Fratello Talks: The Best Modern Omega Speedmasters
It’s no secret that we’re Speedmaster fans here at Fratello. RJ, our founder, is an avid collector of these chronographs and the mind behind #SpeedyTuesday. But not all Speedies are created equal. Today, we’re looking at some of the best modern Omega Speedmaster models. RJ, Thomas, and Nacho have tasked themselves with selecting their top five favorites. Now, as mentioned, we’re focusing only on “modern” models, meaning only those introduced or available during the past 25 years. Though the watch has been around for nearly 70 years, a quarter century still leaves us with plenty to pick from. Omega produced countless special and limited editions over the last two and a half decades, so we’re truly spoiled for choice. Before we get into it, though, let’s do a quick wrist check.
Wrist check
No surprises here, RJ came prepared with the heavy-hitter that is his gold Speedmaster Apollo 11 50th Anniversary. Could we have just called it an episode here? Sure, but the show must go on. Still, to be fair to him, this is an absolutely grail-worthy Speedmster with a hell of a lot of clout.
Up next is Thomas, who is wearing his trusty VPC Type 37HW. The thing about creating your ideal take on the GADA watch is that you end up wearing it exclusively over anything else. We’re sure that Thomas is anticipating getting his hands on a working prototype of the upcoming 39VM as eagerly as we are. For now, though, it’s the trusty daily wearer that’s keeping him company.
Being aware of the topic of today’s discussion, Nacho also came prepared with his Speedmaster 3570.50.00 on his wrist. Inspired by some of the Speedies he saw at the Omega Museum the previous week in Biel, he did away with the OEM bracelet in favor of a black NATO strap. Though the astronauts’ strap of choice was more of a strip of Velcro, there’s something reminiscent of that look with any black textile strap.
Fratello Talks: The Best Modern Omega Speedmasters
What are your top five Speedmasters released over the past 25 years? That’s the question we asked ourselves this week for the show. As always, we won’t be giving it all away here. But in the spirit of giving those of you who’ve read this far something, let’s have a look at one of each of the guys’ five picks.
Starting with RJ, he has selected the Omega Speedmaster Professional Silver Snoopy Award ref. 311.32.42.30.04.003. If you want to read all about what makes this watch (and all other Snoopy Speedies) so special, check out his article here. This particular model was one of the early ones to go beyond just a mission patch on the dial. It has a ton of small details that make it feel special, yet from a distance, it remains relatively subtle.
Here we have one of Thomas’s picks, the Speedmaster 3594.50.00, also known as the “Replica.” Introduced in 1997/98, this model was in production until 2003, so it technically qualifies under our criteria for “modern” Speedmasters. You’ve seen this one countless times on Lex’s wrist, and it certainly is a great-looking Speedy.
And finally, Nacho has selected the recently introduced Speedmaster Pilot Flight Qualified ref. 332.10.41.51.01.002. As a two-register Speedy, this model strikes a chord with Nacho. Its fully brushed case, great functionality, increased water resistance, and perfect size are super hard to argue with. Combined with a grainy black dial and plenty of colorful accents that make it feel like a gauge in a plane’s cockpit, it’s as charming as it is badass.
If you want to check out the remaining 12 picks, be sure to tune in to today’s episode. Don’t forget to let us know your favorite modern Speedmasters in the comments below, and tune in next week for a new episode of Fratello Talks!
