Omega has released a new two-counter Speedmaster. The new model is inspired by Omega’s Flightmaster from 1969. In 1969, Omega released the Flightmaster, a chronograph for pilots, as the Speedmaster was popular with NASA and Air Force pilots. The Flightmaster featured a fully brushed case, an easy-to-read dial, and seven hands, including an airplane-shaped GMT hand. In September of this year, a Speedmaster for pilots was leaked. It was based on the Speedmaster ‘57 with Flightmaster details added to the dial. However, it was a limited edition that was only available to actual Air Force pilots, so it was not a watch for the general public. The new Speedmaster Pilot is similar to the leaked model, but it returns to a design that is more faithful to the original Flightmaster.
The dial configuration reinterprets the Flightmaster in the Speedmaster ’57’s two-counter configuration. The grained matte black dial features a brushed silver-colored minute track. The indexes use Super-LumiNova luminous blocks to differentiate them from other Speedmasters with painted dials. The subdials are inspired by fighter jet cockpits. The 60-minute and 12-hour counters at 3 o’clock feature orange-colored triangular hands and white-colored transferred numerals, reminiscent of the fuel consumption indicator in a cockpit. The yellow-colored border and hands of the subdial at 9 o’clock are reminiscent of the targeting scope of a fighter jet. Here, unlike the leaked model, the upper part is blue for a variation. The central chronograph hands feature an airplane shape reminiscent of the Flightmaster’s GMT hands, and the hours and minutes use entirely luminous hands to match the luminous block indexes. Below the Speedmaster logo, the words “Flight Qualified” are added to reiterate that this is a pilot’s replica watches.
The case is based on the design of the first Speedmaster (Ref. CK2915-1) that appeared in 1957. However, it is differentiated by the full brushed case finish that is only seen in some Speedmasters such as the Speedy Tuesday Edition (Ref. 311.32. 42. 30. 01. 001). Not only is the chronograph pushers and crown brushed, but the bezel also uses an aluminum insert that is less reflective than ceramic. This prevents light reflection from disturbing the vision during flight. The diameter is 40.85 mm, and the lug-to-lug is the same as the Speedmaster ‘57 on which it is based, 49.6 mm. The solid caseback features a seahorse emblem in the center, and the water resistance specification is simply engraved on the bottom. The water resistance specification has been improved from the previous 50 m to 100 m.
The movement is Omega’s in-house automatic chronograph caliber 9900 (3.5Hz, power reserve 60 hours). It is equipped with a column wheel and vertical clutch, and Omega’s proud Co-Axial escapement and silicon balance spring (Si14) are also included. In addition to its splendid specifications, it has been certified as a Master Chronometer by the Swiss Federal Institute of Metrology (METAS), guaranteeing an outstanding accuracy of +5/0 seconds per day even in a strong magnetic field of 15,000 gauss.
The bracelet is the same flat link design as the Speedmaster ‘57. It also features Omega’s patented Comfort release adjustment system for easy length adjustment. The bracelet is also fully brushed, just like the case. It also comes with the same gray NATO strap and change tool as the original model.
The domestic release price of the replica Omega Speedmaster Pilot (Ref. 332.10.41.51.01.002) is 13.7 million won.