Category Archives: Review

In-depth Omega Speedmaster reviews.

Speedmaster Sapphire Sandwich : the 3873.50.31

Omega Speedmaster Professional 3873.50.31

With the news of the updated Speedmaster Professional references and price increase, we thought a post regarding a ‘old’ Speedy Pro would be fitting. Our choice for today is one we’ve written very little about – the Speedmaster sapphire sandwich on alligator, the Speedy Pro 3873.50.31.

While most aficionado’s prefer the classic 3570.50.00 (to be replaced by the 311.30.42.30.01.005), there is something to be said for the Speedmaster Sapphire Sandwich. The increased heft, the possibility to admire the movement in all its glory and the scratch-proof crystal all are valid point which may sway one towards the 3873.50.31 – soon to be replaced by the 311.30.42.30.01.002.

Omega Speedmaster Professional 3873.50.31 caliber 1863

A bit of background: the Speedmaster Sapphire Sandwich got its nickname by having a sapphire glass on both the front as well as the back, while the classic Speedmaster Professional uses a hesalite (plexi) crystal and a closed caseback. It is fitted with caliber 1863 instead of the 1861 used on the Speedies with closed back.

The difference between the 1863 and 1861? The latter uses the ‘Delrin‘ (nylon) chrono brake, while in the former this part is executed in stainless steel. In the picture above, it is the part held by the bigger screw beneath the three brass coloured gears. It is said that the Delrin brake was introduced (in 1974) to enhance reliability, but in real life an advantage to either side is more of an academic question – we’d love to hear how many timing operations need to be performed for an opinion to slide to the 1861 in favour of the 1863 or vice versa. Omega simply reintroduced the metal brake for more visual appeal for Speedmasters fitted with a see-through caseback.

Side note – while the bracelet is the obvious choice, the Speedmaster looks great (and chic) on alligator!

Check out our preferred AD Ace Jewelers for the latest pricing on Speedmasters.

Omega Speedmaster Mark II Racing

Omega Speedmaster Mark II Racing 327.10.43.50.06.001

And then suddely, the brother of the Speedy featured below dropped by at SpeedyWatches HQ: the vibrant Mark II Racing reference 327.10.43.50.06.001!

: Omega Speedmaster Mark II 327.10.43.50.01.001 ‘Black’

: Omega Speedmaster Mark II 327.10.43.50.06.001 ‘Racing”

Just a different dial?

It’s remarkable how much a different dial can change the looks of a watch. While the ‘soldier shots’ above make it seem like just another dial, the Racing version of the MKII really has a character of its own.

The 327.10.43.50.01.001 is dark – all business with just enough of that retro vibe. The slightly coloured luminova adds a dash of colour to an otherwise monochrome design. The 327.10.43.50.06.001 on the other hand, with its fluorescent orange details, has really got that seventies show going on. It’s funky without being obnoxious.

Omega Speedmaster Mark II Racing 327.10.43.50.06.001

Did we mention the sandwich tachymeter ring already? No? Well, it’s killer. The numerals are cut-out with lumi below. The numerals are thus lighting up at night when properly charged, enabling you to measure your speed even in low light conditions. This sounds rather foolish – we agree. But it is still pretty cool 🙂 .

Key observations

Since we now had the chance to fiddle with both versions of the Speedmaster Mark II, a few key observations seem in place:

Black dial looks better in pics and is easier to love, but the Mark II Racing ‘pops’ on the wrist. It has great presence.
The date window is much more noticeable on the Racing. It blends in on the black dial. Pro or con? You decide.
The eye is drawn to the dial on the Mark II Racing. It is simply beautiful. On the other hand, the wonderful cash finish is more obvious on the black version, as the dial attracts less attention.
The separation of timing hands (orange) and timekeeping hands (white) on the Racing is one of the details that we really like. One might note that the vintage MKII Racing in our post below doesn’t have the proper distinction – a sign of exchanged hands.

Omega Speedmaster Mark II Racing 327.10.43.50.06.001

Essential links:

Omega Speedmaster Professional TinTin / Racing

Omega Speedmaster Professional 311.30.42.30.01.004
TinTin / Racing

Here’s another cool Omega Speedmaster that appeared in front of our camera for a photo shoot last week: the Omega Speedmaster Professional 311.30.42.30.01.004 AKA
TinTin / Racing.

Omega has built up a rich family of variations of its #1 icon, the Speedmaster Professional, in recent years. Some of them limited editions, others short-lived and a small number just in small demand. The 311.30.42.30.01.004 is not limited nor numbered as is the FOiS – and our little birdies told is that is soon to be out of production. It’s thus safe to say that this “TinTin” falls in the second category… Aficionados take note!

Omega Speedmaster Professional 311.30.42.30.01.004
TinTin / Racing

Now, what’s up with the nicknames?

It is said in the grapevine that the inspiration for the distinct colour scheme of this watch came from the rocket featured in TinTin’s 1953 Destination Moon and 1954 Explorers on the Moon. A fun and fitting connection one would think.. were it not that it is whispered that Omega and the Hergé Foundation could not come to an agreement.

: The Adventures of TinTin – Explorers on the Moon

: The Adventures of TinTin – Destination Moon

But TinTin -if at all- was not the only source of inspiration for the Speedmaster Professional 311.30.42.30.01.004. Ever since its first appearance in 1969, the so-called Racing-dial has been popping up every now and again as a sort-of collectors treat. Most recently we’ve seen it in the ‘Japan’ Speedmaster Professional and the 2014 Speedmaster Mark II Co-Axial. For this one, Omega seems to have upped the ante – full checkered flag.

: Omega Speedmaster Mark II Co-Axial 327.10.43.50.06.001

: Omega Speedmaster Racing Japan 3570.40.00 – Mitsukoshi 3570.31.00 Dials

: Omega Speedmaster Mark II ST 145.014

Is it really necessary to put up the specs? Probably not, but here we go;

Model name: Omega Speedmaster Professional
Diameter: 42mm
Case material: Stainless steel
Strap / bracelet material: Stainless steel
Crystal: Plexiglass
Movement: Caliber 1861
Dial colour: Black
Current price: Check at Authorized Dealer – not sure how long this will be applicable!
Misc.: so-called ‘Racing’ or ‘TinTin’