[Adopting a classic snail scale] Review of the OMEGA chronoscope incorporating the design of the 1940s | Watch LIFE NEWS | Watch comprehensive news site for enjoying watch life
In recent years, many limited edition models have been released, OMEGA Speedmaster. Due to the limited edition, it sells out quickly, and popular models are often hard to come by, but the chronoscope introduced here is a new model from the regular collection of Hisabisa. In other words, if you place an order, you will definitely get it (although you may have to wait for a while because demand will exceed supply for the time being), so I think it's a pretty nice release for Spimas fans. At the beginning of 2021, Speedmaster Professional was renewed to a machine equipped with a master chronometer, and Omega may have an intention to reorganize the Speedmaster of the core line.
Speedmaster Chronoscope ■ Ref.329.30.43.51.02.001. SS (43 mm diameter / 12.8 mm thickness). Water resistant to 5 bar. Manual winding (Cal.9908). 1,023,000 yen
The first impression I got was that the atmosphere was quite different from that of the Speedmaster Professional. The shape of the case itself is quite similar to the current moon watch, but the dial design is completely different. The in-dial has two counter specifications, a 12-hour counter and a 60-minute counter, and the index is an Arabic numeral. Moreover, not only the tachymeter arranged on the normal bezel, but also the telemeter (distance measurement) and pulse meter (heart rate measurement) are added to the dial, so the board display is quite fine.
With two counters, the styling is a classic chronograph style from the 1940s, but the aluminum tachymeter bezel and the good coloring make you feel the modern essence. This time I checked the white dial and the blue index type. In addition to this, there are variations such as white dial x black / red index, blue dial x white index, and a luxurious version of the bronze gold case is also available. The combination of white and blue is sporty and a nice color for summer watches, but the combination of the astringent design with a telemeter and pulse meter gives it a very unique atmosphere. The dial has a snail pattern on the circumference, and the original design with the telemeter and pulse meter enhances the individuality. In addition, the in-dial has a solid step, and the dial has a three-dimensional effect, and the long leaf hands that match the dial design enhance the antique atmosphere.
It can be said that the design is a fusion of classic and modern as a whole, but the finish of the details is perfect only for Omega. Especially the beauty of the fine printed notation on the dial is wonderful. The blue tone is also elegant and works well as an accent.
The case diameter is 43mm, which is 1mm larger than the new Moonwatch model, but it doesn't feel too big. The case thickness is 12.8mm, which is quite smart for a chronograph, and the fit is quite good. The triple breath will also play a role in this feeling of wearing. This type is also used in the current moon watch, and it is slender and familiar to the wrist and easy to use. Since the buckle part can be finely adjusted by 5 mm, it can be used with a high degree of freedom by loosening it a little in the season of heavy clothing.
The mounted movement is a hand-wound Cal.9908 certified by the master chronometer. It is a high-performance machine recommended by OMEGA for its high accuracy that goes one step higher than the chronometer, excellent magnetic resistance due to the silicon balance spring, and high maintainability. From the see-through back, you can see the 3/4 plate with the arabesque-patterned Côtes de Genève decoration.
A racing watch-style white dial x black / red index is good, but I think the best choice is the white dial x blue index model. With a refreshing styling, it seems that you can use it without sarcasm. Also, the bronze gold model, which is an alloy unique to OMEGA, seems to be astringent as it is used, so it may be interesting. Compared to the moon watch, the price range is a little higher, but considering that the quality of the details is also improved, I think it is a reasonable line. It may be difficult to obtain for the time being, but if you're looking for a chronograph, it's a watch worth checking out.
[Contact] OMEGA Customer Center TEL.03-5952-4400 https://www.omegawatches.jp
Composition ◎ Daisuke Horiuchi (Editor) / Text ◎ Hidetoshi Tatsumi / Photo ◎ Osamu Kasai