[2021 Latest Edition] Mechanical Watches "8 Recommended Omega Models"

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As we approach the new school year and the number of people traveling increases, please continue to take care of your health.

Well, last year I wrote a column focusing on Snoopy models, but this time I would like to write about 8 recommended Omega models. Please forgive me for using the explanation of the brand at the beginning from the previous time (lol). Also, this is still the latest version for 2021, but since it is the beginning of the year, I will introduce the models currently listed on the official website.

History and Background

Omega's history began in 1848 when watchmaker Louis Brandt established a workshop in Switzerland. In 1894, the brand announced the Cal.19 line, a high-quality movement at the time, and was named Omega (Ω) after the last letter in the Greek alphabet, with the meaning of "ultimate." In 1903, the word Omega was adopted as the company name. Omega watches are broadly divided into four series, and these four collections include the Speedmaster, Seamaster, De Ville, and Constellation. Omega is also fun to work with, with a variety of collaborations including NASA, 007, and the Olympics, and I would like to introduce my eight picks right away.

Recommended Model 1: Speedmaster First Omega in Space Ref.311.32.40.30.01.001

This model was released to commemorate the 50th anniversary (2012) of the Speedmaster's first space flight in 1962. This model is inspired by the watch worn by astronaut Walter Schirra on the Mercury Atlas 8, which was launched from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station on October 3, 1962 and orbited the Earth six times, and is a reproduction of the early model. Another point is that it is equipped with the hand-wound movement Cal. 1861 (48-hour power reserve) that was actually worn during the moon landing. The back cover is engraved with the words "THE FIRST OMEGA IN SPACE" and "OCTOBER 3, 1962", as well as a seahorse that reproduces the design of the time. I personally like this watch because it is relatively affordable and uses alpha hands, even though Omega watches tend to have broad arrow and straight hands.

List price: 583,000 yen (tax included)

Recommended Model 2: Seamaster 300 1957 Trilogy Ref. 234.10.39.20.01.001

This model is based on the original CK2913 and is limited to 3,557 pieces worldwide to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Seamaster 300, one of the three classic timepieces that were released in 1957. The dial, known as the black tropical dial, and the indexes are reproduced to look like they have changed over time, giving it a vintage feel and making it very cool. It also features a black aluminum bezel that rotates in both directions, and the crown is engraved with the Naiad mark, which indicates the exceptional waterproof performance of the time, which was also designed in the original model. The caliber used is the Cal.8806, a high-performance movement with a power reserve of approximately 55 hours and a magnetic resistance of 15,000 gauss. It comes with a replacement brown leather strap, a dark gray NATO strap, and tools, and a special box inspired by the original packaging from 1957, which will tickle the hearts of fans.

List price: 825,000 yen (tax included)

I personally recommend changing to the separately sold NATO strap (black and grey 5 stripe polyamide strap 031ZSZ002045) and using it like James Bond ( Spectre model ). The Spectre model has a premium price and is difficult to get your hands on, but you can purchase just the strap for a suggested retail price of 19,800 yen (tax included).

NATO Straps

Recommended Model 3: Railmaster Co-Axial Master Chronometer Ref. 220.10.40.20.01.001

Honestly, in order of popularity, I think the Speedmaster > Seamaster > Railmaster, but I chose the Railmaster. This model was developed in 1957 as an antimagnetic model for railway workers and engineers working in strong magnetic fields, and was only manufactured for a short period from 1957 to 1961, but this is a reproduction model of that Railmaster. The Railmaster's iconic triangular index and the vintage-style lollipop center second hand that is reminiscent of a railway are coated with vintage-style Super-LumiNova. The movement is equipped with the Cal. 8806, which is certified as a Master Chronometer. While the original model had a magnetic resistance of 1,000 gauss, the Cal. 8806 has a magnetic resistance of 15,000 gauss, which is 15 times that of the original model. In addition, the back cover with the Seahorse design has Omega's patented Naiad Lock function (it locks by turning it 47 degrees, so there is no need to turn it repeatedly like a screw).

Personally, I like this vertically brushed black dial because it looks cool, but it also comes in a silver and blue dial. The Ref. 220.12.40.20.03.001 has a blue dial with a denim-like texture, a denim strap, and orange hands, so it might be interesting to choose one that matches your outfit. I've never seen anyone wearing it on the train to work or on the street, so I recommend it to people who don't want to look like other people.

[Source] Omega

List price: 616,000 yen (tax included)

Recommended Model 4: Speedmaster Moonwatch Caliber 321 Ref.311.30.40.30.01.001

This is the Omega Speedmaster Caliber 321 Chronograph, a reproduction of the 3rd model (commonly known as Ed White) released in 2020 before the Moonwatch. Like the model worn by astronaut Ed White on the first American spacewalk in 1965, the design is inspired by the style of the 3rd generation. The polished black ceramic bezel features a white enamel tachymeter scale and a black dial. It is equipped with the hand-wound movement "Cal.321", a reproduction of the famous Caliber 321 with a 55-hour power reserve. This is actually the first Speedmaster model equipped with Cal.321 to feature a see-through back. The 39.7mm case size is also easy to use. In recent years, ceramic bezels have become mainstream, but I recommend this bezel because the texture and color are very cool. By the way, I visited a certain authorized store and asked directly, and it seems that reservations are still possible. However, we were informed that there is a four-year waiting period (lol), so if you are interested in getting one, please make a reservation at an official store as soon as possible.

We currently have this watch in stock. It doesn't seem to be widely available on the market, either domestically or internationally. This watch has a beautiful Sedna gold caliber, so if you're interested, please take a look.

Speedmaster Moonwatch Calibre 321

List price: 1,661,000 yen (tax included)

Recommended Model 5: Speedmaster Silver Snoopy Award 50th Anniversary Ref.310.32.42.50.02.001

Yes, it's the Snoopy model that everyone loves (laughs).

This model was created to pay tribute to the Silver Snoopy Award, which was awarded to Omega by NASA astronauts in 1970 in recognition of its contributions to space exploration, and to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the award. The most distinctive feature of this model is the magic hand that works in conjunction with the chronograph, which features Snoopy aboard a spaceship. When the chronograph function is used, this Snoopy rotates, and you can watch his movements as if he were traveling on the moon. It's an exciting mechanism! The disk shaped like the Earth also rotates once per minute in conjunction with the small seconds of the watch, representing the rotation of the Earth. The blue panda is cute. It does not seem to be limited edition, but the suggested retail price is 1,133,000 yen, which is expensive even though it is not a bracelet specification. However, it seems to be very popular, and I have heard many customers who have already made reservations. According to a story I heard at a certain authorized store, reservations are already not being accepted, and there are stores with a waiting list of nearly 100 people. Omega x Snoopy is amazing.

[2020 Edition] Mechanical Watches "Omega's Recommended Model Snoopy Award"

[Source][Source][Source] Omega

List price: 847,000 yen (tax included)

Recommended Model 8: Tokyo 2020 Speedmaster Collection Ref. 522.30.42.30.04.001

In 2018, less than two years before the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, official timekeeper Omega announced a Tokyo Olympics limited edition model. This model features a panda dial with an opaline silver dial and black sub-dials, and a black aluminum bezel that looks very cool. The appeal of the panda dial is that it will move any man at least once, right? (laughs) The caseback is embossed with the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games logo. This is a new model for 2018, a commemorative model for the Tokyo Olympics, and is limited to 2020 pieces in Japan. It is said to be sold out in most stores, but according to the Kakaku.com message board, there are reports of purchases in January 2021, so if you are interested, you may want to inquire. Due to the influence of the coronavirus, the Olympics could not be held in 2020, but we hope that things will return to normal as soon as possible. With these thoughts in mind, I would like to conclude by introducing this model.

List price: 693,000 yen (tax included)

summary

What did you think.

We've picked out some classic models, but were there any products that caught your eye? I think there will be more collaboration models in the future, so this is a brand to keep an eye on in that regard as well.