Comments:
It's not only the incorporation of a co-axial escapement . . .
. . . that renders this third-generation Speedmaster movement compelling - it's also resistant to magnetism and, in a nod to vintage sensibilities, the resonant frequency has been lowered to 3 Hz, same as cal 1861/1863. Hash marks indicating a third of a second will mirror the sweep of the chrono hand.
Up until now most movements incorporating a co-axial escapement have been tuned to 4 or 3.5 Hz. Many watchmakers don't have timing equipment that permit accurate testing (3.5 Hz tuning is unique to Omega). It's noteworthy that cal 3861 movements can be accurately assessed by any watchmaker. Whether they can work on them is another issue, but at least an owner will be able to visit his local watchmaker and receive a meaningful timing sheet.
Art
Correct subsecond markings, like on all Omega chronos, make it very sensible and actually useful.
Many, nearly all, go for the traditional five marks and only for design reasons, regardless the beat ratio of the movement.
It’s no different than all the small details that make a difference in vintage Rolex collecting
There is an element of scholarship to it, and in this case a nod to nostalgia
Yes, I get that part but...
Why does it matter one way or another on a new mass produced watch? Would this new watch sell more with a dot over 90 bezel? Seems to me that they should have left that "feature" to live on the 321 because this new model is just as nice with a dot near 90 bezel.
To be fair, i don’t get the fascination with flat 4’s or long f’s on a sub.. probably a collector thing :-) (nt)
..
Back when Speedmasters weren't as sought after as they are now . . .
. . . watchmakers usually replaced bezels (and dials, hands, and pushers) with parts in current inventory. When 'dot over ninety' bezels were replaced by 'dot near ninety' ~ '69, a watchmaker who needed to order a replacement accepted whatever Omega sent. So an early model with a damaged dial and bezel would end up with service parts that didn't replicate their original appearance.
That's essentially why Omega collectors obsess over details: they confirm originality. Of course, there's a thriving trade in used bezels, dials, hands, and pushers so the owner of an adulterated Speedy can return it to its original appearance.
Think of it this way: Sophia Loren with a tattoo on her forehead is still a beautiful woman. But once you see the tat, you can't get it out of your mind. It's the same with a DNN bezel on a 105.012.
;-)
Thanks, Art. Some of my older watches have had parts replaced with so-called "updated" parts.
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