Omega has unveiled the Speedmaster Pilot, a contemporary homage to the 1957 Speedmaster, originally celebrated by pilots for its durability and clarity. This new iteration reflects Omega’s storied connection to aviation and incorporates features designed for today’s discerning aviators.
The Speedmaster Pilot is housed in a 40.85 mm x 14.7 mm stainless steel case. Its symmetrical design, complemented by brushed surfaces to reduce reflections, ensures practicality and elegance. The watch is paired with a flat-links steel bracelet featuring Omega’s patented screw-and-pin system for durability and easy adjustment. Alternatively, a grey NATO strap made with KEVLAR threads is included for versatility.
The cockpit-inspired matte-black dial boasts a grained finish, surrounded by a rhodium-colored outer ring. Two subdials enhance its functionality and visual appeal. At 3 o’clock, the 60-minute and 12-hour counter mimics a cockpit “burn rate” indicator with a triangular matte-orange hand. At 9 o’clock, the small seconds display features a varnished matte-yellow hand and an artificial horizon in blue, evoking a target sight aesthetic. Large hour markers and black PVD-coated hands are treated with white Super-LumiNova, providing excellent visibility with a green glow in low light. The central chronograph hand, with its orange airplane tip, reinforces the aviation theme.
The bezel, fitted with a matte aluminum ring, maintains its Speedmaster lineage with a “Dot Over Ninety” and “Diagonal to Seventy” tachymeter scale. The solid caseback, engraved with the iconic Seahorse medallion, conceals the METAS-certified Calibre 9900 movement. The Speedmaster Pilot is powered by the self-winding Co-Axial Master Chronometer Calibre 9900. This movement, resistant to magnetic fields up to 15,000 gauss, ensures precision and reliability. With a frequency of 4 Hz (28,800 vibrations per hour) and dual barrels mounted in series, it delivers a 60-hour power reserve. Certified by METAS, the movement sets a high standard for performance.
Omega’s history with aviation dates back to World War II, when it supplied over 110,000 timepieces to Britain’s Ministry of Defence. These watches, renowned for their magnetic resistance, were essential for pilots operating near powerful engines. By 1957, the Speedmaster gained popularity among U.S. Air Force pilots, and in 1969, the bold Flightmaster was introduced to meet the needs of aviators and travelers alike. In August 2024, it was revealed that Omega had developed a similar exclusive model for U.S. military pilots, available only to certified aviators. This underscores Omega’s enduring commitment to aviation excellence.
The Speedmaster Pilot comes in a special travel pouch, complete with a strap-changing tool and NATO strap. Priced at $9,500, this model blends aviation-inspired aesthetics with modern watchmaking excellence, making it a remarkable addition to Omega’s iconic Speedmaster collection.
