My Eastern Watch Collection: Omega Speedmaster Co-Axial Chronometer Chronograph Mark II Reference: 327.10.43.50.01.001 (Heritage Model, similar to Reference: 327.20.43.50.01.001)

Finally pulled the trigger on an Omega Speedmaster. Not a Moonwatch but something much more sexier (IMHO), the Mark II.  

I have always loved the Mark II. This series by Omega has a very interesting backstory and development but has never taken on the same level of enthusiasm as the Moonwatch. In fact, in the last five years, supplies of Mark II was not made available to authorized dealers in Malaysia despite being listed on the website. When I went around asking about availability, a number of dealers indicated that Omega ‘no longer makes’ the Mark II.

The last dealer I asked about this watch took the effort to contact Switzerland to inquire availability and surprisingly, Omega confirms that the Mark II is available and can be shipped to Kuala Lumpur. It didn’t take me long to commit to one. After putting in the paperwork to order one (plus a deposit) on 23 January 2024, I finally received the watch on 27 February 2024.

I already have the Speedmaster Reduce (click here for review of that watch). Using this as a comparative reference, I find the Mark II to be better designed. Having the tachymeter scale internally instead of externally, allows for a bigger dial hence making it less ‘busy’ on the eyes.

The Series

The Omega Speedmaster Mark II originates from a project meant to be the
“Lunar Surface Chronograph”. NASA engineer James H. Ragan wanted a watch
that could withstand the Moon’s climate. Omega
developed such a watch under the code name Alaska. Ultimately, it was too expensive,
so NASA decided to stick with the caliber-321-powered Speedmaster
Professional. This failed development, led to the Speedmaster
Mark II. The line was born in 1969.

Reference: 327.10.43.50.01.001 Stainless steel MSRP: RM23,900 (as at 23/1/2024)

Reference: 327.20.43.50.01.001 Stainless steel and SEDNA™ gold MSRP: RM47,850 (as at 23/1/2024)

Omega brought the latest versions of the Mark II in 2014. These new re-editions are available in the same standard and “Racing” dial versions, and later
on, a Sedna Gold & Steel model joined the lineup as well as a
commemorative edition for the 2016 Rio Olympic Games. These models
are slightly larger than the original and fitted with an automatic Co-Axial
chronometer-certified Caliber 3330. Currently, only two models of the Mark II are available as listed on the website (as at 23 January 2024).

The Watch

The new Omega Speedmaster Mark II is made out of stainless steel. It measures a width of 42.4 mm and the lug-to-lug length of 46.2 mm. Coupled with a height of 14.9 mm, the watch is a big and heavy watch (tipping the scale at 195 gm). The base colour of the dial is black.

The tachymeter scale is printed on the
underside of the crystal in order to protect it from blows and abrasion.
It also glows in
the dark. To accomplish this, transparent numerals and markers are
printed on a black ring and underneath is an aluminum ring
coated with Super-LumiNova. The tachymeter numerals and markers shine
through the transparent portions of the scale. The hour and minutes
hands are also coated with Super-LumiNova, as is the arrow-shaped tip of
the central chronograph hand.

There are three sub-dials where the sub-seconds is at 9:00 while the
chronograph 12-hours scale and the chronograph 30-minute scale are
located at 6:00 and 3:00 respectively. Integrated with the chronograph
12-hours scale at 6:00 is the addition of a
date display which was not available in the original Mark II.
Meanwhile, protecting the dial is a sapphire crystal.

There are six lines of logo and texts on the dial. All of them are printed in white directly on the dial. Unlike its famous counterpart, the Speedmaster Moonwatch, it does not have the word “PROFESSIONAL” on the dial. Instead it has the words “CO-AXIAL” and “CHRONOMETER” on the dial.

The crown and the two pushers are located on the right side of the watch. The crown is signed with the Omega logo and uses a push-in/pull-out system to engage the gears to adjust the time. There is only two positions for the crown, the first position where one can manually wind the movement and the second position where one can adjust the timing. As for the date, the Omega 3330 requires one to engage a small button set on the side of the casing at 10:00 using something thin (see below).

As part of the offering, a small sharp object has been provided by Omega to push the button (see below, on the right). In reality, anything can do the job such as a toothpick, if available.

The screw-down case-back does not have a display window. Instead, the iconic seahorse logo for the Speedmaster line is beautifully stamped at the center surrounded by a background of small circular bumps with the series name and the Omega logo prominently stamped as well. The stamping has a polished finish. At the edge of the case-back are some information about the watch. Unlike the Speedmaster Moonwatch, the Speedmaster Mark II has a water rating that is twice (or 100 meters) as good as its more famous sibling.

The engine powering the Mark II is the Omega Caliber 3330. This is an automatic chronograph movement with column wheel and co-axial escapement
based on the Longines L688, which in turn is based on ETA A08.L01. It also has a Si14 silicon balance spring and a power reserve
of 52 hours. Operating at 28,800 BPH (or 4 Hertz), this 31 jewel movement has an added date complication that will require a small button (see explanation earlier on this) to be pressed for adjustments. 

The Wearing Experience

The Omega Speedmaster Mark II is a masterful reimagining of a classic, striking a balance between honoring its heritage and incorporating modern advancements. For watch enthusiasts and collectors, it offers a tangible connection to Omega’s storied past while delivering the reliability and performance expected of contemporary timepieces. Whether you’re a fan of vintage-inspired designs or seeking a robust, everyday chronograph, the Speedmaster Mark II stands out as a worthy addition to any collection. Omega has once again proven that it can adeptly navigate the fine line between tradition and innovation, creating a watch that is both timeless and forward-thinking. 

Wearing the Mark II is very refreshing. It has a unique shape that piqued the interest of many who saw it for the first time. Personally, I like the tallness of the watch. It creates a wrist presence that belies it ‘lack-of-visibility’ vis-à-vis its more famous brethren, the Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional. It also has some heft, weighing in at a whopping 195 gm (for a sports chronograph, this would be considered a heavyweight). Below is a video of the watch on my wrist.

The Buying Experience

Post purchase, I found out that Omega’s policy for discontinued models is to maintain the listing on the website if there are still stocks available. In the case of the Mark II, the stocks are kept at HQ (Switzerland) and if any dealers want one, a special order is required for a model to be shipped to any place, globally. Once the stock is exhausted, the listing on the website will be taken down. For the Mark II, after receiving mine, the listing disappeared, hence finally ending the product cycle of the model.

I also found out that Omega has instructed all its global dealership to no longer provide any discounts. 

Specifications

Reference: 327.10.43.50.01.001

Lug Width: 20 mm

Lug‑to‑Lug Length: 46.2 mm

Thickness: 14.9 mm

Diameter: 42.4 mm

Case: Stainless steel

Dial Colour: Black

Crystal: Flat scratch‑resistant sapphire crystal with anti‑reflective treatment on both sides

Water Resistance: 10 bar (100 meters / 330 feet)

Weight: 195 gm 

Caliber: Omega automatic 3330

Power Reserve: 52 hours

Bracelet Material: Stainless steel
Clasp: Fold-over clasp with comfort setting

Feature: Chronograph, chronometer, date, small seconds,
tachymeter 

MSRP: RM23,900

Purchase Date: 27 February 2024

Vendor: Omega Boutique, Gardens Mall

Warranty: Five (5) years

Serial Number: 82926805