of the most striking details of the Omega Speedmaster Caliber 321 is the production of the watch. Although it is not a limited edition model, the same watchmaker produces each watch. That means the same person do the assembly of the movement and the case as well as quality control. Just like the old days... The MSRP of this special model is CHF 13,000. The only thing I can say about it is: the King is back.
