Launched at Baselworld in April, the Omega Speedmaster ‘57 Co-Axial Chronograph collection pays homage to the original Speedmaster which came out in 1957. Presented in a 41.5 mm diameter case, the Speedmaster ‘57 has straight lugs as a nod to the first Speedmaster. Additionally, the dial and movement side are both protected by retro box shaped sapphire crystals.

The Speedmaster ‘57 models are powered by caliber 9300/9301, a highly innovative column-wheel controlled self-winding Co-Axial chronograph. It is equipped with a non-magentic silicon balance spring, which means it is not influenced by magnetic fields. “This quality combined with the excellent resilient coefficient of silicon allows the balance springs, which are etched on a silicon wafer, to deliver improved chronometric performance. Silicon also has a very low fatigue influence and ages slowly. The outstanding reliability delivered by the combination of Co-Axial technology and the silicon balance spring is such that Omega delivers its Co-Axial watches equipped with silicon balance springs with a full four-year warranty.”

“The Speedmaster ‘57 models in 18K gold are equipped with the OMEGA Co-Axial calibre 9301 with a special luxury finish and an 18K red gold rotor and balance bridge.”

The chronograph has 12-hour and 60-minute hands placed on the same sub-dial at 3 o’clock, enabling intuitive reading of the chronograph. It also has a central chronograph seconds hand. The date is displayed in an aperture at 6 o’clock. The sub-dial at 9’clock, with the printed cross hairs, displays continuously running small seconds.

A little but important detail, is that the two chronograph control pushers function independently – accordingly, so there is no risk to the chronograph mechanism as a result of inadvertent manipulation. Additionally, the movement’s time zone function means that the hour hand can be set without stopping the watch, an especially useful feature for travelers.

The Speedmaster ‘57 comes in a choice of metals, including 18K red or yellow gold, titanium, a fashionable bicolor blend of 18K red gold and stainless steel or in classic stainless steel. Each model is presented with either a matching bracelet or a leather strap. Black, silvery white, or blue PVD dials are available depending on the model. The central hour and minute hands, as well as the chronograph hour and minute hands are luminescent. Applied hour indexes are also luminescent.

Overall, the Speedmaster ‘57 is a great option for those looking for a Speedmaster with the best current movement and a slight nod to the past. Not to mention, the two-register layout is awesome.