Hands-on review of the new Omega Speedmaster Chronoscope with exclusive pictures. 329.30.43.51.03.001
329.32.43.51.02.001 Prices: €8400/€870
Launched by Omega at the end of last year, the Speedmaster Chronoscope is a unique chronograph as it offers three different timing scales - a tachymeter, a telemeter and a pulsometer - elegantly displaying them on a captivating dial.
The name Chronoscope (from the Greek “Chronos” = time and “Scope” = observe) has been expressly chosen to remark the capability of this model to perform various measurements based on the passing of time.
After our overview article presenting the entire collection comprised of seven references, we had the pleasure to go hands-on with two of them - ref. 329.30.43.51.03.001 in steel with a blue dial on a steel bracelet and ref. 329.32.43.51.02.001 in steel with a "panda" dial on a leather strap - and we are now delighted to share our impressions together with some live pictures.
Crafted from 316L stainless steel, a material appreciated for its corrosion-resistance and high lustre after polishing, their cases have a diameter of 43 mm and are equipped with a blue or black anodized aluminium bezel ring with a tachymeter scale. The lines are well highlighted by the alternation of satin-brushed and polished surfaces.
The twisted lugs, the crown guards and the flat-capped chronograph pushers are typical elements of the asymmetrical Speedmaster case. Water resistance is guaranteed up to a pressure of 5 bar (50 metres / 165 feet).
Protected by a scratch‑resistant sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment on both sides, the two-counter dial is printed with three timing scales, a "snail" layout that was inspired to some Omega chronographs from the 1940s.
You can easily recognise the three timing scales: a tachymeter scale that measures speed or distance, a telemeter scale for measuring the distance from something that is audible or visible, such as a lightning storm, and a pulsometer scale to measure a person’s heartbeat.
The small seconds sub-dial is positioned at 9 o'clock while at 3 o'clock we find the practical 60-minute and 12-hour chronograph counter.
The blue dial has silvery subdials and rhodium-plated hands and Arabic numerals while the "panda" model features blackened counters that stand out against a silvery background. Hands and Arabic numerals are blackened too.
Details like the leaf-shaped hands and the “spiral” track pattern that runs beneath the Arabic numerals add a vintage touch to the ensemble. We appreciate Omega's decision not to add a date window as it would have affected the overall harmony.
All the new Speedmaster Chronoscope variations in stainless steel can be matched to either a metal bracelet or a leather strap.
In our case, the blue dial version was equipped with the the five-arched-links-per-row bracelet that was introduced with the Speedmaster Moonwatch 2021. It features a brushed finish but, for added refinement, the thinner links and the sides are polished.
The clasp is very well executed, with a polished Omega logo on a satin-finished cover with a groove motif. Beautifully refined with a width of 15 mm, it also includes two polished pushers in an oval shape. Omega’s patented comfort release system is adjustable to two positions.
The "panda" model is beautifully complemented by a perforated black leather strap with a red interior. Sizing is 21 mm between the lugs and 16 mm on the steel buckle.
Omega offers a wide range of straps so it would be ideal to have both the bracelet and some straps for a quick change of look.
The sapphire-crystal caseback displays the hand-wound Omega Co-Axial Master Chronometer Calibre 9908 decorated with Geneva waves in arabesque that start from the balance wheel instead of the centre of the movement. The original bridge was expressly designed for the Chronoscope.
The movement beats at the frequency of 4 Hz (28,800 vibrations per hour) and offers an autonomy of 60 hours thanks to its two barrels mounted in series with anti-wear Diamond-Like-Carbon coating.
The entire watch - not just the movement - is certified as a Master Chronometer, the highest standard of precision, performance and magnetic-resistance in the Swiss watch industry, by the Swiss Federal Institute of Metrology (METAS). The silicon Si14 balance spring makes it possible to guarantee resistance to magnetic fields reaching 15,000 gauss.
Omega made an excellent job with the Chronoscope delivering a model that combines an eye-catching and original look with a state-of-the-art mechanical movement that guarantees the highest standards in the industry.
The retail prices of the Omega Speedmaster Chronoscope Co-Axial Master Chronometer Chronograph 43 mm (pretty long name, isn't it?) in stainless steel are Euro 8,400 / US$ 8,650 with leather strap or Euro 8,700 / US$ 8,650 with steel bracelet. Euro prices include VAT, US$ prices do not include local sales taxes. omegawatches.com
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