When it comes to timepieces that combine functionality with elegance, few brands can match OMEGA. The Swiss watchmaker has a long history of producing timepieces that have not only stood the test of time, but also played a crucial role in aviation and space exploration. This year, the brand continues to honor its heritage with the launch of the new OMEGA Speedmaster Pilot.
The OMEGA Speedmaster Pilot is a watch steeped in history and designed for the modern pilot. Inspired by the original Speedmaster introduced in 1957, this 40.85 mm timepiece is a testament to OMEGA’s commitment to precision and reliability. The robust and easy-to-read design has been a favorite of pilots for decades, and the new Speedmaster Pilot continues this tradition with modern enhancements.
Crafted in stainless steel, the watch features a symmetrical case with a matte finish that reduces light reflections and ensures clear visibility. The bezel is held in place by a matte aluminum ring and features a tachymeter scale with the iconic “Dot Over Ninety” and “Diagonal to Seventy” marks. These details are a nod to the Speedmaster’s heritage and its role in aviation.
The dial of the OMEGA Speedmaster Pilot is where the watch really stands out. A grained matte black finish provides a strong contrast, making it easy to read even in low light conditions. The hour and minute hands, as well as the hour markers, are coated with white Super-LumiNova, which emits a green glow to ensure full visibility during night flights. The central chronograph hand with its orange aircraft tip adds a touch of color and functionality.
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Two subdials on the dial are particularly noteworthy. At the 3 o’clock position is a 60-minute and 12-hour recorder with a triangular matte orange hand and white numerals. This subdial is designed to resemble a “burn rate” indicator found in aircraft cockpits, adding a practical and aesthetic touch. At the 9 o’clock position, a Small Seconds display is inspired by cockpit instruments, with a matte yellow painted hand and a blue artificial horizon.
The Speedmaster Pilot is driven by the 9900 Co-Axial Master Chronometer caliber, certified by METAS for its exceptional precision, performance and magnetic resistance. The movement is housed behind a metallic case-back adorned with the traditional seahorse medallion and engraved with the “100m / 330ft” water resistance rating.
The watch can be worn on a stainless steel bracelet with OMEGA’s patented Comfort Release adjustment system or on the supplied gray NATO strap, reinforced with KEVLAR® threads and a brushed stainless steel buckle. A special travel pouch is also supplied, making the Speedmaster Pilot a versatile and practical choice for pilots and enthusiasts alike.
OMEGA’s relationship with aviation dates back to World War II, when the brand supplied over 110,000 watches to the British Ministry of Defense (MoD) for use by Air Force and Navy pilots. The UK/CK2292, a watch known for its magnetic resistance, was a favorite of RAF and Fleet Air Arm personnel. When the Speedmaster was introduced in 1957, it quickly became the watch of choice for U.S. Air Force pilots, many of whom went on to become NASA astronauts.
The OMEGA Flightmaster, launched in 1969, was designed specifically to meet the needs of aviators and travelers. Its bold and innovative design set it apart from other chronographs of the time. In the same year, the Concorde made its maiden flight and OMEGA timekeeping instruments became standard equipment on several Concorde aircraft. Captain John Hackett, the first person to fly Concorde across the Atlantic, was among those who chose to wear an OMEGA watch.
