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.
To understand the legend that is Porsche, it is worth looking at the world through a child's eyes. For example, the three-year-old son of a couple who are friends of mine, who cheers "Porsche!” every single time he sees a 911 in traffic. This reminds me of my own behaviour many, many years ago. But…
To mark Zenith's 160th anniversary, the legendary calibre 135 is making a return as the centrepiece in the new G.F.J. collection. The timepiece is a tribute to the multi-award-winning calibre, which was produced in two different versions from 1949 to 1962. Its 135-O variant, manufactured for observatory chronometry competitions, broke records by winning more than…
Earlier this month, to mark the introduction of H. Moser and Cie.'s new online sales platform, the family-run Swiss watch company has presented three new models: the H. Moser and Cie. Vantablack editions. Their colour? Completely black. Unusually, the dials are coated with Vantablack, the blackest black ever produced by artificial means. In fact, Vantablack…
TUDOR is introducing two brand new Black Bay Chrono models with either a black or opaline dial, plus contrasting subdials. The new fast-paced pieces are housed in a highly sporty stainless-steel case. Furthermore, they now come with a five-year guarantee, for which registration is not necessary. The Case The 41 mm case of the new…
The new Tudor Black Bay Chrono is now available as a boutique version with a dial in ‘Tudor Blue’. The watch combines the traditions of diving and motorsport watches in a striking, sporty chronograph. The model stands out with its domed, blue dial with a satin-finished sunburst surface and contrasting silver-coloured totalisers. The chronograph is…
Breguet is introducing an exceptional new timepiece in the form of the Breguet Classique Double Tourbillon 5345 Quai de l'Horloge. Inside the watch, two independent tourbillons rotate the movement on its own axis, thus moving the fixed hour hand around the dial. All bridges, plates, hands and gears are polished and decorated by hand. The…
Hublot presents the Big Bang MECA-10 in a more compact 42mm case. The watch features an updated movement with three linear bridges and a power reserve of 10 days. The watch is available in three versions: King Gold, Titanium, and Frosted Carbon. The new case size offers a more ergonomic fit and retains the design…
Porsche Design is presenting the Chronograph 1 GP 2022 Edition. The special model celebrates the GP Ice Race in Zell am See, of which the brand is the official timekeeper. The watch is based on the Chronograph 1, which was recently presented and commemorates the 50th anniversary of Porsche Design. Here, however, it is equipped…
On the Geneva watch fair SIHH 2019 Panerai presented a new model, inspired by sailboat racing. The Submersible Luna Rossa (Ref. PAM01039) is part of a new collection, which is released in the celebration of the sponsorship of the Italian brand for their compatriots in the sailing team Luna Rossa. A few months ago, the Italian 'Challenger of Record'…
Omega offers a new take on the Speedmaster Moonphase. Now equipped with meteorite dials and a revised chronograph inside, the Omega Speedmaster Moonphase Meteorite offer much appreciated updates to the enticing albeit until now somewhat forlorn collection. The two variants feature a substantially slim downed case profile (from 16,9 down to 13,6 mm) by ditching…
Geneva-based manufacturer Patek Philippe is presenting three chronographs, each with a further complication. The house is showing the 5905/1A-001, a flyback chronograph with an annual calendar. In addition, the 5930P-001, a chronograph with a world time function. In this article, we present the new Patek Philippe 5204R-011 which is a new variant of the split-seconds…
With the Flieger Verus Black Forest Lagoon, Stowa presents a new timepiece from the modern Verus collection. The watch features a 40 mm ‘Black Forest’ case and a unique dial design inspired by the Blautopf in Baden-Württemberg. Despite its name, the Black Forest is not only known for its dark surroundings but also for its…
Watchmaker Oris is introducing a new timepiece: the Carl Brashear Cal. 401 Limited Edition. The model is the third special edition to result from the collaboration between Oris and the Carl Brashear Foundation. This non-profit organization conveys the legacy of Carl Brashear – the first African-American diver in the US-Navy. Accordingly, the watch is inspired…