Omega Speedmaster Racing Chronograph

I’m not going to say much about this 40mm, $4800.00 entry-levelSpeedmaster, save that it looks racy, sporty, fun and is generally a nice piece ofdesign. It will certainly hook in the neophytes and those who don’t know their Speedmastersfrom their Mixmasters.  

Said to honour the Speedmaster’s original purpose, that ofan accoutrement to well heeled petrol-heads who were into car racing, this new,let’s call it a driving Speedie, comes with a choice of dial colourcombinations including maroon and blue, and you may pick between a standardbracelet or black rubberised band with colour outlines.

The subdials arefinished in what is described as a “Clous de Paris” pattern. Clou is a Frenchword used colloquially to refer to carbuncles and boils, and also to nails andother forms of fastening. I suspect the Omega marketing department would much preferus to think of the latter definitions, as I can’t imagine they would have usview the subdials as being finished in the style of a Parisian boil.

It’s what under the bonnet that doesn’t impress me atall.  Hyperbole for effect, but if you’relooking for a movement that needs to be tucked into bed and told a story everynight just to keep it happy, then maybe this model is for you.  If you want a Real Man’s Speedmaster, thenyou have only one movement choice, the bulletproof calibre 1861.

I thought Omega was going to consign the effetePiguette-based chronograph movements to its women’s collection, and to see acalibre 3330 under the Speedmaster appellation is a tad disappointing. Why nota worked up calibre 1164 based on the famous Valjoux 7750 ‘tracteur’?  At least it would stand up to the kind of bullying towhich men’s watches are often subjected.  

You'll have to wait until November before this collection reaches Omega boutiques and retailers.