2021 Omega Speedmaster Professional Hesalite Cal. 3861
Ref: 310.30.42.50.01.001

Specification

Points of Mention

This watch is sold with its original Omega box and Omega paperwork. The watch comes paired on its original Omega bracelet with its signed clasp, all links are included with the watch. The watch is from June 2021 and is sold in worn condition, but overall very fair condition as you can see. The watch comes with its original Manufacturer's Warranty.

The Watch

The Speedmaster was originally introduced in 1957 to compete with the chronographs in the crowd-pulling motor racing field, which was becoming ever more competitive as the drivers achieved higher speeds, therefore a need for accurate timepieces became all the more essential. Omega was the first to have the tachymeter on the bezel rather than on the dial, this was later adopted in 1963 by the Rolex Daytona. The Omega Speedmaster Professional was made famous for its 6 lunar missions. NASA in 1964 sent out letters to 10 watch brands, asking them to send in a Chronograph, only four brands responded to NASA’s request: Rolex, Longines-Wittnauer, Hamilton, and Omega, comically Hamilton sent in a pocket watch. Omega continued to be tested with many manned flights with all the specific requirements to achieve precise measurements, Omega continues to be tested with many manned flights since 1965.

Here we have a 2021 Omega Speedmaster Professional Hesalite Cal. 3861, the 42mm stainless steel case has polished and brushed surfaces that lead to curved tapering lugs. The crisp lines transition effortlessly around the case, a lug-to-lug length of 47mm and a case thickness of 14mm ensure a comfortable fit on the wrist. Omega has used modern tomography technology to achieve the exact dimensions of the 4th generation Speedmaster case as worn by the Apollo 11 Astronauts. Down the right side, we have the pushers and signed crown protected by crown guards that continue the flow of the asymmetrical case. A fixed tachymeter sits on its black bezel with an iconic “dot” over the ninety, the stepped dial adds depth and interest and is protected by a Hesalite crystal. An outer minute track with slim baton indexes marking the hours, 3 recessed Sub-dials consist of a 60-seconds, 30-minutes, and 12 hours. Luminance filled Sword's hands and an elegant long central teardrop tipped chronograph seconds hand accurately hits the minute track, the dial has perfect symmetry, form and function. The screw-down case back is engraved with “Flight - Qualified By NASA in 1965 for all Manned Space Missions” and “The First watch worn on the Moon” a fitting testament to man's achievements in space. Around its outer edge, we have the “Professional Moonwatch Co-Axial Master Chronometer.” The embossed Hippocampus in the centre represents Neptune the God of the sea, it was conceived by Pierre Borie after seeing a picture of Neptune riding a chariot pulled by seahorses, it is the reason why the seahorses are wearing a bridle. Inside a Manually Wound Omega Master Chronometer Calibre 3861 featuring a CO-Axial and column-wheel, COSC certified 26 jewels, 21,600 beats per hour. METAS (Federal Institute of Metrology) also certified this special movement with additional measurements of precision, performance, and anti-magnetic resistance. The continued commitment by Omega to push the envelope of a watch and its movement means it is still the only flight-qualified watch that meets the requirements for EVA (Extravehicular activity) – outperforming quartz watches, with LCD displays, which are vulnerable to temperature changes, and literally, get destroyed when on spacewalks. The watch comes fitted on its Omega 20mm brushed stainless steel 5-link bracelet which tapers to 15mm with a signed push button release newly designed milled clasp and also comes with its Omega presentation box and paperwork.

Personal Note

There is no denying how amazing the new Speedmaster is, with its upgraded movement, superior bracelet and small design upgrades, they have perfected the Speedy! I would love to see Omega incorporate a flat link bracelet for the standard Speedmaster, that would be incredible, for now, Forstner has a great affordable option. Retail being £6,000 on this, you are getting yourself an incredible saving picking this one up, so don't hesitate.