Our hands-on review of the Omega Speedmaster Pilot with a lot of exclusive pictures. Omega Speedmaster Pilot, ref. 332.10.41.51.01.002, price: €10,600
Last December, Omega released the Speedmaster Pilot, a model that, at first glance, stands apart from traditional Speedmaster designs, appearing less immediately recognisable as part of the legendary chronograph family.
Upon closer inspection, however, several design elements reveal its shared DNA with the Speedmaster lineage.
After our initial introduction, we had the chance to go hands-on with the new model. We're now pleased to share our impressions and live photos.
The 40.85 mm x 14.7 mm case of the Speedmaster Pilot is crafted from 316L stainless steel and takes its cues from the 1957 original.
Unlike the asymmetrical cases with twisted Lyra lugs that appeared from 1963 onwards, it features a symmetrical shape and straight lugs.
The crown is not screwed-down and has three positions.
In position 1, with the crown fully pushed in, the watch guarantees water resistance to 10 bar (100 metes / 330 feet). In this position, it is possible to manually wind the movement, in alternative to self-winding.
In position 2, by turning the crown forwards or backwards, the hour hand moves forwards or backwards in one-hour intervals. The date jumps advances each time the hour hand passes midnight.
In position 3, the crown sets the time: hours, minutes, and seconds. When you pull the crown out to this position, the seconds hand will stop. You can synchronise the seconds by pushing the crown back to position 1 to coincide with a given time signal.
With its flat links, the stainless steel bracelet is also reminiscent of the 1957 model.
Secured to the wrist by a double folding clasp enhanced by the Omega logo, this refined bracelet is equipped with Omega’s patented release system adjustable to two positions. This is a useful feature for maintaining ideal comfort as temperatures change. The lug width measures 20 mm.
For reference, the wrist in our photographs measures 17.8 cm / 7 inches.
All steel surfaces of both the case and bracelet are satin-brushed to minimise reflections under sunlight, an appropriate choice for a pilot-inspired wristwatch.
The fixed bezel is mounted with a matte black aluminium ring and features the Speedmaster’s iconic tachymeter scale, including the signature “Dot Over Ninety” (referring to the position of the dot near the 90) and “Diagonal to Seventy” (the dot diagonal to 70), hallmarks of the earliest Speedmaster models.
Protected by a domed sapphire crystal with anti‑reflective treatment on both sides, the cockpit-inspired black dial features a grained finish with a rhodium-coloured outer ring and two subdials with opaline centres and brushed bevels.
At 3 o'clock, the 60-minute and 12-hour counters resemble a “burn rate” indicator found in aircraft cockpits, featuring a triangular matte-orange hand and transferred white numerals.
The coordinated central chronograph hand, with its varnished orange airplane tip, ensures easy reading of elapsed times.
The chronograph start/stop and reset functions are activated by the flat-capped pushers at 2 o'clock and 4 o'clock, respectively.
At 9 o'clock, the small seconds display brings to mind a target/sight indicator, with its varnished matte-yellow hand and artificial horizon in blue.
The hour markers and the black PVD hour/minute hands are presented with large blocks of white Super-LumiNova emitting a green glow for full visibility in low-light conditions.
Behind the solid caseback stamped with the original Seahorse medallion, the Omega Calibre 9900 operates at a frequency of 4 Hz (28,800 vibrations per hour).
This self-winding chronograph with column wheel and Co-Axial escapement is a Certified Master Chronometer approved by METAS and resistant to magnetic fields reaching 15,000 gauss.
Its twin-barrel design in series provides a 60-hour power reserve.
In order to earn the Master Chronometer distinction, each finished watch must pass a number of tests performed by an independent body, the Swiss Federal Institute of Metrology (METAS). The 8 main tests are the following:
1. Average daily precision of the watch over 4 days and in real life wearing conditions.
2. Function of COSC-approved movement during exposure to 15,000 gauss magnetic field.
3. Function of the entire watch during exposure to 15,000 gauss magnetic field.
4. Deviation of daily precision after exposure to 15,000 gauss magnetic field.
5. Water resistance.
6. Power reserve.
7. Deviation of rate between 100% and 33% of power reserve.
8. Deviation of rate in six positions.
Presented in a special travel pouch with strap-changing tool and NATO strap made with KEVLAR threads, the new Omega Speedmaster Pilot, ref. 332.10.41.51.01.002, has a suggested retail price of €10,600 / US$9,500.
The Omega Speedmaster Pilot combines historical charm with modern advancements, creating a compelling option for enthusiasts of aviation-inspired timepieces. Its meticulously crafted design, featuring nods to the 1957 original, is complemented by a robust METAS-certified movement, ensuring precision and reliability.
Details like the brushed steel surfaces to minimise glare, large Super-LumiNova markers for optimal low-light readability, and an original dial layout inspired by aircraft instrumentation make it as functional as it is striking. omegawatches.com
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Enjoyed the review and loved the pics. Keep up the great work.
ReplyDeleteOne of my favorite Omega models in recent times
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