The OMEGA Speedmaster Chronoscope: Measuring Heartbeat, Distance and Speed
The new OMEGA Speedmaster Chronoscope adds an elegant chronograph with vintage aesthetics to the collection. The name Chronoscope says it all. Because with the watch, the speed of an object, the distance to an event and the heartbeat of a person can be measured. For this purpose, the watch has three scales that give the watch an exceptional look. OMEGA presents a total of three different versions with stainless steel cases and one version in bronze-gold.
OMEGA Speedmaster Chronoscope: inspired by historical chronographs
The design of the new series is based on historical timepieces that OMEGA produced from 1940 onwards. Above all, the “snake” dial with three scales comes from the brand’s past. With the leaf hands and the circles under the Arabic numerals, the watchmakers emphasise the reference to the 20th century.
The case remains true to Speedmaster style
The manufacture houses the Chronoscope in a stainless steel case. In addition, there is a variant made of bronze-gold. This alloy combines bronze with 37.5% gold, creating a material with high corrosion resistance. Both variants, however, share the typical shape of the Speedmaster collection. Here, brushed sides are complemented by two polished bands on the flanks. In addition, the stainless steel watches have a blue or black aluminium bezel. In contrast, OMEGA gives the bronze-gold version a ceramic bezel with a “vintage” enamel finish.
With a diameter of 43 mm, the new model is slightly larger than most of its relatives in the Speedmaster collection. Meanwhile, a domed, protruding sapphire crystal protects the front. In addition, the case back is made of the same material, which allows a view of the mechanics. The OMEGA Speedmaster Chronoscope is water-resistant to 50 metres.
Different dials – all with three scales
OMEGA presents three different dials for the stainless steel cases: silver with silver counters, silver with black counters and blue with blue counters. In addition, the bronze-gold-version appears with a bronze dial. The “Panda” dial in particular stands out, which also plays with red accents. All versions, however, have applied Arabic numerals and leaf hands, which all have to do without luminous material. OMEGA places a small seconds hand at 9 o’clock, while a 60-minute counter and 12-hour counter are located at 6 o’clock.
Immediately noticeable, however, are the three scales in the centre of the dial that allow various measurements. The outer telemeter scale can be used to calculate the distance between the wearer and an event that is both visible and audible (e.g. a flash of lightning). The pulsometer scale, on the other hand, can be used to measure a person’s heartbeat. Last but not least, the tachymeter scale in the centre and on the bezel allows the speed of an object to be measured. Here, the triple design allows speeds of 450 Km/h to 20 Km/h to be determined.
The Co-Axial calibre inside the Speedmaster Chronoscope
OMEGA equips the Speedmaster Chronoscope with its own calibre 9908. This has a Co-Axial escapement, which benefits the longevity. The hand-wound movement also has two barrels that provide a power reserve of 60 hours. Elsewhere, OMEGA has installed a chronograph with a column wheel. The latter ensures greater ease of use. Last but not least, the watch bears the METAS certificate, which guarantees, among other things, an accuracy of -0/+5 seconds per day. Through the case back, the movement can be observed. For the first time, OMEGA also decorates the movement with Côtes de Genève arabesques that emanate from the balance wheel and not from the centre.
Various leather straps and a steel bracelet with extension
The OMEGA Speedmaster Chronoscope appears in various configurations. The “Panda” version has a perforated black leather strap with red accents. The Chronoscope with silver counters, on the other hand, comes on a blue alligator leather strap. The blue dial appears on a brown vintage-style leather strap. In addition, all stainless steel cases are also available with a matching bracelet. It is similar to the bracelet of the new Speedmaster Moonwatch, but offers an additional comfort extension. The bronze-gold case, meanwhile, is only available with a brown leather strap with matching pin buckle.
Price & Availability of the OMEGA Speedmaster Chronoscope
The total of seven new OMEGA Speedmaster Chronoscope are available from the 24th of September. With a stainless steel case and leather strap, they cost 8,100 euros. The steel bracelet, on the other hand, costs 8,300 euros. The Chronoscope with bronze-gold case costs 13,800 euros.
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