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• February 15, 2018

  REPLICA OMEGA CELEBRATES THE 45TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE “SILVER SNOOPY AWARD” IN TOKYO

  A time to reflect on the Omega replica watches Speedmaster’s long relationship with NASA, and the unforgettable Apollo 13 mission

  On October 5th 2015, OMEGA marked 45 years since NASA awarded it the prestigious “Silver Snoopy Award” in 1970. To mark the occasion, a Q&A session was held, along with a special evening event in a large-scale hanger in Tokyo. Apollo 13 Captain James Lovell, actor Yosuke Eguchi and astronaut Naoko Yamazaki were all invited, together with more than 200 guests.

  Mr. Stephen Urquhart, President of OMEGA, greeted the guests. “I feel very happy to hold this special event in these amazing surroundings. The fact that the Apollo 13 crew safely returned to Earth and cheap OMEGA replica contributed to that in a big way, I think it will be remembered even in 100 years.

  After an unexpected explosion, the Apollo 13 moon landing was rendered impossible and furthermore the return trip to the Earth was even more precarious. In fact, the Speedmaster played a major role in helping the Apollo 13 crew return safely when the on board instruments were shut down to save power. This invaluable support prompted NASA to award OMEGA the Silver Snoopy Award, which is the highest non-governmental honour that can be received via NASA.

  Commenting on the mission, Lovell said, “It was, in fact, the Replica Omega Speedmaster watch that played a major role in helping the Apollo 13 crew return safely to Earth when our onboard instruments were shut down to save power. I’m proud that we and the Speedmaster could turn the crisis into a successful return.”

  Earlier in the day, Captain James Lovell also spoke at the NICOLAS G. HAYEK CENTRE in Ginza, where he talked about Apollo 13, as well as sharing his most memorable experiences. “One of the most significant sights we saw, that has perhaps left the greatest impression, was not the Moon, but the Earth. With just my thumb putting up against the window, I can completely hide the earth. And I realized that time looking at the Earth and seeing the surrounding environment, the moon, the sun, our solar system, I thought to myself how small we are and how very lucky we are.”

  Known as “The Moon Omega replica watches“, the Replica OMEGA Speedmaster has travelled in unison with the most courageous and spirited astronauts in history. After surviving rigorous and extreme testing, the Speedmaster was declared “Flight Qualified” in 1965 for all manned-missions. Since then, it has accompanied astronauts on all of NASA’s six lunar landings, cementing an indestructible bond between it and space exploration.

• February 14, 2018

  Omega Replica Speedmaster ’57

  The Speedmaster is now a very large family, with a lot of variants introduced over the years. The Speedmaster ’57 that Omega presented at Baselworld 2015, due to reach the market in August-September 2015, has a lot of the vintage looks of the original – the smooth tachymeter bezel, pushers without crown guards, the dramatically differentiated hour and minute hands – and a lot of differences as well. With respect to the 1957 Speedmaster, the notable difference is in the dial layout, with two subdials instead of three, and above all the size. The original Speedmaster (2915K) was 38.5 mm, and over the years, dial size increased just as in the entire latest Omega replica watches industry, to 44 mm and over. The Omega Speedmaster ’57 is back to a very wearable 41.5 mm, thickness 16.17 mm.

  

  Vintage SuperLuminova

  A vintage look is provided by the vintage beige-colour SuperLuminova used on the recessed hour markers and the hands. It glows green in the dark. The hands present two design types, broad arrow for hours, and alpha for the others. The subdial at three o’clock provides chronograph hours and minutes in a combined counter which to my mind is the Replica Omega Speedmaster ’57 most practical of all for lengthy time lapse measurements – it’s just the same as the main dial and so you can immediately see how many hours and minutes have passed.

  

  In-house movement

  While the original Speedmaster had a Lemania movement, the Speedmaster ’57 is powered by the Omega Co-Axial calibre 9300, running at 28,800 vph (4 Hertz), visible through the sapphire caseback. The two barrels provide a power reserve of 60 hours. The case is water resistant to 100 metres; the AAA Omega fake watches is supplied with a 4-year guarantee.

  

• February 13, 2018

  Omega Replica – Valentine’s Day

  It has been said that love is not about how often you say the words, but how often you prove them to be true. For this Valentine’s Day, Omega Replica Constellation  has a few ideas that show how much that very special person means to you and will continue to remind them for many, many years to come.

  LOVE FOR A LADY

  For the woman of your dreams, a timepiece that is as enduring as your love: the stainless steel and 18K red gold Ladymatic, the 18K red gold De Ville Prestige or the 18K red gold Seamaster Aqua Terra 150M. The 34 mm case of the sophisticated bi-colour Ladymatic features a bezel paved with diamonds in a snow-set pattern and on its side is a waved ring that offers a glimpse of the white ceramic inner casebody. The mother-of-pearl dial, with its striking super-nova pattern, dazzles with 11 diamond indexes. At the heart of this wristwatch is the Omega Replica De Ville Co-Axial calibre 8520, visible through the scratch-resistant sapphire crystal. The timeless and elegant 36.8 mm De Ville Prestige is distinguished by its silvery dial with diamond-set markers and gold Roman numerals. The Co-Axial calibre 2500 brings this watch to life. Dazzling with a diamond-set bezel and motherof-pearl dial, the 38.5 mm Seamaster Aqua Terra 150M is powered by the revolutionary Master Co-Axial calibre 8501 and is an ideal gift for the woman who appreciates the innovation of her watch as much as she does its stunning beauty.

  A DAZZLING EXPRESSION OF ADORATION

  Perhaps this Valentine’s Day calls for something even more intimate and emotional, a gift that will be part of a moment that will forever remain among the fondest memories shared by you and that special someone. OMEGA’s 18K white gold Dewdrop engagement ring is fitted with a brilliant solitaire diamond. The 0.53-carat pear-shaped diamond is secured to the ring with three understated “griffes”. This sensual and feminine jewellery piece, refined with its dewdropinspired appearance, will be a meaningful expression of your affection.

  SOMETHING CLASSIC FOR A GENTLEMAN

  For the most important man in your life, OMEGA suggests the 18K white gold De Ville Trésor, the stainless steel De Ville Prestige or the “Speedmaster Grey Side of the Moon”. Both De Ville timepieces, with their classic, understated design, perfectly complement any wardrobe or style. Expressions of the art of fine watchmaking, both models are presented on black leather straps and are powered by advanced mechanical movements. The De Ville Trésor in particular houses the manual winding, anti-magnetic OMEGA Master Co-Axial calibre 8511. The Speedmaster “Grey Side of the Moon” boasts a familiar look that is clearly inspired by its predecessor, the Speedmaster Professional. Among one of the most innovative pieces in the Omega Replica Hour Vision collection, this watch, with its sand-blasted 950 platinum dial, is crafted from solid ceramic that has been transformed from white to metallic grey. With any of these three distinguished mechanical timepieces, he is sure to think of you every time he glances at his wrist and with every passing moment the stylish wristwatch tracks.

• February 10, 2018

  Comparing Replica Omega’s Bond watches, including the new Swiss Replica Omega Spectre Seamaster 300m

  Omega replica watches has released another limited edition Bond Watch, to be released alongside Spectre in November. 

  With a new Bond film must come a new Bond watch. For the first time, however, we have a new Bond film and two new replica Omega James Bond watches from Omega. In addition to the Seamaster Aqua Terra that was announced earlier in the year, Omega has now released a James Bond limited edition version of the Seamaster 300m Co-Axial, which will be released at the same time as the film.

  Here’s everything you need to know about both watches, plus a definitive guide to some replica Omega Bond watches from the past decade.

  Spectre, 2015: Omega Replica Seamaster 300 Limited Edition

  The first thing to note is that there are no “007” additions to the watch’s dial at all. This is not a Bond watch in the vein of all other Bond watches; this is a watch that James Bond will be wearing, rather than a commemorative piece – as emphasised by the recently released pictures of Daniel Craig touring the Omega factory wearing this watch. The only dial changes to the watch are that the 12 o’clock hour index has been replaced with a larger “Omega Seamaster” logo, and the second hand has been given a “lollipop” circle at its tip rather than the standard arrow. And the bezel is now a bi-directional rotating bezel with numerals from 0-11, giving the Replica Omega Seamaster watches a second timezone function of sorts. They are the kind of discreet changes that you’d have to be an actual spy to notice.

  The last major difference – and something that will get the keenest James Bond horophiles going – is the use of a black and grey NATO strap.  Interestingly it differs from the original textile strap worn by Sean Connery in Goldfinger (with his Rolex Submariner) – that pattern was navy blue, red and olive green, rather than black and grey, although at a distance the two look very similar. You can read more about that particular rabbit hole of James Bond mythology here. At this point it is unconfirmed whether Omega will be selling the watch with this strap as standard, and we have no confirmed UK price.

  Bond Factor: How obviously “Bond” is it? Not very at all. But on the other hand, it is almost certainly going to be the actual fake Omega watches worn by Bond for the majority of the movie, so you don’t get more Bond than that. The NATO buckle bears the 007 pistol logo and the caseback will be numbered from 1 to 7,007 – the total number being produced.

  Spectre, 2015: the Replica omega Seamaster Aqua Terra 150m

  This, as we will see, is a bit of a new look for Omega’s Bond watches. It’s based on the standard Seamaster Aqua Terra, and shares the base model’s yellow accents. Here, though, they’re paired with a blue dial that on closer inspection is embossed with a hexagonal, bio-influenced pattern. Water resistance is down on previous Bond watches, at 150m, but obviously its strength is its antimagnetism: will Spectre see Bond battling a ticking-clock at the Large Hadron Collider? Who knows…

  Bond factor: Not high either, although more so than the 300m. The 007 flourishes are pretty discreet compared with some of the OTT design tropes below.  Look closely and you’ll notice the second hand bears the Bond family coat of arms; apparently a design influence for the whole Omega replica watches sale. And Omega couldn’t resist trumpeting its market-leading antimagnetism – the 15,000+ Gauss resistance of the standard Master Co-Axial caliber has been upped to – you guessed it – 15,007.

  Skyfall, 2012: Replica omega Seamaster Planet Ocean 600M

  Sam Mendes’ Skyfall saw Bond issued with a 42mm Seamaster Planet Ocean 600m. It’s not a great departure from the base model; the red and black colour scheme of previous Bond watches returned once more. It’s got the co-axial 8507 calibre, and the winding rotor is engraved “Skyfall”.

  Bond factor: After the new Omega replica watches, this is probably the least obviously James Bond of the lot – the only dial-side signifier that you’re wearing one of the 5,007 limited edition pieces is the 007 logo in place of the 7 o’clock hour marker.

  Bond at 50, 2012:OMEGA REPLICA Seamaster 300M

  Released alongside the Skyfall Bond watch, this piece marked James Bond’s half-century on the silver screen – it being fifty years since Dr. No was released in 1962. Unlike the Skyfall watch, this is a Omega Replica Seamaster 300m rather than a Planet Ocean, available in 41mm and 36.25mm versions. It’s still a co-axial caliber (cal. 2507, with a 48-hour power reserve) but instead of a sapphire caseback you get a Bond title sequence-inspired spiral with engraved ‘bullet’ base at the centre.

  Bond factor: This is pretty hardcore Bond-geek territory. As well as the caseback, you’ve got the 007 logo across the dial and for good measure, the “50” on the unidirectional rotating bezel is picked out in red for the anniversary.

• February 9, 2018

  The Omega Replica Speedmaster Apollo 13 Silver Snoopy Award Adds Bite To Speedmaster Collection

  “What could you do in 14 seconds?” This question, inscribed on the dial of the latest Omega Speedmaster is the catalyst behind of the extraordinary story linking the Swiss replica Omega watches brand to Apollo 13. The brand’s new Omega Speedmaster Apollo 13 Silver Snoopy Award, unveiled during Baselworld 2015, pays tribute to the 45th anniversary of the aborted lunar mission, which nearly killed three NASA astronauts.

  

  The Apollo 13 mission, launched in April 1970, took a turn for the worse after an oxygen tank explosion severely limited the Command Module’s electrical power, and the crew on board had just 14 seconds to correct their course for re-entry on Earth. They famously used their Replica Omega Speedmaster Professional watches to time their mid-course correction, and upon their safe return, awarded the Silver Snoopy Award to OMEGA in honor of the brand’s contribution to the mission’s safety.

  

  Because OMEGA is the only brand with a claim on the watch industry’s very own space race, it has rightly celebrated that heritage with a number of Speedmaster re-editions over the years, some limited and some not. But concern has undeniably grown lately regarding the expiry date of the Moonwatch narrative. After all, we haven’t been to the Moon since 1972. However, the Omega Speedmaster Apollo 13 Silver Snoopy Award watch proves the brand still has a lot to explore within its own collection. A limited edition of 1970 pieces, to commemorate the year of the Apollo 13 mission, the watch is sure to become a highly prized collector’s item. And it’s been made with them in mind. Collectors love a watch with a few stories, and this one has them front, back and center.

  

  The cheap Omega replica watches features a monochromatic dial with black-varnished hands, indexes, and a polished black ceramic bezel ring. At the center the words, “failure is not an option,” uttered by actor Ed Harris in the 1995 film “Apollo 13,” are printed. Snoopy looks at home inside a small seconds sub-dial at 9 o’clock, as though stuck in a solitary frame of a classic comic strip. Because the watch was previewed at Baselworl 2015, inside a well-lit room, we couldn’t capture the Super-LumiNova paint present on the indexes, tachymeter scale, and on Snoopy himself, but it’s worth pointing out the green light emission looks quite special.

  

  @omegaonlineshops.com

  The wristwatch also features a case-back unlike any other. A 925 silver Snoopy medallion, resembling the actual Silver Snoopy Award pin, is surrounded by alluring dark blue enamel onto which a silver powder has been hand-sprinkled, meaning each model is unique. What collectors will appreciate most though is the engine inside the watch. Powered by Caliber Omega 1861, the famous manual-winding chronograph movement that featured on the Speedmaster worn on the moon, the replica Omega watches boasts a power reserve of 48 hours. Available in Omega boutiques worldwide in September 2015, this limited edition of 1970 pieces is priced at $7,350.

• February 8, 2018

  The Omega Replica Seamaster family welcomes a new limited edition model inspired by the world of James Bond

  n anticipation of SPECTRE the 24th James Bond film scheduled to release in 2015, Omega Replica Seamaster has created a limited edition Seamaster Aqua Terra 150M model inspired by the Bond family coat of arms.

  The symbol is repeatedly interlocked to create a dynamic pattern on the watch’s blue dial. The coat of arms is also found near the tip of the yellow central seconds hand.

  Among the most striking elements of this 41.5 mm stainless steel timepiece is the oscillating weight of the Omega Replica Hour Vision movement visible through the sapphire crystal caseback. This component has been cut and shaped to resemble a gun barrel, a design feature associated with James Bond.

  Powered by the completely new Omega Replica Speedmaster Master Co-Axial calibre 8507, this timepiece is resistant to magnetic fields greater than 15,007 gauss.

  The timepiece is presented on a stainless steel bracelet and will be produced in an edition limited to 15,007 pieces. It is delivered with a full four-year warranty.

• February 5, 2018

  Omega Replica Speedmaster “The First Replica Omega in Space” Sedna Gold

  The new Replica Omega Speedmaster “The First Omega in Space” Sedna Gold is the second re-issue of the “pre-Moonwatch” timepiece worn by astronaut Walter “Wally” Schirra onboard the Sigma 7 spacecraft that orbited the earth six times on October 3, 1962.

  That replica Omega watch – Schirra’s personal Replica Omega Speedmaster – marked the start of a long history of space exploration for the Speedmaster Chronograph, which in 1965 became the official certified watch for all NASA manned missions.

  The updated model reprises many of the original Replica Omega Speedmaster‘s details along with some new touches.

  

  The 18k Sedna gold (an alloy created by Omega) case has a diameter of 39.7 mm and, like the original, features symmetric lugs. The caseback is characterised by a Seahorse medallion with the engraving “The First Omega In Space, October 3, 1962.”

  

  The brown polished bezel is crafted from ceramic with a matte chromium nitride tachymeter scale. The AR-coated sapphire crystal protects the opaline silvery dial with brown PVD subdials and minutes track. Along with the applied indexes, the Alpha hands are also made of 18k Sedna gold.

  The new Replica Omega Constellation watch is powered by the Omega caliber 1861, a hand-wound movement beating at 21,600 vibrations per hour and offering a power reserve of 48 hours, and it is water resistant to 50 meters.

  

  Although the Replica Omega Speedmaster “The First Replica Omega in Space” Sedna Gold is not a limited edition, each piece will be numbered. Matched to a brown leather strap with beige stitching, it has a retail price of Euro 14,600 / US$ 18,000.

• February 4, 2018

  Fratello Reviews and Compares the New and Vintage Omega Replica Speedmaster Mark II

  Every Tuesday on my blog, we tackle a topic related to Replica Omega Speedmaster watches. This week’s Fratello Friday comes to us from that “Speedy Tuesday” series, and focuses on my recent opportunity to review, compare and contrast the new Omega Speedmaster Mark II with its vintage predecessor from 1969.

  After the Omega Speedmaster Professional won the race to the Moon in 1969, Omega thought it was time to come up with a watch that was perhaps a bit more up-to-date and ready for the 1970s — design-wise, that is, as the watch would still need to handle the same abuse as the Speedmaster Professional “Moonwatch” could. Sometime in 1969, Omega introduced the first Speedmaster Mark II, which was actually a Speedmaster Professional Mark II. (For non-native-English-speaking readers: the “Mark” in the name stands for a new or revised/improved version; it is similar to calling something a “2.0 version” these days.) The Speedmaster Mark II came with the same Lemania-based movement as the Moonwatch, Reference 145.022. This movement is Omega’s Caliber 861 and was in production from 1968 through about 1996, when it was succeeded by the Caliber 1861 movement. The Speedmaster Mark II had a barrel-shaped case that looked totally different from the asymmetrical Speedmaster Professional case. The regular Speedmaster, which was issued to NASA astronauts, was still in production, however. Throughout all the Speedmaster Mark series, the regular Speedmaster Pro remained available (and, of course, remains so today).

  When Omega ceased production of the Speedmaster Mark II in 1972, the Mark III already had been introduced. The Speedmaster Mark III was succeeded by the Mark IV in 1973. Then there is the Mark 4.5 (which is a Mark IV with a different movement, an Omega Caliber 1045), which came on the market in 1974. The last one of the Speedmaster Mark series is the Mark V, introduced around 1984. Confusing, right? There are even more models in between and some slight variations on the above. In any case, Omega decided to do a Speedmaster Mark II reissue earlier this year, and we noticed that the watches were already in the Omega boutiques before their official introduction at Baselworld 2014. Just like the original Speedmaster (Professional) Mark II watches, there are a few variations available of the Omega Speedmaster Mark II Co-Axial 2014 models. There is a black-dial version and a racing-dial version as well as a Speedmaster Mark II “Rio 2016″ Olympic Games edition (pictured below)that we saw during our appointment with Omega.

  As you can see on the photo of the new Speedmaster Mark II Racing (below), the barrel-shaped case and bracelet are very similar to those on the original version. We will come to that comparison later on. If you take a closer look, you will notice that the dial is somewhat different from the original. The racing track is a bit different from the original, which had a red outer track and an orange Omega logo at 12 o’clock. However, the biggest differences are perhaps in the text on the dial and the fact that the new Speedmaster Mark II 2014 model has a date aperture. Instead of a no-date, hand-wound chronograph movement – like the one that is still being used in the Speedmaster Professional 357x.xx series – Omega decided to use its Caliber 3330 movement. This movement has a column-wheel mechanism, a co-axial escapement, an Si14 silicon balance spring and a power reserve of 52 hours. It has little similarity with the original movement, except for the tri-compax layout of the dial, of course.

  People have asked us about the base movement for Omega Caliber 3330, as it is not one of Omega’s in-house-developed chronograph movements (Caliber the 93xx series). We tend to think that it is based on some ETA caliber that has been tailored for exclusive use by Omega Replica Constellation only, hence the Si14 balance spring and co-axial escapement. It is understandable that Omega decided to use this movement. It is probably not a watch for the purist – although it is an awesome timepiece – but more for someone who loves vintage watches but wants to wear something new. There also may be some collectors who just feel that they need a piece like this in their Speedmaster collection. We believe that the target audience, though, is the guy who loved seeing the vintage Speedmaster Mark II on the wrist of his father or grandfather and has decided to go with a similar timepiece with all the modern technology inside. For the purists, there are still some great pre-owned vintage Speedmaster Mark II models out there that are priced attractively.

  So, would you opt for the old, original Omega Speedmaster (Professional) Mark II or would you rather have one of the new versions? We’ve put the old Speedmaster Mark II Ref. 145.014 next to the new Ref. 327.10.43.50.01.001 and show you the optical differences between the two. (We’ve already discussed the movements a bit so need to compare those.) The dimensions of the new Speedmaster Mark II are 42.4 mm x 46.2 mm, whereas the vintage model measured 41.75 mm x 45 mm. This means that the new model is slightly bigger, which is evident in the photos below.

  On the dial, you will notice that – besides the date window, obviously – there are other differences between these two. It seems that the new Omega Speedmaster Mark II with the matte black dial has the same graphics printed on it as the racing version, with the exception of the use of orange for some of its accents. The minute track and hour markers are quite different from the Speedmaster Mark II 145.014 model. It is clear that the old model has a dial that is more similar to the Speedmaster Pro “Moonwatch” than to its 45-years-younger successor. The hands have also changed a bit, and are now a mixture between the original Speedmaster hands and the Speedmaster Mark III hands. Although the vintage Mark II in the photos is a bit roughed up, you can clearly see the similarities between the style of finish on the case and bracelet. The polished edges on the case give a superb contrast to the sunburst brushed finish of the upper side of the case. Keep in mind that the Speedmaster Mark II’s sunburst brushed finish is a magnet to scratches – this doesn’t have anything to do with the material, only with the type of finishing – and it will require a pretty good watchmaker to deal with this. In any case, we’d advise you to have this finish redone by Omega, which has the proper machines and knowledge.

  The bracelet clasp is also something that you will immediately notice when comparing these two. The old steel clasp is just a straightforward folding buckle whereas the new clasp is in line with all the other modern Omega Replica De Ville clasps — two release buttons and easy to resize. Again, the one you’d choose depends on your personal preferences and whether buying a vintage watch is in your comfort zone. Buying a nice vintage watch of any kind will require a bit of research. For the modern guy who merely wants a modern watch with a cool, vintage look, the new Omega Speedmaster Mark II Co-Axial might be the right choice. The black dial version is Reference 327.10.43.50.01.001 and has a price tag of approx 4,600 euros (including VAT). The orange Speedmaster Mark II racing is Reference 327.10.43.50.06.001 and has an (approx.) 4,600-euro price tag. A vintage Omega Speedmaster Mark II 145.014 in good condition can be found for below 1,800 euros. For now, that is.

• February 3, 2018

  Close-Up: Omega Replica Speedmaster Moonwatch “Dark Side of the Moon”

  Since its debut in 1957, Omega’s iconic Speedmaster chronograph, nicknamed “Moonwatch” for its presence on all six NASA lunar missions, sported a tricompax dial arrangement. In 2011, Omega Replica Hour Vision outfitted the watch with a new co-axial movement and bicompax design, both of which are used again in the first Moonwatch with a black ceramic case, unveiled at Baselworld 2013.

  The Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch “Dark Side of the Moon” derives its name from its black zirconium oxide ceramic dial and matching black ceramic case, which is 44.25 mm in diameter and boasts both brushed and polished finishes. The dial is notable for its applied indices, made of 18k white gold, and the two blackened subdials at 3 o’clock and 6 o’clock. This new bicompax subdial arrangement was first used on the Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Co-Axial Chronograph, the first Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch to contain Omega’s in-house chronograph Caliber 9300. As on that model, the subdial at 3 o’clock serves as both the 12-hour and 60-minute counter, using two hands to display the elapsed time intuitively. The small seconds subdial is at 9 o’clock, and the date is displayed on a window at 6 o’clock, the spot occupied by the elapsed-hours subdial in older models.

  The hour and minute hands, as well as the hands on both subdials, are also made of 18k white gold. the central chronograph hand is rhodium-plated and ends in a red tip. For this latest version of its iconic moon watch, Omega Replica Seamaster has coated the hour, minute and chronograph hands, as well as the two small dots at 12 o’clock, with Super-LumiNova for legibility in the dark. The bezel, also made from polished black ceramic, has the Speedmaster’s familiar tachymeter scale, here inscribed in matte chromium nitride. The chronograph pushers are in polished ceramic. The watch, which is water-resistant to 50 meters, has scratch-resistant sapphire crystals in the front and back.

  Omega’s Caliber 9300, visible through the caseback, contains a magnetism-resistant silicon balance spring and a co-axial escapement. Certified by COSC as a chronometer, the movement carries a 60-hour power reserve. The words, “DARK SIDE OF THE MOON” are engraved in matte chromium nitride above the caseback crystal. Completing the watch’s black-on-black look is a strap made of black Cordura fabric with a black ceramic buckle. The price on this black ceramic Replica Omega Speedmaster Watches is $12,000.

• January 29, 2018

  Disarmed Forces: Testing the Omega Replica Seamaster 300

  In this article, we test the retro-styled Omega Replica Seamaster 300, equipped to fend off powerful magnetic fields. Scroll down to read more, and to see original photography of the watch by Nik Schölzel.

  With the introduction of its new antimagnetic technology in 2013, Omega set a new standard in the fight against the effects of magnetic fields on a watch movement. The concept debuted in the Seamaster Aqua Terra >15,000 Gauss. At the launch, Omega announced its intention to incorporate the technology into all watches equipped with co-axial escapements. Our test watch, the Seamaster 300, which was introduced last year, is among those models.

  On the outside, the Seamaster 300 is a near replica of a 1957 model, with the same beige, wedge-shaped indexes, numeral font, hand style and bezel design. The slightly curved case is also true to the original. The words on the dial – “Master Co-Axial Chronometer” – are new, however, and they define the technology inside. “Chronometer” means the watch has been certified by the inde- pendent COSC chronometer-testing authority, attesting to its precision and performance. “Co-Axial” refers to the co-axial escapement of the manufacture movement. “Master” refers to Omega’s meeting the challenges posed by magnetic fields to a degree never before seen in a serially manufactured watch. (Omega has announced that later this year it will start using a new certification system for its antimagnetic watches, replacing COSC certification.

  Magnetic fields are routinely encountered in daily life whenever we are in the vicinity of loudspeakers, headphones, induction stoves, electric motors or cell- phones. Magnets are used to attach pro- tective covers to iPads and other electronic devices, and should you require an MRI, don’t wear your watch. MRI scanners generate the strongest magnetic fields, with intensities of about 15,000 gauss, and occasionally as high as 30,000 gauss (“gauss” is the unit of measure used to denote the density of magnetic fields, named for the German physicist Carl Friedrich Gauss). These magnetic fields are the enemy of accurate timekeeping. Watchmakers often report that time- pieces they have received for repair must be demagnetized before they can be set to keep time again accurately.

  The conventional method of protect- ing watches from magnetic fields involves covering the movement with an inner case made of soft iron. This approach, however, rules out the inclusion of a date window or a display back, and it only protects the watch from magnetic fields up to 1,000 gauss. Omega Replica Speedmaster claims its new movements can cope with magnetic fields of 15 times that intensity, to 15,000 gauss. Even stronger fields are conceivable, says Omega, but so far there is no way to test a watch under such intense magnetism.

  Instead of enclosing the movement in a magnetic-resistant inner case, Omega uses antimagnetic materials to build the movement itself. All moving components, including the balance wheel, balance spring, pallets and escape wheel are made of materials that resist the force of magnetic fields. The balance spring is made of silicon, which is true of all Omega manufacture calibers made since 2008. The balance wheel is titanium, with gold screws. Bridges and wheels are made of conventional brass, a copper-based alloy that does not react to magnetism. Staffs and pivots are made of Nivagauss, an antimagnetic alloy developed by Nivarox, one of Replica Omega Classic‘s sister companies in the Swatch Group. The steel plates that were formerly used in the co-axial escapement have been replaced by antimagnetic plates, and the springs for the shock absorbers are also made from materials that are resistant to magnetic fields.