This year, Omega has re-released an iconic watch from 1969. The new Omega Speedmaster has received a facelift and comes outfitted in black ceramic for 2014. This year marks the 45th anniversary of the moon landing where every crew member aboard the Apollo 8 wore an Omega Speedmaster. This model carries an official nickname – Dark Side of the Moon, due to the black color scheme of this Speedmaster.
This new updated version of the Speedmaster is crafted completely from black zirconium oxide ceramic, which has been polished to an incredible finish. Even the bezel is made from ceramic and it uses Omega’s new application – the Liquidmetal technology to highlight the tachometric scale. This new technology makes the numerals pop out and is great for readability. The Liquidmetal process ensures that the bezel does not fade over time.
The case measures a relatively large 44.25mm. The chronograph pushers are also made from black ceramic and hold the distinction of working independently from each other, which safeguard the mechanism from being damaged from misusage. Completing the watch is a black nylon strap with red stitching on the underside. Amazingly, this timepiece only weighs a total of 91 grams, making this an ideal choice for daily wear. On top of that, the ceramic case body and sapphire crystal make this watch virtually scratch proof.
The dial follows suit and is also made from black ceramic. The hour markers are baton shaped indexes. Both the indexes and the hands are generously coated with Super-LumiNova, enhancing readability. The chronograph seconds hand is central and is tipped in red to differentiate from the main timekeeping hands. At the 3 position is a single subdial which indicates both the chronograph hours and minutes. At 9 o’clock resides the continuous seconds counter, which gives the dial symmetry. A date aperture is located at the 6 position of the new Omega Speedmaster.
Naturally, the new version of the Speedmaster is fitted with a Co-Axial movement – Omega 9300. These movements are guaranteed by this esteemed Swiss watchmaker to be more accurate over time. This self-winding movement is also fitted with the Si14 balance spring. Omega offers a full four year warranty on watches with the Co-Axial escapement.
