Omega Speedmaster Co-Axial Chronograph Caliber 9300 ref. 311.30.44.51.01.002
Omega Speedmaster 9300 311.30.44.51.01.002
This article was first published on June 29th, 2013.
Omega introduced its first automatic Speedmaster in 1971, over 40 years ago. Since then, a lot of Speedmasters powered by automatic movements have been introduced, but very few of them have proven to be of satisfaction to true Speedmaster aficionados. How about the 9300?
Omega Speedmaster 9300 311.30.44.51.01.002
The Speedmaster Co-Axial 9300 was introduced at BaselWorld 2011. Without any doubt, this is Omega’s flagship Speedmaster. While it retains most of the classic Moonwatch look (Omega ranks it amongst the Moonwatches), there are also a few key differences;
- The case size was updated to 44.25mm
- It is powered by an automatic manufacture movement: caliber 9300. Click the link for details on this movement.
- The minute and hour totalizers are combined in one single subdial at 3 o’clock.
- It is fitted with a date window at 6 o’clock
Omega Speedmaster 9300 311.30.44.51.01.002
Recently we had the opportunity to play with the 311.30.44.51.01.002 (stainless steel on bracelet) for a few days, thanks to AceJewelers.com. So what are our experiences?
- The case size of 44.25mm may sound large, but it sits very well on even our slender wrists and doesn’t look that much bigger than a regular Speedmaster Professional. Due to the high sapphire case back, the mid-case hovers above the wrist and the crown and pushers never dig into the wrist. The weight with full length bracelet is 183gr.
- The movement, caliber 9300, is a joy to behold. Somewhat unusual is the quick set of the date, which has to be performed through the ‘timezone-function’ – by moving the hour hand forward in 1 hour increments.
- The chronograph action is very smooth. The pushers require the right amount of force, and the seconds starts without ANY jump. Why? Read this.
- It just looks smashing. The classic Moonwatch-look is such an evergreen that you just can’t go wrong.
Omega Speedmaster 9300 311.30.44.51.01.002
The column wheel and silicon balance spring visible through the sapphire case back. Omega did a great job on the caliber 9300 – it seems to have been designed with much thought. There’s a glimpse of the two barrels, the column wheel, the free-sprung balance et cetera – no cutting corners going on here!
Omega Speedmaster 9300 311.30.44.51.01.002
As indicated above, the design of the sapphire case back is quite unusual. It pops out from the stainless steel part, making way for the rotor to make it’s swings. In the meanwhile, we get first row seats to the action.
Omega Speedmaster 9300 311.30.44.51.01.002
Would we buy one? YES. It seems Omega finally created a Speedmaster with automatic winding that is a great addition to the collection of a true Speedmaster afficionado. It looks smashing and has a killer movement – what else could we wish for?
Buy at an Authorized Dealer: www.Ace.am/31130445101002 [discontinued]