OMEGA Calibre 321 Chronograph: The Rebirth of The Very First Speedmaster

Early in the new year, OMEGA is presenting a new Speedmaster inspired by the very first model of the collection. The OMEGA Calibre 321 Chronograph celebrates the 65th anniversary of the CK2915, which founded the Speedmaster collection. The new model largely resembles the original, but uses different materials in the details. What remains the same, however, is the legendary calibre 321, which OMEGA recently revived and now incorporates here. The watch has a gold case that is combined with a bracelet made of the same material.

The Case (Almost) Matches The Original

The OMEGA Calibre 321 Chronograph comes in a case made of OMEGA’s white gold alloy Canopus Gold. The metal mix appears more white and is also said to be particularly durable. The case measures 38.6 mm, the same diameter as the original CK2915. Except for a few details, the design of the historical model has been adopted. The bezel with tachymeter scale, however, has black “Grand-Feu” enamel, which gives the depressions a new shine. Also included is the famous “Dot-over-Ninty”.

With the NAIAD symbol on the crown, which can also be found on a few examples of the CK2915, OMEGA again refers to the past. What is new, however, is the sapphire crystal case back, which showcases the mechanics. The watchmakers also engrave an image of the Speedmaster seahorse in the glass here. To mark the 65th anniversary of the collection, the eye has a blue sapphire. Last but not least, the chronograph withstands water pressure up to 6 bar or 60 metres.

Historical Dial on a New Ground

The dial of the OMEGA Calibre 321 Chronograph consists of the black mineral stone onyx. It has a glossy finish and bears a vintage OMEGA logo and the brand lettering with the historic oval “O”. The indices are of white gold and feature a PVD coating. The highlight, however, is the iconic “broad-arrow” hand that tells the time and was already noticeable on the CK2915. The chronograph function from the centre is complemented by a 30-minute counter and a 12-hour counter. There is also a small seconds subdial at 9 o’clock.

The Legendary Calibre 321 Inside The OMEGA Calibre 321 Chronograph

The calibre 321 was already in the first Speedmaster and powered all watches that were on the moon. OMEGA brought this movement back into production after more than 50 years and now uses it in this new Speedmaster. It has a 55-hour power reserve, which is supplied by hand. The chronograph operates by column wheel and integrates a horizontal clutch. This makes the switching operations clearly visible through the sapphire crystal case back. Overall, the watchmakers took care to adopt all the specifications of the original calibre.

The Bracelet is Also of Canopus Gold

The OMEGA Calibre 321 Chronograph appears on a bracelet made of 18-carat Canopus gold. It has a wide brushed centre section that is complemented by polished links on the sides. The bracelet terminates in a folding clasp that continues the design of the links. It also features a vintage OMEGA logo. The folding clasp secures with two pushers and also has a comfort extension.

Price & Availability of the OMEGA Calibre 321 Chronograph

The watch comes in a special box with a rosewood-style pattern inspired by the earlier Speedmaster boxes. The price for the OMEGA Calibre 321 Chronograph is 79,300 euros.

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