Tag Archives: Co-Axial

Hands-On: Omega Speedmaster Caliber 9300: Moonwatch versus ’57

Omega Speedmaster 9300 311.30.44.51.01.002 - 9300 '57 331.10.42.51.01.001

Omega Speedmaster 9300 – 9300 ’57 331.10.42.51.01.001

 

This article was originally published on August 12th, 2013. 

With pictures by our friends over at AceJewelers.com, we thought it time for a small comparison between the two versions of the Speedmasters powered by Caliber 9300 that are available thus far: the Moonwatch 9300 and the ’57 9300.

You might have read in many reviews that the difference in size is quite big: 44.25mm for the Moonwatch versus 41.5 for the ’57. While to us it did appear that the ’57 is smaller at first glance, ‘less bulky’ might actually be a better term. Slimmed down perhaps. Or even trimmed down.

The bigger 3:00 and 9:00 subdials create somewhat of a trompe l’oeil. In full-frontal the ’57 appears more refined, carrying less heft – the lugs appear to be considerably thinner and the lack of crown protectors plays a major role as well. But to cut a long story short – the bezel width is near identical, as is the dial opening. Most of the mm’s we think are shaved off the case-band. That is – said protectors and the famous Omega curve that the Moonwatch 9300 does possess.

Omega Speedmaster 9300 311.30.44.51.01.002 - 9300 '57 331.10.42.51.01.001

Omega Speedmaster 9300 311.30.44.51.01.002 – 9300 ’57 331.10.42.51.01.001

The bracelets couldn’t be more different, although both are based on the well-known three-bits-per-link design. The 9300 has the bracelet that we’ve come to know very well in the last two decades – with the subtle polished ridges on the mid links. The ’57 bracelet harks back to early bracelet used in the CK-2915, CK-2998 and other early Speedmasters. It seems rather elegant. It does feature huge polished areas, which we suspect are prone to desk diving marks.

Omega Speedmaster 9300 311.30.44.51.01.002 - 9300 '57 331.10.42.51.01.001

Omega Speedmaster 9300 311.30.44.51.01.002 – 9300 ’57 331.10.42.51.01.001

As seen in this 3:00 profile shot, there is little to no difference in height. The ’57 measures in at 16.5mm, similar to that of the Moonwatch 9300.

Omega Speedmaster 9300 311.30.44.51.01.002 - 9300 '57 331.10.42.51.01.001

Omega Speedmaster 9300 311.30.44.51.01.002 – 9300 ’57 331.10.42.51.01.001

This shot in particular displays the more refined and slim nature of the new bracelet. It suits a watch that is an homage to watches from days gone by rather well we think.

For prices, check out preferred Authorized Omega Dealer Ace Jewelers:

Hands-On: Omega Speedmaster Co-Axial Chronograph Caliber 9300 ref. 311.30.44.51.01.002

Omega Speedmaster Co-Axial Chronograph Caliber 9300 ref. 311.30.44.51.01.002

Omega Speedmaster 9300 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

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

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

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

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

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]

BaselWorld 2016: Omega Speedmaster Moonpahse Chronograph Master Chronometer

Omega Speedmaster Master Chronometer Moonphase Gold

Omega Speedmaster Master Chronometer Moonphase Gold

 

The 2016 Omega Speedmaster Master Chronometer Moonphase has been widely covered, but have you also seen this gold version with white dial? It’s a beast- far from traditional, but strangely appealing!

The Moonphase is powered by Omega’s 9904, a 9300-derived movement with pointer date at 9:00 and moonphase at 6:00 – numbering might be slightly different for this gold version, but no details are out yet. The moonphase is done with great eye for detail.

Our friends over at WatchBase have all the details on these covered.

Hands-On: the Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon: Black Black & Sedna Black

Omega Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon Sedna Black 311.63.44.51.06.001

Omega Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon Sedna Black 311.63.44.51.06.001

At BaselWorld 2015 Omega introduced a set of four new versions of the popular Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon (five including the diamond-set variation) and last week I had the opportunity to spend some time with two of them: the Dark Side of the Moon Sedna Black and the Dark Side of the Moon Black Black. The pictures in these post are the result. As I’m sure that you’re well aware of all the technical aspects, I will try and keep the word count low – save for a short (re-)introduction.

Contrary to some, I was rather enthusiastic about Omega releasing these four variations at once. To me, it showed how much the look of a watch can change when altering only a couple of details. The Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon represented a great canvas for this exercise. Each of the four watches presented has its own distinct character; sure, they’re part of one big family of ceramic Speedmasters, but they’re different enough.

With its Sedna gold bezel, hour markers and hands, the Dark Side of the Moon Sedna Black is obviously inspired by the Speedmaster Professional 45th Anniversary. The matte grey dial is cut-out by laser revealing the rest of the indexes, logo and wording. There are a few more pics below that show how much the look changes with the light, from almost black to a light and vivid grey. Whereas the DSotM Black Black features a number of polished bits, the Sedna Black has a fully brushed case. Its probably this detail that has this watch retain its tool watch character, instead of it becoming the odd -flashy- one out..

Omega Dark Side of the Moon Black Black 311.92.44.51.01.005

Omega Dark Side of the Moon Black Black 311.92.44.51.01.005

The DSotM Black Black is, in short, black. The dial is black. The hands and markers are black. The prints are black. The date wheel is black. Even the SuperLuminova and the lacquer on the ceramic tachymeter bezel are black. The result? The Speedmaster Darth Vader would choose for active duty.

More pics below.

Omega Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon Sedna Black 311.63.44.51.06.001

Omega Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon Sedna Black 311.63.44.51.06.001

Omega Dark Side of the Moon Black Black 311.92.44.51.01.005

Omega Dark Side of the Moon Black Black 311.92.44.51.01.005

Omega Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon Sedna Black 311.63.44.51.06.001

Omega Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon Sedna Black 311.63.44.51.06.001

 

Watches provided by Authorized Omega Dealer Ace Jewelers, who offer them for sale online at the following links: DSotM Sedna Black & DSotM Black Black.

More into the classic Speedmaster Professional? Check out the overview WatchBase put together!

Omega Speedmaster 57 9300

Omega Speedmaster 57 9300 331.10.42.51.01.001

Omega Speedmaster 57 9300 331.10.42.51.01.001

Again it’s been a while since we’ve written about the Omega Speedmaster 57 9300. This model seems to be flying a bit under the radar.. and we’re not sure that’s fair.

Omega Speedmaster 57 9300 331.10.42.51.01.001

Omega Speedmaster 57 9300 331.10.42.51.01.001

The Omega Speedmaster 57 9300, in this case reference 331.10.42.51.01.001, mixes elements of  iconic models from rich history of the Speedmaster with Omega’s latest technology.

The picture above shows the case, which is inspired by the very first Speedmaster. The stainless steel, engraved bezel and case sans crown guards are all modeled after the CK2915 – of course updated to today’s standards.

Omega Speedmaster 57 9300 331.10.42.51.01.001

Omega Speedmaster 57 9300 331.10.42.51.01.001

The dial too is a nod to Speedmasters of days gone by. While it follows the layout that is dictated by the 9300 movement, the Alpha hands (not to be confused with the Dauphine style) are a throwback to the second generation of Speedmasters, the CK2998-gen. On the subdial at 3:00, we find another homage to the CK2915: the return of the broad arrow hand.

Omega Speedmaster 57 9300 331.10.42.51.01.001

Omega Speedmaster 57 9300 331.10.42.51.01.001

Came in through Google, looking for a price on this model? Check it out at our favourite Authorized Dealer!