Speedmaster earns the designation "Pilot's Watch."
WATCH & JEWELRY / WATCH NEWS
December 27, 2024

Speedmaster earns the designation "Pilot's Watch."

OMEGA | OMEGA Speedmaster Pilot

The "Speedmaster Pilot," a new model for pilots, has arrived in OMEGA's representative watch series, the Speedmaster. It is an ambitious model that embodies the brand's deep connection with the sky and space.

Text by Kosaku Waseda

Iconic Design Reflecting Cockpit Instruments

OMEGA watches have been highly valued by pilots throughout their long history. During World War II, OMEGA supplied over 110,000 watches to the British Ministry of Defence, supporting air force and naval pilots. Among these, the UK/CK2292 is particularly famous. This watch was widely issued to pilots of the Royal Air Force and Fleet Air Arm, known for its ideal magnetic resistance for pilots flying behind the powerful engines of Hurricanes and Spitfires.
In 1957, the "Speedmaster" was introduced and quickly adopted by American Air Force pilots. Many pilots who wore this watch would later become astronauts in NASA's first manned space program, Project Mercury. In 1969, the "Flightmaster" was unveiled, catering to the special needs of aircraft pilots and becoming an ideal watch for frequent flyers. It featured a avant-garde design that set it apart from traditional chronographs, offering pilots the ability to instantly check the time.
Furthermore, 1969 was also the year of Concorde's first flight. Some of these aircraft were equipped with OMEGA's timing instruments as standard, and it is said that the crew also preferred to wear OMEGA for accurate timekeeping. Among them, Captain John Hackett is famous for piloting Concorde on its first transatlantic crossing.
Thus, throughout history, OMEGA has supported missions in the skies and demonstrated reliability under demanding conditions. Evolving this legacy further is the new "Speedmaster Pilot" that has now been released.
The design of the "Speedmaster Pilot" draws inspiration from the original "Speedmaster." This model has a modest diameter of 40.85mm, making it comfortable to wear. It features a robust design with excellent legibility. The original "Speedmaster" was favored by American Air Force pilots, building a long-standing reputation for its superior functionality and accuracy. This new model inherits the spirit of the original while incorporating innovations driven by modern technology.
While maintaining symmetry, the case is finished in stainless steel with a brushed treatment to minimize light reflection. The bezel features a matte-finished aluminum ring, and the tachymeter scale incorporates OMEGA's unique design. Distinctive details such as the "Dot Over 90" (DON) and "Dot Diagonal to 70" lend it a look that strongly reflects the Speedmaster tradition.
Furthermore, the dial employs a grained matte black finish to enhance legibility. The hour and minute hands are coated with white Super-LumiNova. The tip of the chronograph seconds hand is highlighted with orange varnish, serving as a design accent.
The two striking sub-dials both feature an opaline finish in the center, with a beveled outer edge to create a sense of depth. The 3 o'clock position houses a 60-minute and 12-hour co-axial counter, its hand shaped like an impressive triangle. The matte orange hue stands out vividly against the dial. This design is inspired by the "fuel consumption rate" indicators found in aircraft cockpits, resulting in a beautiful and practical aesthetic.
The small seconds at 9 o'clock features a matte yellow hand and a blue artificial horizon. This design is inspired by the target aiming displays seen in aircraft cockpits, showing respect for aviation down to the finest details.
The movement is OMEGA's Co-Axial Master Chronometer Calibre 9900. This movement has passed the rigorous tests set by the Swiss Federal Institute of Metrology (METAS), boasting exceptional precision, performance, and magnetic resistance. The case back is engraved with OMEGA's iconic Seahorse medallion, and the outer edge is marked with "100m/330ft" to indicate water resistance.
The "Speedmaster Pilot" comes with a stainless steel bracelet featuring OMEGA's patented comfort release system. Additionally, a special grey NATO strap is included, enhanced for strength using Kevlar® fiber. The strap is fitted with a brushed stainless steel buckle, maintaining design harmony.
The "Speedmaster Pilot" is a model that embodies modern technological and design evolution while honoring its historical legacy. It transcends the boundaries of a mere watch, serving as an indispensable tool for aviators and a proud timepiece underpinned by a history intertwined with the skies.
Speedmaster Pilot
Movement | Cal. 9900 / Automatic, 54 jewels, 28,800 vibrations per hour, 60-hour power reserve
Master Chronometer Certified
Case | Brushed stainless steel, aluminum bezel ring
Case Diameter | 40.85mm
Case Thickness 14.65mm
Water Resistance | 100m
Crystal | Box-shaped sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on both sides
Price | ¥1,463,000
Inquiries

OMEGA
Tel. 0570-000087
https://www.omegawatches.jp/

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