The Best Omega Speedmaster Watches Of 2022
Last week, I was in London for the WatchPro Salon, and some people already asked what my favorite Speedmaster release was for 2022. The Chrono Chime was this year’s latest and last Omega Speedmaster release. There have been quite a few introductions in the 65th-anniversary year of the Speedmaster, although perhaps not the ones you’ve been all waiting for. That said, the lineup is quite impressive and goes from the first (Speedy) Tuesday of this year with the Broad Arrow Canopus to the recently introduced X-33 Marstimer and highly complicated Speedmaster Chrono Chime. In between, there were the Moonshine Gold models and the updated Speedmaster ’57 collection.
So, what were the best Speedmaster releases this year? I will add a poll at the end of this article so you can also let us know what you happened to think was the best new version.
Omega Speedmaster Calibre 321 in Canopus Gold
On that first Tuesday of 2022, Omega introduced a watch that nobody expected. It was a tribute to the very first Speedmaster from 1957, reference CK2915, also known as the Speedmaster Broad Arrow. Five years ago, Omega introduced the Speedmaster ’57 60th Anniversary, a remake of the original CK2915, but with the then-current hand-wound caliber 1861. This Canopus (white) Gold Broad Arrow model is equipped with the famous caliber 321, just like the original CK2915. The Speedmaster Calibre 321 in Canopus Gold is a spectacular watch, but I must admit that this will likely become apparent when you hold it in your hands. The white gold hue and the black onyx dial are an amazing combination for this hefty (226.5g) Speedmaster.
Some people were a bit upset because the laser-engraved and sapphire-eyed Hippocampus blocked the view of the movement. However, the engraving is barely visible in the flesh, and you can truly enjoy the caliber 321 inside. The retail price of this special commemorative (not limited) watch is €90,800 / $81,000. You can find a hands-on review of this watch with a video here.
Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonshine 310.62.42.50.99.001
Omega Speedmaster Professional in Moonshine Gold
It only took two more months for Omega to introduce another heavy-hitter during Omega Days, the brand’s alternative to the discontinued Baselworld exhibition. Omega introduced two more Speedmaster Professional watches in its proprietary Moonshine Gold, first introduced in 2019. This time, they are non-limited edition models with either a green sunburst dial or a gold “Panda” dial. The watch is available on a gold “Nixon” bracelet but also on a rubber strap with a lunar-surface texture on the inside. These two watches are powered by the 3861 movement.
Caliber 3861
Caliber 3861 in these Moonshine models is slightly different from the 2019 Apollo XI 50th-anniversary one, as that one had a Moonshine Gold-plated movement. The price of the Speedmaster “Panda” reference 310.62.42.50.99.001 is €31,700 / $28,700.
Speedmaster Chrono Chime
The most complicated Omega thus far is this Speedmaster Chrono Chime, which the brand introduced last month in Los Angeles. In the Walt Disney Concert Hall, I witnessed the introduction of the two Chrono Chime models, the Speedmaster and the Olympic 1932. Aside from this technical wonder, the aesthetics are very impressive as well. The Sedna Gold case and bracelet are an awesome combination with the aventurine dial. You will also find gold sub-dials, gold hammers visible through the blue aventurine dial, and a gold rehaut.
Caliber 1932, a Sedna Gold movement with chronograph and minute repeater mechanisms
The Chrono Chime caliber 1932 can chime the elapsed time recorded by the chronograph (more details here). Not only that but the Speedmaster Chrono Chime is also Master Chronometer-certified, making this watch suitable for daily wear if you dare. With its weight of 326g and dimensions of 45 × 17.3mm, it’s not for everyone, aside from the approximately $450,000 price tag. The Speedmaster Chrono Chime reference 522.50.45.52.03.001 is one amazing piece as all parts have been hand-made and finished. The chiming elapsed time is not just unique to Omega but has also never been done before by any other watchmaker. When asked, Omega underlined that these type of watches is not a whole new direction. The folks at the brand just wanted to do something special to show they can create Haute Horlogerie pieces like this.
Speedmaster ’57
Speedmaster ’57
Back to Earth again. Omega didn’t only introduce high-end luxury models for the Speedmaster collection in precious metal but also released an upgraded Speedmaster ’57 collection. The designers downsized the Speedmaster ’57 from 41.5mm to 40.5mm in diameter with a thickness of 12.99mm instead of 16.17mm. This is mainly thanks to the use of a new movement, caliber 9906, instead of caliber 9300. The latter was the first in-house-developed self-winding Co-Axial chronograph movement by Omega in 2011. This new 9906 is a hand-wound movement and has been certified as a Master Chronometer.
But there’s more to it than the new movement. The Speedmaster ’57 is available in four colors — red, blue, green, and black. The last has a sandwich dial and might be perfect for those who think the 42mm Moonwatch is too large. The Speedmaster ’57 models with colored dials are interesting for those who want something other than a Moonwatch. These models are available on leather straps matching the dial color but also with a stainless steel bracelet. The price of this blue version (my favorite) on a leather strap (reference 332.12.41.51.03.001) is €9,200 / $8,300.
No steel Moonwatch variations in 2022
Although Omega introduced the Speedmaster Professional watches in Moonshine Gold and even a new addition to the X-33 collection (the Marstimer), no new steel variation was introduced in 2022.
Only having been introduced in 2021, the current stainless steel Speedmaster Pro Moonwatch is fairly new. However, as a Speedmaster collector, my last purchases were the Speedmaster Silver Snoopy Award 50th Anniversary and the Speedmaster Calibre 321, both from 2020. Those weren’t limited editions, although the (uncertain) wait for them might be longer than any LE that Omega did before. I miss the special or limited editions a little bit, as I always looked forward to adding a variation I loved. The two watches I mentioned are not easy to get, and many people are still waiting for theirs. It might not be the best strategy to release new specials while there’s still a long waitlist for the others. On the other hand, for a nice variation or special/limited/numbered edition, there’s always room.
Although this year’s lineup was pretty stunning and Omega went all out on precious metals, a big complication, and a watch for ESA scientists/astronauts, let’s hope that 2023 will see some nice variations/additions of the Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch in stainless steel (or titanium?) for the fans.
