Up close with the new Omega Speedmaster ’57

The Omega Speedmaster is nothing short of an icon. Made famous because of its use in NASA’s Apollo 11 space mission in 1966, it was indeed the first watch to be worn on the Moon. This shouldn’t overlook that fact that it is, above all else, a stunning watch though. Now, the Swiss brand have unveiled a new one harking back to the 1957 original, and it’s pretty special.

When creating throwback watches inspired by their respective back catalogues, many brands get it wrong, missing out details that came to define their signature timepieces. Omega has nailed this one though. The Omega Speedmaster ’57 remains wholly faithful to the original watch, which has pleased collectors and Omega enthusiasts tenfold.

Every fine detail of this watch has been meticulously crafted to the original specifications of the Speedmaster of 1957, even down to the famed arrow-shaped hands, twin-level sub-dials and darkened luminescent paint, created as such to mimic vintage patina.

Unlike most Speedmasters, the ’57 boasts a brushed steel bezel. Complete with the signature tachymeter – which allows the user to measure average time over a set distance – it’s a lovely touch and one that marks it out from the rest of the range. The case is also produced from identical stainless steel, and it measures a pleasing 41.5mm, 0.5mm smaller than the standard Speedmaster Professional and, again, faithful to the original.

The vintage touches don’t stop there though, as the domed front sapphire crystal gives the piece a certain character that’s simply lost on many modern watches. Behind the dial is Omega’s innovative Co-Axial calibre 9300, which boasts an impressive 60-hour power reserve, and is visible through the rear sapphire crystal case back.

The Speedmaster ’57 comes complete on either a brown leather strap, a polished and brushed steel fold over clasp or Omega’s very own brushed and polished steel screw-and-pin bracelet with a butterfly clasp.

For more information, click here.