Russell Sheldrake After teasing a model specifically for U.S. military pilots, Omega is now releasing a civilian version of the Speedmaster Pilot. Packed with features straight from the cockpit, this boutique exclusive is for anyone who loves flying. Powered by Caliber 9900, it features an independent hour hand for faster time zone adjustments.
Earlier this year, Omega’s forums were abuzz with news of the Flight Qualified Speedmaster, an exclusive Speedmaster designed for U.S. military pilots. This watch has many special features that pay homage to the life of an aviator in the cockpit, including specially designed subdials, high-contrast hands, and unit insignia engraved on the case back. . The only problem was that no one but trained US military pilots could get their hands on it. The closest most of us got was an enviable wrist shot from inside a fighter jet. But now it looks like Omega has answered our calls and released a new, slightly modified Speedmaster Pilot to the public. All we need now is a fighter jet…
Now, let’s take a look at the details. The main thing that those familiar with the Speedmaster will notice is that it has a two-tone range layout, rather than the standard three-range layout that we’re used to with the Speedmaster Professional. The third combines a 60-minute and 12-hour counter, with the minute hand glowing orange and designed to look like a burn rate indicator from the pilot’s cockpit. The subdial at 9 o’clock is even more colorful, with an artificial blue horizon acting as a backdrop for the bright yellow small seconds hand running above it.
The aluminum bezel has an added appeal for vintage Speedmaster enthusiasts, with over 90 dots and 70 diagonals, both classic design features derived from the original 1957 model. Inside this bezel, there is a silver contrasting minute track along the edge of the dial, separated by solid blocks of white Super-LumiNova, matching the hour and minute hands, both of which are made of phosphor. It has a thick coating. When it gets dark, the hands and markers glow a strong green color.
Inside the watch is Omega’s trusted METAS-certified Co-Axial Caliber 9900. As you can see from the placement of the subdials, this movement features both chronograph minutes and hours in one register, but its real trick is the independently adjustable hour hand. . This is a nice feature for frequent travelers, and although there is no quick-set date feature, you can adjust it relatively quickly by moving the hour hand.
The military insignia that adorns the more exclusive Flight Qualifications, which rarely appear outdoors, is replaced here on the Speedmaster Pilot by the brand’s hippocampus logo, and Omega retains the solid steel caseback in lieu of adding a display piece. I chose that. Case back – only adds to the tool watch vibe of this model. The watch features a fully brushed flat-link bracelet with Omega’s on-the-fly fine-adjustment system on the clasp. Alternatively, a Kevlar-reinforced gray NATO strap with steel buckle is also included.
Another fun touch is the orange tip of the chronograph seconds hand, complete with an airplane wing. With all these colorful cell phones coming out, it’s easy to compare them to the 1969 Flightmaster model. It’s clear that this is a pilot’s watch, rather than a “Professional Omega in Space” or “First Omega in Space,” which relies heavily on Omega’s extraterrestrial heritage (even though it is technically a separate aviation watch). even in form). The new Speedmaster Pilot sits comfortably at 30,000 feet and brings just the right number of nods and references to the world of flight without looking gimmicky.
Following on from the incredibly popular and well-received Professional Speedmaster in FOIS and white lacquer, this model marks a clear shift for Omega to focus on fan favorites in the Speedmaster series, or fan favorites in general. It is clear that we had a strategy until 2024. They’ve brought some No Time to Die vibes to the Seamaster family as well recently. This bodes well for next year…but it begs the question: which vintage fan favorites could the brand dive into next?
Omega Speedmaster Pilot Price and Availability
The Omega Speedmaster Pilot is a boutique exclusive and is available now. Price: USD 9,500, AUD 15,725
Brand Omega Model Speedmaster Pilot Reference Number 332.10.41.51.01.002 Case Dimensions 40.85mm (D) x 14.7mm (T) x 49.6mm (LTL) Case Material Stainless Steel Water Resistance 100 meters Crystal Sapphire Dial Matte Black Lug Width 20mm Strap Stainless Steel Steel bracelet, foldover clasp with diver’s extension
Gray Kevlar reinforced NATO strap Movement Caliber 9900, in-house, Co-Axial, Master Chronometer, automatic power reserve 60 hours Functions Hours, minutes, seconds, chronograph, date Availability Boutique exclusive, non-restrictive Price $9,500
AUD 15,725
