[2022 Latest Edition] Mechanical Watches "Top 10 Recommended Omega Models"

Hello everyone.

Today, we would like to present to you the "Top 10 Recommended Omega Models for Mechanical Watches (Latest Edition, 2022)" .

The new products for 2022 are a lineup that is characteristic of Omega, including the Seamaster Aqua Terra, which incorporates trendy colors on the dial, and the Speedmaster Moonwatch, which uses a unique alloy called Moonshine Gold.

OMEGA, the leader of the Swatch Group, has been gaining more and more popularity in recent years, with models that match trends such as the Moon Swatch and reissues of classic models released in the past. In addition, some limited edition and vintage models are priced at surprisingly high premiums, and their popularity is remarkable.

This time, I would like to introduce a carefully selected list of OMEGA's new models for 2022, including discontinued models, which I am looking forward to seeing in the future. Please enjoy until the end.

*The suggested retail price is the price at the time of initial sale.

⇩Please take this opportunity to watch "8 Recommended Omega Models for 2021"⇩

① "Specialties CK 859" "Ref.511.12.39.21.99.002"

*Source: https://www.omegawatches.jp/watch-omega-specialities-ck-859-51112392199002

The CK859, announced as a new model for 2022, is inspired by the classic Omega watch from 1939. It features a beautiful sector dial with blue steel hands, but since it is made of silver, you can enjoy watching it age. There are models that become more appreciated as they age, such as Rolex's Patrizi and Ivory dials, and it's nice to know that you can enjoy it in this way.

In addition, the case size of the vintage "CK859" was 37mm, but for the reissue, it has been brushed up to a modern size of 39mm. The hand-wound movement "Cal.8926" has a power reserve of about 72 hours and is antimagnetic to 15,000 gauss, and you can see it through the see-through back. It does not seem to be a limited edition model, but the serial number is engraved on the case back, and it has already been announced that production will end.

Among the many dress models available, this is one that we would particularly recommend, and it is not currently priced at that premium, so if you're interested, we recommend that you grab it early.

List price: 825,000 yen (tax included)

*Source: https://www.omegawatches.jp/watch-omega-specialities-olympic-games-collection-52252392104001

By the way, Omega will also be the official timekeeper for this year's Winter Olympics, Beijing 2022. The 18K Sedna gold case "CK859" "522.52.39.21.04.001" is available exclusively at boutiques.

List price: 2,343,000 yen (tax included)

② "Speedmaster Moonwatch "From the Moon to Mars"" "Ref.3577.50.00"

*Source: https://www.omegawatches.jp/watch-omega-speedmaster-professional-moonwatch-35775000

This Speedmaster, released in 2004, was designed by famous manga artist Reiji Matsumoto and features a bold and innovative design of Mars (30-minute counter), Earth (small second), and Moon (12-hour counter) printed on the sub-dials. The watch was originally produced based on an American plan to build a space station on the moon by 2020 and create a platform (launch pad) for manned missions to Mars, with the words "FROM THE MOON TO MARS" printed on the dial.

The crystal is made of Hesalite glass with the Omega mark engraved in the center, and the movement is the well-known "Cal. 1861." While it inherits the same functions and design, it is a one-of-a-kind "Speedmaster" that incorporates a passion for space development and a bold design.

Its popularity has been growing year by year, and we would highly recommend this watch to anyone who likes the unique dial design.

Reference price (initially on sale): 430,500 yen (tax included)

*Source: https://www.phillips.com/detail/omega/HK080218/850

Another collaboration model with Leiji Matsumoto is the Speedmaster Ref. 3571.50.00. This is a collaboration model with Galaxy Express 999, released in 2000 with a limited run of 1999 pieces in Japan. The dial is a fairly standard Speedmaster, but the case back is engraved with Maetel from Galaxy Express 999, Leiji Matsumoto's signature, and the limited edition number.

Reference price (initially on sale): 280,800 yen (tax included)

③ "Speedmaster CK2998" "Ref.311.33.40.30.02.001"

*Source: https://www.omegawatches.jp/watch-omega-speedmaster-anniversary-series-chronograph-39-7-mm-31133403002001

This is a limited edition model released in 2016, a reproduction of the second model of the Speedmaster, Ref. CK2998 (introduced in 1959). With its chic navy blue and silver opaline contrast, lollipop chronograph and alpha hands, and other features, this is a watch that brings back to life the charming Moonwatch of the time. The clean design without a crown guard has a nice retro feel. The case back is engraved with the Seahorse emblem, just like the original.

Currently, most of the watches on the luxury watch sales website Chrono24 are listed for around 1,500,000 yen. The genuine NATO strap has a nice feel to it, and the dial has a nice look, making this a highly recommended watch.

Reference price (initially on sale): 715,000 yen (tax included)

*Source: https://www.omegawatches.jp/watch-omega-speedmaster-anniversary-series-chronograph-39-7-mm-31132403002001

The "Ref.311.32.40.30.02.001" released in the same year is a limited edition model of 2998 pieces, with a black base and striking pulsometer (pulse measurement) and red chronograph hands. This one is also recommended.

Reference price (initially on sale): 682,000 yen (tax included)

4. Seamaster 300 "Spectre" "Ref. 233.32.41.21.01.001"

*Source: https://www.omegawatches.jp/watch-omega-seamaster-300-master-co-axial-chronometer-41-mm-23332412101001

The movie "Spectre" was released in 2015. As we often feature in our columns, this is the first commercially available model in the history of the 007 series to be worn by James Bond in the film. Although only 7,007 pieces were sold, the number of units sold is high, but there are still few on the second-hand market, making this a premium model that boasts enduring popularity. The case back is designed with a serial number and the 007 logo, and it also comes with a NATO strap, which is synonymous with James Bond, making it a model that fans will drool over.

There have been several "Omega x 007" collaboration models released so far, but this model is by far the best in terms of design. Daniel Craig, the sixth James Bond, who played the role for 15 years, the longest in history, surpassing Roger Moore, the third, retired after "No Time to Die". Daniel Craig's outstanding performance is expected to continue to be appreciated for generations to come. This is a very attractive watch with great future potential.

Reference price (initially on sale): 825,000 yen (tax included)

5. Speedmaster Legend "Schumacher" Ref.3559.32.00

*Source: https://www.omegawatches.jp/watch-omega-speedmaster-legend-35593200

This was released in 2004 as a commemorative model in a limited run of 6,000 pieces when F1 driver Michael Schumacher won the World Championship in 2003. It is a popular model known only to those in the know, as it is reminiscent of the color scheme of the red-wrapped white dial of the Rolex Daytona Paul Newman Ref. 6239. The case back is engraved with "Schumacher Legend" and a limited serial number, and the movement is the high-end chronograph movement "Cal. 3301" made by Frederic Piguet.

This watch is also limited to 6,000 pieces, but there are very few on the second-hand market and the price range is still within reach, so it is a watch we would highly recommend right now. Other Schumacher limited edition models include the red dial "Ref.3506.61.00", the black dial "Ref.3507.51.00", and the white dial "Ref.3506.31.00".

Reference price (initially on sale): 514,500 yen (tax included)

⑥ "Speedmaster Moonwatch "Alaska Project"" "Ref.311.32.42.30.04.001"

*Source: https://www.omegawatches.jp/watch-omega-speedmaster-professional-moonwatch-31132423004001

This watch was released in 2008 as a limited edition of 1,970 pieces. To be honest, when I first entered the watch industry, I thought that this model was made for a project in the freezing cold of Alaska because of its name. (laughs)

The "Alaska Project" is a program that Omega gave the code name "Alaska" in the early 1970s. The purpose was to create a "Speedmaster" suitable for environments with extreme temperature changes. The "Alaska Project" has three stages: "I (1969)", "II (1972)", and "III (2008)". When the first prototype was produced in 1969, the United States was in the midst of a fierce space race, and the code name "Alaska" referred to matters related to NASA, which often handled confidential information.

The model we are introducing this time is the "III", and its overall white design is to reflect the heat of the sun. The most eye-catching accessory is the 58mm red outer case. This is equipped with a heat-resistant anodized aluminum "heat shield". It is amazing that this outer case can withstand the temperatures of the moon and outer space (+260℃ to -148℃). It is not widely available both domestically and internationally, and is becoming more and more premium, but its historical background also helps make it our top recommended model.

Reference price (initially on sale): 682,000 yen (tax included)

7. Speedmaster Moonwatch Speedy Tuesday "Ref.311.32.42.30.01.001"

*Source: https://www.omegawatches.jp/watch-omega-speedmaster-anniversary-series-31132423001001

This model was released in January 2017 to commemorate the 5th anniversary of the founding of Speedy Tuesday, and is limited to 2,012 pieces worldwide. It features a reverse panda dial, which is rare for a Speedmaster.

#SpeedyTuesday is derived from the hashtag "#" that Speedmaster enthusiasts around the world use when posting on social media every Tuesday. It originally started in 2012 when Robert Jean Blois, founder of the watch website Fratello Watches, posted on Facebook every Tuesday, and it is said to be the first watch to start online pre-order sales.

The case back is also engraved with "Alaska Project III," making this a must-have addition to any Speedmaster enthusiast's collection, especially given its historical background.

Reference price (initially on sale): 715,000 yen (tax included)

8. Speedmaster Speedy Tuesday "Ultraman" Ref.311.12.42.30.01.001

*Source: https://www.omegawatches.jp/watch-omega-speedmaster-anniversary-series-31112423001001

Announced online only on July 10, 2018, this special edition watch sold out in about two hours. It is a limited edition of 2,012 pieces worldwide, commemorating the Speedmaster worn in the 1971 broadcast of "Return of Ultraman". Ultraman has three minutes to fight on Earth. The clever design of the minute scale of the 30-minute counter with the first three minutes in orange is an irresistible highlight for fans. There is also a mechanism in the small seconds at the 9 o'clock position, where Ultraman's face appears when you shine a beta capsule-type UV light included in the special box on it.

Japanese special effects watches are very popular overseas, and this is an interesting watch, both in terms of design and future potential. It is also a model that has made us realize the appeal of the "black x orange" color scheme. It is often sold for over 2,000,000 yen at Chrono24, so if you are interested, you might want to grab it early!

Reference price (initially on sale): 781,000 yen (tax included)

9. Speedmaster Moonwatch "Tintin" Ref.311.30.42.30.01.004

*Source: https://www.omegawatches.jp/watch-omega-speedmaster-moonwatch-chronograph-42-mm-31130423001004

Nicknamed "Tintin" because the red and white checkered pattern on the outer periphery of the dial resembles the design of the rocket that appears in "The Adventures of Tintin" created by Belgian cartoonist Hergé, this model was originally produced as a collaboration watch, but it is said that it never came to fruition due to rights issues with the publisher. Omega's product development manager, Jean-Claude Monachon, said, "This model is based on the color of the rocket in the Tintin comics," and the prototype had a rocket designed on the dial, but Omega removed the rocket from the dial design and released it in 2013 with a red and white checkered flag designed on the outer periphery of the dial.

At first, it was not very popular due to its impact, but it has now become so popular that the selling price on Chrono24 is at least 2,000,000 yen. The exact number of units produced has not been announced, but the estimated number of units produced based on the serial numbers by overseas communities is about 1,000 to 2,000. By the way, there is an episode where the original author Hergé said, "I don't want you to call me 'Tintin'." (Laughs) Perhaps it is because of this dream collaboration that never came true that we are attracted to it, along with the background.

Reference price (initially on sale): 486,000 yen (tax included)

10. Speedmaster Caliber 321 "Ref.311.93.42.30.99.001"

*Source: https://www.omegawatches.jp/watch-omega-speedmaster-calibre-321-chronograph-42-mm-31193423099001

Equipped with the Caliber 321, this platinum model with an onyx dial and meteorite sub-dials is the first reissue of the Caliber 321, announced in 2019, the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing. Why is the Caliber 321 so popular? The answer is that it is the Moonwatch, which reached the moon with the masterpiece movement Cal.321 from Lemania. In 1965, NASA tested wristwatches to be carried for Project Gemini (a manned space flight program), and the ones that were selected were Rolex's Cosmograph (the predecessor of the Daytona) and Omega's Speedmaster. And the Speedmaster was ultimately selected by NASA.

As an aside, Lemania movements have often appeared in our store owner Abe's column "Patek Philippe Theory," and are famous for being supplied to Patek Philippe, Vacheron Constantin, and others. The movement "Cal.321," designed by genius watchmaker Albert Piguet at the request of Omega, was a masterpiece movement at the time in terms of both structural beauty and precision. Incidentally, the "Cal.CH 27-70" installed in Patek Philippe's "Perpetual Calendar Chronograph" was based on this "Cal.321."

*Source: https://www.omegawatches.jp/watches/speedmaster/heritage-models/calibre-321/product

In 1981, Lemania was acquired by Breguet and is now part of the Swatch Group. The leading brand of the Swatch Group is Omega. It's romantic to think that the idea of ​​reissuing the Cal.321 came up as a result of the group being a part of the company.

Although we've only mentioned the movement, the dial of this model is also noteworthy. The meteorite used is a lunar meteorite. It really conveys Omega's passion for the Moonwatch, and is very moving. As it is made of platinum, the price is a little out of reach, but the combination of onyx and meteorite is surely one of the elements that any watch lover would want to own.

List price: 8,173,000 yen (tax included)

summary

What did you think.

I ended up selecting only the "Speedmaster," but I'm convinced that they are all universal models that will be passed down for a long time. (laughs) However, I also think that the fact that it is the first model that comes to mind is the reason why it is an iconic OMEGA watch.

OMEGA is such a wonderful brand that its collection is so extensive that even the "Current Model Price List (revised in July 2022)" cannot cover everything. Please take a look at their official website.

Once again, I hope this column will help you find your favorite one.

see you!