ReviewThe Omega Speedmaster “CK2998” : Capturing the spirit of the original Moonwatch
The re-issue of a beloved timepiece specially dedicated to a new generation of fans
May We Recommend
Playing around with an icon has never been a good idea. However, this is not the first time we’ve seen a different avatar of the Omega Speedmaster. Modern interpretations of historical watches has been a trend in the watch world, but many would agree that only some of the iconic watches re-introduced into the market get it right when “capturing the spirit of the original”. Some, unfortunately, are just plain underwhelming. The Omega Speedmaster “Ck2998” Limited Edition is definitely the former.
Launched at Baselworld 2016, the Omega Speedmaster “CK2998” Limited Edition immediately gained popularity among watch collectors and lovers for its vintage feel, immaculate design and close similarity to the original “Moonwatch”.
But before we get into the intricate details of the watch, let us first discuss the incredible history of this particular collectible timepiece.
The History: The watch that reached the moon and back
Pegged as one of the most important chronographs ever made, the Omega Speedmaster moonwatch is a historic timepiece in every sense of the word. Known as the first watch to be worn on the moon in 1969, the Speedmaster gained iconic status overnight and has never looked back since.
Originally conceptualised in 1959 (ref 2998-1), the Omega Speedmaster is still the official timepiece for space explorations and flights certified by NASA. Still a part of an astronaut’s kit, Omega Speedmaster, after 47 years of the first moon-landing, still holds an integral part in humanity’s explorative expeditions into the vast abyss called space.
The Watch in Detail:
The 2016 Omega Speedmaster “CK2998” Limited Edition is a truly cool watch. Taking in aspects from the original, while at the same time, inculcating newer, contemporary and finer features into the watch, the timepiece definitely made heads turn at Baselworld this year.
The Case: Keeping in accordance with the original
Sized appropriately at 39.7mm (the same as the original) with a thickness of 14.37mm, the Omega Speedmaster “CK2998” Limited Edition feels like a vintage watch right away. The stainless steel case is harnessed by straight lugs (another nod to the 1959 Speedmaster) and an unprotected crown and pump pushers placed at 2 o’clock and 4 o’clock. Remarkably, the screw-in caseback re-introduces the original Speedmaster Seahorse medallion stamped onto it.
The Dial: Flawlessly combining the old with the new
What I love the most about this watch is how Omega has paid attention to the minute details of the original and incorporated them in the 2016 version. The white and blue “panda” layout dial of the Speedmaster uses the similar lancet design, with “Alpha” luminous minute and hour hands. For the chronograph seconds hand, Omega takes a page right off the original and has included the iconic “lollipop” style hand.
While I may agree that the “panda” layout of the dial might not appeal to a lot of watch lovers, as the original lacked this particular aspect. However, I guess it is safe to say that Omega does not do “copy-paste” of reissues and this sure is a fine example of that.
USP of the watch: Omega’s Play with Colours
Choosing a silver and blue combination sets this particular Speedmaster apart and one can’t help but break into a smile, every time you look at it. What’s handsomely appealing? The ceramic bezel housing an engraved tachymeter base scale (with luminous markings), sub dials, minutes track and strap – all in blue, set against the steel case and the semi-iridescent silver dial.
While it is an apparent deviation from the original Speedmaster, the “CK2998” does justice to the use of the colour scheme.
The Movement: The Spirit of A Legend
While the two watches may look different on the outside, it is definitely not the case on the inside! Powering on an iconic workhorse, the timepiece houses the Calibre 1861 – a direct descendent of the great 861 movement, used in Speedmasters since 1972. The 1861 is a small evolution of the 861 with minimal difference, that is currently being used on the International Space Station for EVA (extravehicular activity) space walks.
The 1861 Calibre movement is an extremely reliable, manual-winding chronograph movement with rhodium-plated finish. Clocking in a power reserve of 48 hours when fully wound, this is the only movement from the Omega collection that does not feature a co-axial escapement. Having said that, trust me, it is super cool to wear a watch that houses a movement as historical and scientifically relevant as the Calibre 1861.
A Speedmaster worthy of your collection:
Why this watch has been a runaway success is because of its close proximity (in terms of inspiration) with the original 1959 Speedmaster (ref 2998-1). Apart from having almost identical reference numbers, the new Speedmaster rings very close to the original in regards to the feel, touch and look of the watch.
A true homage to the original, the “CK2998” is limited to 2998 pieces only, which might make it difficult for you to get your hands on one.
Pricing and Availability:
Available in a fine blue leather strap with beige contrast stitching and polished steel buckle, the 2016 Speedmaster “CK2998” is limited to 2998 pieces for the world and is priced at INR Rs. 357,500 for India.
The watch is available now at Ethos Watch Boutiques.
(Image Courtesy: ablogtowatch, monochrome & deployant.)
