We don’t usually get excited about specific movements outside of watches, but our inner watchmakers went wild when the mechanical icon of Omega’s caliber 321 was reintroduced – and when it was placed in a stunning white gold Speedmaster.
Now, Omega has decided to return the 321 to its spiritual home: the steel Speedmaster, more precisely the Speedmaster ST 105.003: the watch worn by astronaut Edward White, the first American to walk in space.
The new Speedmaster Moonwatch 321 Steel isn’t cribbed directly from the archives. It has the same 39.70mm size, moonwatch hand and tachymeter bezel, with a dot on the 90 (a must for collectors) and an accent on the E. The difference is that the bezel is ceramic and white enamel. Otherwise, the watch uses vintage nods throughout, right down to the logo.
Inside is, of course, the Omega caliber 321 movement, which powers not only this watch, but the first Speedmaster on the moon. It’s arguably the most iconic movement ever made, and it’s been created to the original specs for these new versions.
Everything about this watch is aimed at collectors; it’s the closest thing to a perfect 1957 Speedmaster without having to shell out the money for an original, and now that it’s in steel instead of platinum (what purist would choose a precious metal Speedy, anyway?) it’s a classic all over again.
Price and specifications:
Model name: Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch 321 Stainless Steel
Reference number: 311.30.40.30.01.001
Case/dial: 39.7 mm diameter x 14 mm height, brushed and polished stainless steel, polished black ceramic bezel insert with tachymeter scale
Water resistance: 50m (5 bar)
Movement: Manufactured Omega Calibre 321,
Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds, chronograph
Frequency: 18,000 vph (2.5 Hz)
Power reserve: 55 hours
Strap: Stainless steel bracelet on folding clasp
Price: CHF 13,000
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