Here’s a new Speedy that wouldn’t need to travel into boundless space but for mere skies — a pilot’s watch. Omega describes this as “a contemporary tribute to the original 1957 Speedmaster”. This new model, in 40.85mm, is finished in a matte-finished stainless steel case that frames a grained matte-black dial with vibrant orange accents. The subdial at 3 o’clock mirrors a cockpit’s burn rate indicator while small seconds is read at 9 o’clock, with a target/sight aesthetic inspired by cockpits, featuring a varnished matte-yellow hand and artificial horizon in blue.

Omega’s flight history

Omega’s association with aviation dates back to World War II when it supplied over 110,000 timepieces to Britain’s Ministry of Defence. These watches, including the iconic UK/CK2292, were celebrated for their magnetic resistance, vital for pilots operating near powerful engines.

By 1957, the Speedmaster found a place on the wrists of U.S. Air Force pilots, some of whom later became NASA’s Mercury astronauts. In 1969, OMEGA launched the bold Flightmaster, tailored for pilots and travelers, coinciding with the debut of the Concorde. 

Sometime back in August this year, it was discovered that Omega developed a similar model albeit it was only exclusive to US military pilots — one had to prove that they were “a winged aviator, pilot, or navigator to purchase one of these watches.”

The Speedmaster Pilot is powered by the METAS-certified Co-Axial Master Chronometer Calibre 9900. The closed caseback features the Speedmaster’s iconic Seahorse medallion. The watch comes with two strap options: a stainless steel bracelet or on a grey NATO strap, accompanied by a travel pouch.

Tech Specs: Omega Speedmaster Pilot

Movement: Self-winding METAS-certified Master Chronometer Calibre 9900; 60-hour power reserve
Functions: Hours and minutes; small seconds; chronograph seconds; 12-hour and 60-minute totalizers; tachymeter; date
Case: 40.85mm × 14.7mm; stainless steel; 100m water-resistance
Dial: Black
Strap: Stainless steel bracelet with foldover clasp and diver extension
Price: USD 9,500