From SwissWatchExpo… Spotlight on: Omega’s Vintage Watch Reissues.
Our top picks from Omega’s revivals.
Truth be told, vintage reissues are nothing new. Every year, we’re treated to a crop
of old-meets-new watches, with brands looking to their archives for models to update.
One brand however, has not failed to excite watch fans when they revive much loved watches
of the past – Omega.
Omega has been around since 1848, and has recorded many important moments in history,
from the first moon landing to the Olympics.
Since then, they have succeeded in incrementally evolving their timepieces, such that they
feel both historical and modern at the same time.
Once in a while though, they’ve revived old designs after decades of hiatus, much
to the delight of the Omega faithful. Here are our favorite Omega vintage watch reissues.
In 1957, Omega released a trio of watches that would go on to become classics: the Seamaster
300, Railmaster, and Speedmaster -- otherwise known as the 1957 Trilogy.
In 1957, all three were part of the Seamaster line, and each model represented various fields
of use. The Seamaster 300 for diving, the Railmaster for environments in high-magnetism,
and the Speedmaster for racing.
All three watches shared a non-screw-down crown that guaranteed water resistance through
high pressure; reinforced acrylic crystals welded to a steel case, and broad arrow hands
– or the distinctive hands, with a luminous arrow tip.
For the 60th anniversary of the trilogy, Omega released spot-on vintage remakes of the watches,
made available individually or as a set.
With careful attention to detail, and with help from the Omega Museum, every watch in
the 60th Anniversary 1957 Trilogy recreated the look and feel of the originals, down to the
size, textures and even tan markers to replicate aged lume.
While staying true to the originals, Omega updated the revivals with modern bracelets, modern
Omega signature co-axial escapement technology and Super Luminova markers.
Omega’s renowned Calibre 321 (three two one) was the first movement ever used in the
Speedmaster back in 1957, and it made a comeback in 2019.
It had been used in Omega’s previous chronographs, but, apart from its beautifully intricate
construction, what made the Calibre 321 so popular is its place in Speedmaster history.
It was used in a number of historic models, including the Speedmaster 105.003 (one oh
five oh oh three) - the first Speedmaster qualified by NASA for use in space and donned
by astronaut Ed White in the first American space walk. And the Speedmaster 105.012
(one oh five oh one two) - the watch worn on the first moon landing.
After decades of hiatus, the Calibre 321 was reintroduced in 2019, in a faithful reproduction
of the classic “Ed White” model.
The 2019 model was updated with a slightly smaller case and straight lug design, polished
black ceramic bezel, and a sapphire display caseback that shows off the Calibre 321.
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Introduced in 1969, the Mark Two version of the Speedmaster was the first radical departure
from the Speedmaster’s case, with a tonneau shape and hidden lugs.
Considered the “muscle car” of Speedy models, it was created with a very 70s look,
and a very solid feel. Omega relaunched this chronograph in 2014, only updating it with
the latest technology and a splash of color.
The modern version has a very retro look at first glance; and that’s because all
the major changes really happened on the inside. While the original was powered by a manual-winding
calibre 1861, the revival uses the Co-Axial Calibre 3330 (thirty three thirty) self-winding
movement.
Everything else was true to the original. It kept the 1969 original’s tonneau-shaped
case, brushed stainless steel case and bracelet, and monochromatic dial; but Omega also added
a “racing dial” version that features a bold, fluorescent orange chronograph seconds
hand and hour markers.
Developed in the late 1960s, and launched in 1970, the Omega PloProf was an extremely
advanced diver for its time.
Designed with none other than legendary diver Jacques Cousteau, the Omega PloProf was revolutionary
in many aspects: it was machined from a single block of steel, the crown is placed at 9 o’clock
instead of at 3 o’clock, and it used a chemically hardened mineral crystal, when others used
acrylic glass.
All of these innovations made the landmark timepiece very expensive, costing as much
as two Rolex Submariners -- so it failed to enjoy commercial success. However, it did
become a popular choice among professional divers!
In 2009, Omega released an updated version of the PloProf under the Seamaster family, with
luxurious new details and modern upgrades. The revival comes with a titanium case, ceramic
bezel, metallic helium escape valve, a double extension bracelet, and an increased water
resistance of up to 1200 meters.
With such historic and timeless classics, it’s no wonder that watch fans look forward
to Omega’s revival watches.
Which watch was your favorite? Tell us in the comments section.
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