Omega Relaunches Caliber 321 Movement
Manufacture

Omega Relaunches Caliber 321 Movement

By HSTE · Jan 8, 2019 · 45 replies
HSTE
WPS member · Omega forum
45 replies11770 views1 photos
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HSTE provides a comprehensive update on Omega's decision to relaunch its iconic Caliber 321 movement, outlining key facts and production details. This highly anticipated return, reverse-engineered from Gene Cernan's Apollo 17 watch, signals a significant move by Omega to reintroduce a legendary movement with artisanal production methods.

Here briefly some of the facts:

- the new cal 321 has been reverse engineered by having put the watch of Gene Cernan into a CT scanner
- the watch that Gene Cernan wore during the Apollo 17 Mission was a ref. 105.003 with the second generation cal. 321
- the project to recreate the new cal. 321 was called internally "Alaska 11"
- the new 321 will be an identical reproduction of the original 321, i.e. no MEATS certification etc.
- the only difference is the "Copper colored" parts have been PVD plated with Sedna Gold (as the original Copper plated pars were discoloring over time)
- the new cal. 321 will be entirely produced in-house in Biel/Bienne. This is a novelty, currently all other movements come pre-assembled into the new factory
- all cal. 321 and all watches with the cal. 321 inside will be assembled in the "artisan" way, i.e. one watchmaker will assemble the entire movement and watch (dedicated, separate workshop)
- due to the nature of this production process, Omega will only be able to produce a (relatively) small number of cal. 321 and of watches with the 321 inside per year
- the new cal. 321 will not be a "limited edition" Concept
- the new cal. 321 will not be introduced with the 50 years Apollo 11 special edition that is expected for 2019
- the new cal. 321 will be launched in a Special Chronograph watch Edition; it will be something in gold. It will most probably be something "limited" at launch

Cheers, HSTE




About the Omega Speedmaster Ref. CK2998

The Omega CK2998 is a chronograph model recognized for its robust design and functional aesthetic. It belongs to a lineage of chronographs that established a distinct visual identity for the brand, characterized by a clear and legible dial layout. This reference is notable for its early adoption of a tachymeter scale on the bezel, a feature that would become a hallmark of many subsequent sports chronographs.

This reference features a 39 mm stainless steel case, housing the manual-winding Caliber 321. This movement provides a power reserve of 45 hours. The watch is fitted with a Hesalite crystal and offers a water resistance of 60 meters. The fixed tachymeter bezel is a key design element, framing a black dial.

The CK2998 holds interest for collectors seeking early examples of Omega's chronograph development. Its design elements, including the case proportions and dial configuration, represent a significant period in the brand's history. The presence of the Caliber 321 further enhances its appeal among enthusiasts of vintage chronograph movements.

Specifications

Caliber
321
Case
Stainless steel
Diameter
39 mm
Dial
Black
Water Resist.
60m
Crystal
Hesalite

Key Points from the Discussion

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The Discussion
PR
Prodyutb
Jan 8, 2019

Expected in 2019 for some time but didnt think it would actually happen!

BL
blomman Mr Blue
Jan 8, 2019

Looking forward to more information! Can it be connected to the 50 th Anniversary of the Moon landing...?! Best Blomman

CT
ctzn
Jan 8, 2019

Surprised, but not that much. I guess they didn't have many other options if they really wanted to nail the 50th anniversary.

SU
Subexplorer
Jan 8, 2019

... and they are making the announcement there! An exiting launch I feel ! Can’t wsit to know ehich ate the new models which will be employing this new 321 caliber. Most probably a Conmemorative of the 50th year of Moon Landing! Look forward to more news! Abel

NO
Nono01
Jan 8, 2019

...this would be cool. I wonder how this would affect vintage Speedy's. In any case, If they would drop something witch is very very similar to 'Cernan', my wallet would be very unhappy

MA
mahesh
Jan 8, 2019

Thanks for sharing. Best, Mahesh.,

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