We often hear this adage: “It’s not how you start but how you finish.” Omega captures the essence of the saying, firing on all cylinders and ending 2024 with an impressive trio of novelties. For a start, Omega presents a couple of Speedmasters worth a double back and a duo of Seamaster Divers 300m.
The first big news filtering out from Omega’s Biel/Bienne Headquarters is the return of the legendary Omega Speedmaster CK2998 “First Omega in Space” to production. The reference earned the nickname after its aesthetics of that era caught the attention of astronaut Walter “Wally” Schirra, who wore it for his 3 October 1962 Sigma 7 mission of the Mercury program. One of Omega’s most iconic creations now spots a modern Co-Axial Master Chronometer update and takes its seat amongst fellow “Speedies”.
Signature elements of the OG 1962 Sigma 7 mission-worn watch, such as the Alpha watch hands, are paired with a period-accurate grey-blue dial fashioned from CVD coating protected by a hesalite-like sapphire crystal. Within the watch lies the Co-Axial Master Chronometer Calibre 3861, the latest evolution of the famed Calibre 321 that grants state-of-the-art precision, performance, and magnetic resistance.
Staying on the topic of Omega’s chronographs, we shift our attention from astronaut- to pilot-worn Speedmasters with the new Speedmaster Pilot. After Omega’s first Speedmaster was created in 1957, it was also adopted by some pilots of the U.S. Air Force. After much of Omega’s efforts were invested in the NASA space programs during the 1950s and 1960s, they launched the Flightmaster to specifically meet the needs of aircraft pilots.
The contemporary iteration borrows elements from the original watch with multicoloured hands to improve information reading. The central chronograph hand stands out with an orange aeroplane tip, while the twin subdials feature orange (60-minute and 12-hour recorder) and yellow and blue accents (small Seconds display). Measuring 40.85mm across in a stainless steel case, the Speedmaster Pilot is powered by the Co-Axial Master Chronometer Calibre 9900.
After touching the cosmos, Omega dives 300m into the ocean with the Seamaster Divers 300m. Omega’s quintessential dive watch surfaces with one major tweak — omitting the ceramic bezel for either a grade 5 titanium bezel or black aluminium bezel inspired by the watch worn in the James Bond film, No Time To Die. The former’s tonal design blends the colours of the positive relief laser-ablated diving scale, brushed PVD dial and, if desired, the rubber strap.
Conversely, the latter oozes vintage charm that graced the wrist of Omega ambassador Daniel Craig, who wore a black stainless steel version to the Olympic Games in Paris 2024. Both pieces are equipped with the Co-Axial Master Chronometer Calibre 8806 visible through the sapphire crystal on the caseback.
As the year draws to a close, Omega once again proves its mastery of legacy and innovation. Whether Omega is charting the stars with Speedmasters or conquering the depths with Seamaster, the manufacture continues to deliver timepieces that honour its storied history while embracing modernity. With this, Omega has set the stage for an even more exciting chapter in 2025.
Once you are done with this story, click here to catch up with our December/January 2025 issue.