It is a new year and there is a new Speedmaster, something we’ve almost become accustomed to over the past few years. It appears that at this time of the year Omega like to indulge us, just a bit. Last year saw the return of the new and improved Professional Moonwatch with a new Co-Axial Master Chronometer movement. This year, is perhaps just as extravagant as last year’s new “Speedy”. For 2022, Omega have taken the bold decision to mark the 65th anniversary of the CK2915 with a Speedmaster that from a distance looks like an exact re-issue but upon closer inspection you’ll note it is made from 18K Canopus Gold.
As you’ll likely know, the original Speedmaster, also dubbed the “Broad Arrow” because of its unique hands, was not only the first Speedmaster, it was also the first chronograph wristwatch in the world with its tachymeter scale on the bezel as opposed to printed on the dial. Omega were the first watch manufacturer to ever do this, all the way back in 1957, on a wristwatch and other brands soon followed suit. Originally a watch designed to benefit racing drivers, but it went on to become famously associated with Astronauts.
To mark it’s 65th anniversary, Omega have faithfully recreated it with 38.6mm case and bracelet made entirely from 18-carat Canopus Gold, an exclusive material created by Omega – a white gold alloy that is distinguished by its high brilliance, whiteness and longevity. Watch connoisseurs will also be able to pick out the Naïad symbol on the watch’s crown, which was specifically used to reference water-resistance in some of the first CK2915 models.
To highlight the use of precious metal, the watch has been given a deep black onyx dial with an applied vintage Omega logo and typography featuring an oval “O” – a detail that was typical for the first CK2915 models. There are also 18K white gold hands and indexes with a Canopus Gold PVD treatment and the three classic Speedmaster subsidiary dials including a small seconds display, 30-minute recorder and 12-hour recorder, along with the central chronograph function.
As mentioned, in January 2019 we posted an article about the resurrection of the old Omega calibre 321, which was a derivative of the calibre 27 CHRO 12 calibre developed in 1942. We also noted that all aspects of calibre 321 will be undertaken within a dedicated Calibre 321 workshop. For each movement, the assembly, as well as the watch head and bracelet assembly will be performed by the same watchmaker. That said, Omega hadn’t yet hinted at which pieces will utilise this new calibre 321 movement. That was until an announcement on the 50th anniversary of the lunar landing, Omega revealed an all platinum Speedmaster that housed this legendary movement. This new 65th anniversary white-gold Speedmaster is now the third to profit from this marvellous calibre after the 50th anniversary piece, as well as the Ed White re-edition in 2019.
True to form, Omega have made sure to include a little detail that will not go unnoticed by collectors and aficionados alike: the iconic “Dot Over Ninety” or otherwise known as a DON bezel and a dot diagonal to seventy. This is of course a nod to original CK2915, but Omega didn’t stop there, they’ve also included the original old-style Ω logo throughout the design. Unlike the original, flipping the Speedmaster 321 over affords a glimpse of the beautiful calibre 321 movement via the exhibition caseback.
FLEETING THOUGHTS
This new Speedmaster from Omega is probably not a piece we saw coming, of course we knew it was the 65th anniversary of the CK2915 but wasn’t quite sure how it would be celebrated. This is perhaps one of the truest re-edition even down to the movement minus the case material. I will be good to see how the weight of it translates in person, as I pretty sure you are aware that cases made from precious material tend to weigh quite a bit. That said, I think I shall reserve full judgement until we’ve managed to get our hands on one.
The new Omega Speedmaster 321 Canopus Gold ref. 311.50.39.30.01.001, which doesn’t appear to be limited, will retail for £72,580. For more information on this new piece, visit omegawatches.com.
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