Baselworld 2017: Omega Speedmaster 38mm

Would you like a cappuccino to go with your Omega?

 

Fresh off the success of its Speedy Tuesday launch (and subsequent sell-out), Omega is again putting its money behind the evergreen Speedmaster, launching a new collection of 38mm models ahead of BaselWorld 2017.

While it’s designed for both men and women, the 38mm collection is presented in a more accessible size for ladies. We also can’t help but notice out of all the watches in the new 38mm collection, Omega picked a women’s timepiece as a teaser (more on the watch in a bit).

At this year’s SIHH fair, we saw a substantial increase in the number of feminine timepieces from all the major marques. Could this be a signal that the women’s market is growing? Or simply that watch brands are finally giving due credit to a demographic long seen to have been neglected by “serious” horology?

As we mentioned earlier, Omega is whetting our appetites before the big reveal at this year’s Baselworld fair with a model christened, 'Cappuccino'—named for its coffee-coloured accents in the form of brown sub-dials, tachymeter scale and leather strap.

The creamy taupe-brown is an interesting colour of choice which, when paired with a diamond-paved bezel and 18K Sedna gold crown and pushers, lends the watch a decidedly feminine touch. And because the milky hue is slightly muted, it’s entirely appropriate for the office. Even the ring of diamonds is understated (no flashy rocks here) and very classy.

In a break from the usual Speedmasters, this version features oval sub-dials, which resemble the shape of Omega’s logo. Apart from that, there’s really no mistaking it for any other model though; it bears all the hallmarks of what is arguably the most iconic collection in Omega’s stable of timepieces.

The Speedmaster certainly has a storied history, with the most famous of the lot—the ‘Moonwatch’—having the honour of being the first watch on the moon (more on that here and here). It’s since evolved to become not just one of the most recognised chronographs in the world but, in our opinion, THE Omega timepiece to get if you’re looking at getting your first timekeeper from the brand. Ladies, let’s just say it’s the Birkin to Hermès or the 2.55 to Chanel.

We like that the ‘Cappuccino’ is equipped with a movement that has a bit of clout. The Calibre 3330 features Omega’s legendary co-axial escapement with silicon hairspring and was first introduced in 2012, powering the brand’s racing chronographs. With this year marking the 60th anniversary of the Speedmaster, it certainly looks like the perfect opportunity to invest in one. Not that you ever needed any excuse to.

Case	38mm, stainless steel and 18K Sedna gold
Dial	Bi-coloured with baton hands and indexes in Sedna gold
Movement	Self-winding Omega calibre 3300
Strap	Taupe-brown leather strap with folding clasp
Functions	Hour, minute, seconds, chronograph
Power  reserve	48 hours
Price	From S$12,900

 

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