Zach Brass
The Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch is such an iconic watch (we know, it’s a buzzword) that when the topic of the Speedmaster comes up in conversation, the focus is often on the black dial Professional. In fact, the modern Speedmaster is offered in 97 different configurations. While no one should be accused of focusing on the Professional, the Two Counter series is a solid hidden gem for those looking for a Speedmaster that’s off the beaten path. And before the Olympics, the Omega Chronoscope was back in the spotlight with two Paris 2024 editions.
If you follow this site or our YouTube channel regularly, you’ve already seen Andrew’s tour of OMEGA’s Timekeeping Lab, where OMEGA innovates methods to improve precision, fairness and storytelling in its role as Official Timekeeper of the Olympic Games, a role it has held since 1932. As the Olympic Games is the world’s most prestigious and historic sporting event, OMEGA’s role as Official Timekeeper is certainly worth celebrating, and we’re excited to take a closer look at the Speedmaster Chronoscope, among several other Paris 2024 editions.
Examples
Looking at the case, whether in stainless steel or moonshine gold, much of its design remains exactly the same as the Professional. The shape of the lyre lugs and the alternating brushed and polished surfaces are exactly the same as those found on the Professional. The Professional is 42mm in diameter, while the Chronoscope has been enlarged to 43mm. While this may seem like a change in the wrong direction to some, the Chronoscope case doesn’t actually look that much larger.
The always-important lug-to-lug dimension is 48.6mm, just 1.1mm longer than the Professional, but there’s a subtle but welcome trade-off in that the 50-meter water-resistant case is 0.2mm thinner than the Professional at 13mm, which is thicker than the 12.8mm of the standard Chronoscope without the special caseback, which we’ll get to later.
Dial
Looking at the Chronoscope’s dial and bezel, the differences are even more apparent. The black anodized aluminum tachymeter scale uses a different typeface than the Professional, and as you focus your attention on the dial, you’ll notice that there are two chronograph counters instead of three. There are fewer sub-dials, but two more scales are available for the chronograph. The telemeter scale tracks your distance to a noisy event, like fireworks, and measures your pulse. To include these additional scales required more space on the dial, so the elapsed hours and minutes are combined into a single counter at 3 o’clock, while the seconds remain at 9 o’clock.
Both Paris 2024 editions feature the same dial design, with a silvery-white gradient on an opaline surface and contrasting moonshine gold hands and Arabic numerals. The fan-favorite dial also features a panda layout with black counters. Look closely at the Arabic numeral ring and you’ll notice a concentric texture running all around the hour track, with the outer minute track slightly raised above the central medallion.
Bracelets and straps
The Chronoscope is available on a strap or bracelet, but if you’re buying the steel version, it’s best to buy the latter, as it’s only $300 more expensive. The Moonshine Gold version is a different story, as you’ll save $18,400 by buying it on a strap rather than the precious metal bracelet that matches the case.
The bracelet has the same layout as the latest Professional model, with a beautiful taper and more compact rounded links, brushed in the larger sections and mirror-finished in the thinner sections. The folding clasp features on-the-fly micro-adjustment, allowing for 5mm incremental adjustment via a push-and-slide mechanism.
Movement
The standard version of the Chronoscope reveals the in-house hand-wound METAS Co-Axial chronograph calibre. The only difference between the 9908 and 9909 is the latter’s gold balance bridge to match the Moonshine Gold case. However, this special Paris 2024 edition instead features a solid caseback with a recessed frosted surface and a high-polished Paris 2024 Olympic logo raised above it. While most are decorated mechanically, Omega’s calibres are meticulously finished, and while some may wish the calibre was visible, those buying the Moonshine Gold model will be pleased to have the extra precious metal to work with.
Usually, a solid caseback makes a watch thinner, but the three-dimensional engraving is most likely the reason for the thickness. At the very least, the engraving is beautiful. The 9908 and 9909 have a total power reserve of 60 hours, 10 hours longer than the professional 3861, and are actuated by a column wheel rather than a cam structure, resulting in a crisper movement. They also have a vertical clutch rather than a lateral clutch, which means less wear from keeping the chronograph running. The 9908 also has a full balance bridge, making it more shock-resistant than the 3861, but both have passed the stringent requirements of METAS.
Verdict
While Omega’s illustrious history as the Official Timekeeper of the Olympic Games is worth celebrating, the design of this Paris 2024 edition keeps the Olympic tie-in very subtle. There’s no obvious reason to buy these over the standard versions, but if you like the tie-in or the sleek opaline dials, these Chronoscope models (or any other model) are worth considering before buying a Speedmaster Professional, especially with the upgraded movement and added scale.
Pricing and Availability for the Omega Speedmaster Chronoscope Paris 2024 Collection
The Omega Speedmaster Chronoscope Paris 2024 collection is available to purchase now. Prices: $9,500 USD (steel, leather), $9,800 USD (steel, bracelet), $32,700 USD (Moonshine Gold, leather), $51,400 USD (Moonshine Gold, bracelet)
Brand Omega Model Speedmaster Chronoscope Paris 2024 Case Size 43mm (D) x 13mm (T) x 48.6mm (LTL) Case Material Stainless Steel Moonshine Gold Water Resistance 50 meters Crystal Sapphire Front Dial Silver Panda Strap Leather strap with matching pin buckle
Matching case bracelet, folding clasp Movement Caliber 9908/9909, in-house, hand-wound, METAS Power reserve 60 hours Functions Hours, minutes, small seconds, chronograph Availability Current Price $9,500 USD (steel, leather)
$9,800 (steel, bracelet)
$32,700 (Moonshine Gold, Leather)
$51,400 (Moonshine Gold, Bracelet)
