Omega

valerian1
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New Arrival Speedmaster II Racing Dial

Recently arrived and with his permission using some of the sellers pics as my point and shoot (and photography skills!) aren't up to snuff. Not exactly a rare beast, but as I'm trying to amass a representative sample of Omega's 60s and 70s output I had to have a Cal 861 and one of the Speedie 'Marks'so why not go for the first and IMHO coolest?

Introduced in 1969, the Speedmaster II was I understand originally intended to replace the original but wiser heads in sales and marketing must have realised the value of an iconic model associated with man's greatest adventure to date, hence it was only in the line until 1972. I have read elsewhere that Omega even presented the Speedie II to NASA for testing as their offical flight approved watch but were basically told thanks but no thanks, which may also have contributed to the relatively short lifespan.

Design features intended to improve on the practicality of original Speedie Pro were; increased water resistance up to 120m from 60m, bringing the tachymetric scale 'inboard' sandwiched between two layers of flat anti reflective tempered mineral glass and of course marking the 'proper' transition from the Cal 321 to Cal 861.

Developed 22 years apart by the same genius, Albert Piguet of Lemania (who also oversaw the devlopment of the fabled Lemania 5100 by Raoul-Henri Erard), the 321 and 861 represent to me at least the twin pinnalces of Omega's chronograph movements. There are many threads extoling the virtues of both but I think it's interesting that the cal 861 was develpoped to take advantage of  the technology available at the time as did the 321 in it's day. The 861 used a flat balance and upped the frequency from 18,000 in the 321 to 21,600 to increase accruacy and reliability, the vertical column wheel controlling the chronograph functions was replaced by a flat cam making it easier (and cheaper) to produce and service and the steel chrono brake lever replaced by one made of Darlon - one of the first instances of using synthetic materials in a chronograph movement. A step down in horological quality it could be argued but the fact that it's remained in production pretty much unchanged since 1968 speaks for itself I think.

The barrel shaped case of the Speedie II was very much of it's time as was the use of grey and orange in the Racing dial. However, unlike a lot of late 60's and 70's desing I think it still manages to look contemporary rather than retro. The case finishing with sunburst bezel, polished bevel and horizontal sides is just lovely but v.expensive to refurbish, so when Jack agreed to sell me his Bienne serviced and restored model (he also sent me the original mint dial and all the parts replaced at service) I was chuffed to bits.

The original 1159 bracelet is extremely comfortable  and because of the five facets rather than 3 a lot better looking than the slightly later 1171 (which I've also found to be a bit of a hair puller).

Finances and natural inclinations mean I don't buy often, so acqiuring a watch as well sorted as this one that also ticks so many of my collectors boxes has made me  a very happy boy indeed.

Cheers

Ian

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