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Omega Replica

HANDS-ON : Replica Omega Speedmaster Mark IIRe-issue

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Earlier this year I blogged about the replica Omega Speedmaster Mark II re-issue. Today, Horologium brings you live photos of the two versions, with thanks to Omega Australia and the Castlereagh St boutique in Sydney.

To reiterate Omega, which not only has a rich archive into which it can delve for inspiration but also a longstanding loyal fan base for many of its historically important models, decided to release a modern version of their 1969 Speedmaster Mark II, a perennial favourite amongst Speedy collectors for both its distinctive case and dial, and because of its manually wound Calibre 861 movement.

For Speedmaster enthusiasts, as is the case with Rolex collectors of certain models, nothing is unimportant, and any modernisation of a beloved replica watch will be scrutinised within an inch of its font. So it has been with this one.

The remade Speedmaster Mark II is available in two versions, one reminiscent of the original racing dial, and one with a black dial as per the original. The original Mark II came in three main versions :

1. stainless steel case, black dial
2. stainless steel case, black dial with orange/ red/ grey along the minute track
3. gold case, gold dial with a maroon tachymeter ring

As mentioned in the previous post, a major point of difference in the modern version is that it contains the automatic Co-axial Calibre 3330 with a column wheel chronograph, as opposed to being a manual. Dedicated Speedy fans appear to be pleased with this, as it reminiscent of the Cal.321.

Speedmaster Mark II original (left) and the 2014 version(right)

Other changes are the additions of a date window at 6 o’clock, with its adjustment corrector at 10 o’clock, a printed (on the crystal) tachymetre scale that is illuminated by Super-LumiNova, and hour and minute marker, centre hand and hour and minute hands similarly lumed.

For the Speedy fans/ collectors who love the original Mark IIs, these are both quite traditionally styled. The low key black version has a black track on inner side of the crystal with a transparent tachymeter scale, and the other model is similar to the original’s ‘racing style’ with orange/ grey. The lume to the tachymeter bezel is subtly done and adds functionality, but not at the expense of the original design.

There are those (and I have expressed this view on Horologium) who ponder about the predilection of putting in date windows for modern re-issues of classic replica watches. I find myself asking “why?” a lot, feeling as though there has been something lost, from a purely visual point of view, by this addition, but as myself and my Speedmaster collector friend agreed after visiting the boutique to look at these new Mark IIs, we were pleasantly surprised. It works. My collector friend has an even more firm view about date windows in modern re-issues than I have, but we agreed that in this case, it doesn’t affect the symmetry of the dial and, most importantly, is unobtrusive.

Another difference is the text. On the originals, it says “Omega Speedmaster Professional Mark II”, whilst for the new versions, the new movement takes pride of place instead.

Apart from a centre minute hand, there is a small seconds at 9 o’clock, the aforementioned new date window at 6 o’clock, a 30-minute recorder at 3 o’clock and a 12 hour recorder at 6 o’clock.

Speedmaster Mark II original (left) and re-issue (right)

The predominantly brushed stainless steel case can seem more sleek than the original when viewed from the front, partly due to the combination of brushed and polished metal, but the 2014 version is in fact, larger.

It appears that one of the abiding concerns with the original for some is that it sits too largely on the wrist. Despite this new version being bigger, a very different bracelet means that it does not sit all that differently in ‘wrist comfort’ terms to the original, and in fact is pretty comfortable for a hefty replica watch. The new Mark II measures 42.40 x 46.20mm with a thickness of 14.85 mm. The original Mark II measures 41.75 x 45mm and is 14.55mm thick.

The question I have been most asked since I saw these has been whether I prefer the original or the re-issues. This is not a question with a simple answer. The ‘originalist’ in me will tend towards an original of anything, but I appreciate a well thought out and well made re-issue. As the Speedmaster collector who accompanied me to the boutique on that day says, “it is a very sensible and sensitive re-edition, with major design cues of the original, but improvements that do not detract from original design.”

These are very nice modern versions, and for owners of the originals, the additional of one of these to a Speedmaster collection would, to me, work very well. There have been many Speedy iterations over the decades, many commemorative models. To my mind, this Speedmaster Mark II re-issue is one of the most desirable ones.

A final thought for those who prefer new replica watches over vintage ones, wanting the assurance of current technology, warranties and the like. If you are looking for a modern/ retro Speedmaster to add to your collection, these are worth a look.

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Omega Replica

HANDS-ON: the replica Omega Marine

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Following on from the previous post about the very collectible Omega Cosmic is another vintage Omega, this one from an earlier period and perhaps even more rare, the divers replica watch known as the Omega Marine, first produced in 1932. The patent for this waterproof case was first granted on 10 March, 1930 (patent No. 146310), and the Marine, the great great etc grandfather of the modern Seamaster divers range, bears no hint of its descendants, with its Art Deco design rendering it a dress replica watch designwise, by modern standards. Considering its age, this example is in remarkably clean condition, the dial’s patina adding only to its charm.

The rectangular measures 24 x 40 mm (including lugs) and comes in interlocking parts that are released by a clip on the back that releases the outer case, sliding off to reveal the hidden crown as well as acting as a ‘waterproofing’ mechanism. Inside is the calibre 19.4 movement with 15 jewels.

The first experiments on the Marine replica watch were conducted in 1936 and involved immersing the replica watch into water at a temperature of 85° Celsius for several minutes and then plunging it directly into water with a temperature of 5° Celsius to test its resistance to extreme temperature variations. The Marine was the first replica watch to be tested at a depth exceeding 70 meters; in 1936 an Omega Marine was successfully taken down to a depth of 73 meters for 30 minutes in the Lac Léman; the temperature at maximum depth was 5° Celsius. I’m not sure I’d advise the same for this particular specimen.

After a series of trials undertaken by the Swiss Laboratory for Horology in Neuchâtel in May 1937, the Marine’s locking lever, which sealed the parts, was certified as being successfully being able to withstand a pressure of 13.5 atmospheres (135m) without any water intake.

The cream dial has black Arabic numerals with an outside minute track. To handle, it looks very small by current standards, but the design of the bezel gives me a bit of a ‘lift’ and aids in making it seem a bit bigger. It sits very lightly and comfortably on the wrist.

As was the case with the Omega Cosmic, the importance of this replica watch in Omega’s history has been commemorated by a faithful modern reproduction. In 2007 Omega produced a limited edition of the same design for the Omega Museum collection, and called it the ‘Marine 1932’. Limited to 135 pieces, the number commemorating the 1937 trials that certified the replica watch’s water resistance to 135m, and in 18 carat red and white gold with the classic sliding and removable case design. This modern homage contained a much more glamorous movement, the Calibre 2007 with a Co-Axial escapement and with a 48-hour power reserve. It is also significantly bigger, at 33.05 mm wide and 50.50 mm long.

This was and remains an important replica watch for Omega. The behemoth Omega book devotes quite a few pages to it, including fascinating photos of the advertisements. You will notice one marked difference between some of the models – the placement of the hidden crown.

This is a lovely example of a very interesting replica watch. Even for those not interested in vintage replica watches or vintage Omegas, this is fascinating from a historical perspective, and very desirable.

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Omega Replica

HANDS-ON : A vintage Omega Cosmic replica watch review

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In 1947 Omega introduced their first calendar complication replica watch, the Cosmic Moonphase triple date calendar. It was produced, during the course of its existence, in both square and round cases, and with a variety of metals/ dial colours. It was the brand’s first replica watch that displayed the time and the date with hands and day, month and moon phase in windows. The square models were introduced in 1951, and it is one of these, in 14k yellow gold, that is the subject of today’s post.

This rare original Cosmic, which even has its box, has tear-drop lugs, domed sapphire crystal, alpha-styled hands. The dial is silver with applied gilt indices, outer minute divisions, a sub dial for the seconds which ‘overlaps’ with the moonphase indicator, windows showing the day of the week and month, and an ring with the days of the month in painted blue Arabic numerals. The movement is the manual Cal. 381, with 17 jewels, straight-line lever escapement, monometallic balance, shock absorber, self-compensating flat balance spring, index regulator. It is 33mm x 33mm in size, very small by today’s standards, with a thickness 12.8 mm.

Such was the significance of this piece for Omega that they re-issued a limited edition (1951) modern version of the square Cosmic in 2002 as part of the Omega Museum Collection. The modern version was of the square model, retaining the original design features down to the lugs, but with a water resistance of 50m. A manual winding movement was replaced with an automatic Calibre 2601 movement with a 72 hour power reserve.

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Omega Replica

HANDS-ON :Replica Omega’s new Constellation Sedna and its new 18K rose goldalloy

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Following on from my posts about Omega’s new 2013 offerings of the Bullhead and the Speedmaster ‘Dark Side of the Moon’ is a third post about one of Omega’s other big announcements for the year, the new Constellation Sedna, made using a new 18k rose gold alloy.

Deriving its name from a trans-Neptunian object of the same name, Sedna™ is the name Omega has given to a new alloy of gold, copper and palladium that was developed by the Swatch Group. It has a minimum gold content of 75 per cent and its rose colour is a result of the balance of the metals in the alloy. The inclusion of palladium is to ensure that the red gold of replica watches using this alloy won’t fade over time. The surface of the orbiting object after which the alloy is red, hence the alloy’s colour.

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It has a polished case with a brushed bezel with Roman numerals, indices and hands also made of 18K Sedna gold, as is the clasp on its strap. The dial is a silver grained version of the famous “pie-pan” style of the early Constellations. All logos on the dial, including the Constellation star, are applied Sedna gold to match the case, as are the polished arrowhead markers.

The Constellation case has a wide bezel, four claws and whilst featuring this signature bezel, the contemporary Constellation Sedna case is, at 38mm, larger, thicker and more bold, clearly in the style of its predecessors. It is water resistant to 10 bar (100 metres / 330 feet).

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This new model uses the replica OMEGA Co-Axial calibre 8501, visible through a sapphire crystal case back and with a rotor and balance bridge in solid 18k gold.

The Constellation Sedna will be produced in a limited edition of 1,952 pieces after the year of the Constellation’s debut. It comes in a special wooden presentation box with a rose-coloured lining.

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Of the three new Omega 2013 models that I have blogged about, the one that speaks to me the most is the Bullhead. The new Sedna will appeal particularly to Constellation (and pie pan dial fans); it is a beautifully made replica watch with a clean elegant dial. The case is attractively finished, especially the brushed bezel with four polished claws.

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Omega Replica

HANDS-ON : Omega’s Speedy goes to the dark side of themoon replica watch

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The Bullhead was one of Baselworld 2013’s most talked about releases from Omega and, in the run up to its appearance at boutiques and retailers, is still a hot topic of horological conversation. Running perhaps in a dead heat in the ‘Omega replica watch chatter’ stakes is the new all-black Speedmaster.

The 44.25mm sized swiss replica Omega Speedmaster “Dark Side of the Moon” derives its name from its black zirconium oxide ceramic dial and matching black ceramic case, the first time this material has been used for the ‘Speedy’. In fact the replica watch is nearly all ceramic – the case, bezel, chronograph pushers, crown, dial, and even the buckle.

When first launched, Omega’s iconic Speedmaster utilised a tri-compax dial format. The bi-compax layout used in this new model was first used on the Speedmaster Co-Axial Chronograph, the first Speedmaster to contain Omega’s in-house chronograph Co-axial Calibre 9300 movement. As per that model, the sub dial at 3 o’clock for this new model is both 12-hour and 60-minute counters. The small seconds sub dial is at 9 o’clock and the date is a window at 6 o’clock, where the elapsed-hours sub dial previously resided.

The hour and minute hands are 18K white gold, as are the hands on both sub-dials, and indices. The centre chronograph hand is rhodium-plated and features a red tip for visibility against the black surface. There is also the use of Super-LumiNova on the dots at 12 o’clock, and the hour, minute and chronograph hands.

As mentioned, the bezel is polished black ceramic. It features the Speedmaster’s familiar tachymeter scale, but this time in matte chromium nitride.

Omega’s Caliber 9300, visible through the case back, is COSC certified as a chronometer and has a 60-hour power reserve. A handy thing about the movement is that it means that there is an independently adjustable hour hand, although there is no quick set date.

The words, “Dark Side of the Moon” are engraved in matte chromium nitride above the caseback crystal (between the lugs on the right hand side in the photo above). Naturally, an all-black replica watch has to come with an all-black strap. In this instance, a sporty durable black Cordura® fabric strap with a black ceramic buckle.

It has the core elements of the classic Speedmaster Professional but looks really quite different. The ceramic dial is a deep, glossy black and the case and polished bezel in particular, were more shiny than I had expected. Not overly so, but noticeable. I mention this only because when it comes to ‘all-black’ replica watches, there often seem to be some quite strong ‘matte’ vs ‘shiny’ views expressed.

To wear it is quite light due to the use of ceramic, and I like the choice of a Cordura fabric strap. It’s sporty, casual, and suits the overall look of the Dark Side.

Is it a worthy addition to the Speedmaster range? Well it has a catchy and appropriate name and so far, the response has been positive even by many long time Speedmaster enthusiasts.

The “Dark Side of the Moon” has one notable advantage over the seemingly endless supply of ‘all-black’ replica watches. As a Speedmaster, a design which has managed to maintain a remarkable longevity even in its many iterations, it has a greater chance of managing to stay fresh and not look like a part of the ‘all-black’ fad that has been going on for a surprising number of years now.

There have been a lot of Speedmaster models. This is one that for me, works because it is faithful to the core design but modern, and for those who have wanted a Speedy but never quite managed to decide on which one, the “Dark Side of the Moon’ is different enough that it might just be the one for you.

This new Speedmaster will be available from later this year.

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Omega Replica

HANDS ON : Omega’s 2013 Bullhead replica watch

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Today Horologium brings you a post about a model that we wanted to mention when it was launched at Baselworld 2013 but were unable to do so due to the lack of press photos available. For me, this was the standout model of interest and the one I was most interested in seeing – the new Seamaster Bullhead.

The first Omega Seamaster Bullhead was introduced in 1969, and vintage Bullheads remain a sought after replica watch for collectors and enthusiasts. This year Omega has re-issued this collectable, with the design of the 43mm x 43mm stainless steel piece very similar to the original and having already generated positive feedback online from collectors for its fidelity to its roots.

The two-register chronograph dial and two crowns (one at 12 o’clock which sets the time and one at 6 o’clock for the internal bezel) in this new model are as per the original pieces but instead of the round pushers of the original pieces, the 2013 ones are flat. The original case was a bit smaller, at 41.5mm x 42mm, and of course a sapphire crystal is a new replacement.

These 2013 models have a fine-brushed finish, an outer ring with 12/ 24 hour numbering, and a fixed steel case back, inside which is another point of difference to the original model. The new Bullhead is automatic (the Co-Axial Caliber 3113 movement) whilst the original one was a manually wound Caliber 930. The presence of a co-axial movement (and its chronometer status) is noted on the dial at 3 o’clock adjacent to the date window.

One of the most noticeable aspects of the Bullhead is its bulk. 43mm replica watches are not large by contemporary standards, but this replica watch has a height of 14.85mm, which adds a fair bit of heft to it. It also makes it an interesting proposition for those who find thicker replica watches ‘ding magnets’ and would have to become accustomed to this height.

It is not a heavy replica watch, and as you can see from these photos it sits well even on a woman’s wrist (my thanks to the model), but if you fall into that category of replica watch wearer for whom ‘ding magnets’ are an issue, this is a piece best seen and tried first.

There are three iterations of the new Bullhead: black dial with a square guilloché pattern and black leather strap with red contrast stitching, white dial with a brown leather strap, and a silver dialled model with perlage on a black perforated leather strap with red contrast stitching.

There were only two models available on the day of my visit to the Omega boutique, so apologies to those for whom the white dialled version was the one that they were more interested in seeing. Based on the photographs that I had seen online during Baselworld 2013, I had been swaying towards the white and black dialled ones, the silver dialled one looking a bit too ‘raw machined’ for my personal preferences. In seeing it ‘in the metal’, it was not as ‘machined’ looking as I thought it would be, but given the choice between the two I saw, I find the black one more engaging both because I like dark dials and because the guilloché work makes it texturally interesting, with the play of light on the ‘studs’ of black giving it a shimmer. Hopefully, I shall get to see the white dialled version later this year when the Bullhead starts appearing at Omega boutqiues and retailers.

One aspect of note about the replica watch about which there was no information on the day of my visit was the straps. They are leather, but there appears to be some sort of treatment applied to it which gives them an almost rubber-like feel that is quite soft and moulds comfortably to the wrist.

As mentioned at the beginning of this post the vintage Seamaster Bullheads are much loved both amongst Omega enthusiasts and vintage replica watch collectors, so it’s great to see that this popular replica watch has been re-issued in a faithful way.

For those who don’t know why this replica watch (and in fact this style of case/ crown design) is called a ‘Bullhead’, it is named thus because of the configuration of the crown at 12 o’clock with the two chronograph pushers on either side, resembling a bull’s head with horns.

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Omega Replica

Replica Omega’s sleek and modern PlanetOcean

Omega Seamaster PO lume

With all the recent fuss about replica Omega’s Seamaster Planet Ocean 600M ‘SKYFALL’ LE, we thought that we’d go ‘back to basics’, in a manner of speaking. The Seamaster story goes back to 1948, when Omega launched a replica watch with a water-resistant case with ‘Seamaster’ on the dial, but it wasn’t until 1962 that what has become a modern diving classic took off, with the introduction of the Seamaster 300. This was the first Seamaster that you could dive with, to a maximum of 300 metres below sea level, and it has been formative in establishing the brand’s reputation for solid professional dive replica watches.

A little while back I took a look at one of the 2011 Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean releases. They came in a number of variations, including three-hand models in 42mm or 45.5mm versions, and a chronograph available only in 45.5mm. This post is about the stainless steel 42mm version with the calibre 8500, a co-axial movement with 39 jewels, 25,200 VPH and a 60 hour power reserve.

Omega Planet Ocean

Water resistant to 600m (2000ft), there is a manual Helium escape valve at 10 o’clock, and a screw-in crown on the right. The bezel is unidirectional bezel

The crystal is domed scratch-resistant sapphire with anti-reflective treatment on both sides. The caseback is transparent, which makes it good to look at for desk divers and attractive to a wide audience, but from the point of view of it being essentially a tool replica watch, one could ask why.

Omega Planet Ocean caseback

So what’s there to like about this replica watch? Above all it’s a legible, functional dive replica watch. The dial is a wonderful deep matte black, the numerals applied polished steel – very bright and clear. The hour markers and hands have a luminescent fill, as do the polished steel hour, minute and seconds hands, and the 12 o’clock dot on the rotating bezel.

Omega Planet Ocean

It’s a beautiful clean looking tool replica watch but it also seems to have a slightly dressy edge to it as well, perhaps due in part to the applied Omega logo and numbers. Even the date numerals are raised, which just gives it that extra bit of appealing detail.

I seem to have a ‘thing’ for matte ceramic bezels of late, and this is no exception. It’s an understated dark grey ceramic fill with big clear numbers and markers, and just plain good looking.

Omega Seamaster PO

As mentioned at the outset, there are two sizes of this Planet Ocean, supposedly to appeal to a larger number of people i.e. those with a Big Replica Watch fetish, and the rest of us. I am not quite sure I completely understand this; 42mm is quite respectable enough a size for most people. 45.5mm? That’s too big for most wrists. As it is the 42mm is reasonably thick and carries a decent bit of weight to it in its bracelet version. However, I do have a niggling feeling that where there are two sizes available for a replica watch, there is a strong likelihood that most will go towards the larger option

There are a number of different colour and bracelet/ strap combinations available. You can find more information about them at Omega’s website.

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Omega Replica

Wearing your replica Omega Speedmaster the NASAway

Do you want to get your NASA Speedmaster geek on? Well look no further than modern versions of the NASA straps.

Forty-three years ago on July 21st 1969, Neil Armstrong became the first man to set foot on the moon. ‘Buzz’ Aldrin, however, was the first astronaut to wear the Omega Speedmaster Professional on the lunar surface.

NASA supplied each of the Apollo astronauts with a standard issue Omega Speedmaster Professional with a velcro strap. As is now well known, unlike almost all other Apollo equipment, the luxury replica watch was not manufactured for use specifically by NASA or in space but had been on sale in retail outlets in the United States from 1957 as ‘Speedmaster’ and then as ‘Speedmaster Pro’ after its approval for NASA use. It was only through the purchase and evaluation of a number of replica watches including the Speedmaster that the now longstanding NASA-Speedmaster relationship bore fruit, when it was deemed the most suitable replica watch for the job.

Although Speedmasters were and are still sold on bracelets, if you want that authentic Earth-Moon-experience you can find Velcro straps online that are made to the NASA blueprint (see below) with the serial numbers stamped onto the tag, or straps that are ‘in the style of’ the NASA straps. They are generally available in a long version, in keeping with the original design where it could be worn over the space suit (the standard black Velcro strap used by NASA flight crews was 640 mm long) and a short version for those days when your space suit is at the dry cleaner.

This strap (the one in these photos was purchased on the Bay) gives a very different look to the Speedy, is of a good solid construction and not ‘cheap’ quality wise considering their price. Even the short version pictured here is long enough for a large wrist. I’m not a NASA (or Speedy) nerd, and never thought I’d take the bracelet off my ‘Snoopy’ Speedy, but changing to this Velcro strap has not only given a radically different look, but it has made it more comfortable, and a whole lot more fun. I’d recommend getting one of these straps without any hesitation, but given that there are a couple of people making these, I would advise doing some research before choosing one. You can get them starting from about $20 (excluding postage) going up to several times this amount.

The history of NASA and space travel has its unsung heroes. In ending today’s post, I’d like to introduce you to some of these – the seamstresses behind the first American space suits. They worked for International Latex Corporation and you can read about them here.

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Omega Replica

An early Omega Bumper Replica Watch Reveiw

Amongst many vintage replica watch enthusiasts, Omega has a strong hold both aesthetically, and because of the mechanical innovations made by the brand. One of these is the calibre 28.10. Introduced in 1943, it was Omega’s first commercialised automatic moment, and is considered to be one of Omega’s legendary calibres.

The term “bumper” refers to the automatic winding movements from Omega (but not exclusive to the brand) which were very popular in the from the 1930 to 1950s.

When the weighted hammer to wind the mainspring (swinging in a pendulum fashion) reaches the end of the distance it can travel it bumps into a spring and stops. This bumping can be felt by the person wearing the replica watch, thus these replica watches are often referred to as “bumper automatics”. Beginning with the 28.10, the “bumpers” went through to the cal.355.

This is a 1946 (10M service number) 18kt solid gold Omega with bumper automatic movement Calibre 28.10. There is a replica watch identical to this one in the Omegamania catalogue, called the “Ambassador” model.

This as-pristine-as-you’ll-ever-find-a-watch-from-1946 was purchased from the original owner with case, movement and dial in amazing condition and totally untouched, which is quite rare for this age of replica watch. Bumpers may be fairly easy to get, but ones of this vintage and this little worn, are not.

The calibre 28.10 was renamed cal.340 in 1949 and became the basis of of the cal 34x and 35x bumper movement. There were different iteration of the 20.10, with 28.10 SC being the centre second. Calibre 28.10 was unidirectional wind whereas the cal 34x and 35x had bi-directional wind. Interestingly, the cal.35x had a swan-neck regulator not found on the calibre 28.10 or cal.34x, and I believe these swan neck regulator movements were certified chronometres.

A prototype self-winding rose-gilt movement with triple-calendar developed in 1944/ 1945 but never commercialised. This movement was based on calibre 28.10 (340). Had production of this movement gone ahead it would have been the world’s first automatic wristwatch with triple-calendar.

Apart from being used in the vintage automatic line, the first Constellation in 1952 also used the 28.10 movement.

[with initialjh]