Omega Speedmaster remains key collection, rooted in mid-century design. Provenance in classic, modern styles, with legibility and elegance. | Omega

Review: (Almost) one month with the Speedmaster Pilot

The Speedmaster is still, even considering the rising interest in the seamaster recently, by far the most important collection within the Omega Lineup. While many luxury brands made a lot of money out of their 70s or 80s Sports watches (think: IWC, Chopard, PP, VC, AP), its telling that Omega, a company that caters more to the mass market sells sports watches - just like Rolex - that have their roots in mid century watch design (50s-60s) and not in that later, rather funky period.

I think it is really interesting that Omega never really tried so sell that 70s-sports- luxury-watch design since they had many variants of the Speedmaster (thinking of the Mk. 4..) that would fit right into this style. They tried this in fact, in the 2010s, but failed with it big time and stayed with the either classic or modern designs ever since.

When Omega introduced the Speedmaster Pilot, they probably got as close as omega will get to producing a Speedmaster with that 70s or 80s feel to it. I personally loved this reference from the very first moment because of the second time zone, the military connection and the very nice dial finish.

So i contacted my OB right after the introduction of this model and Omega beeing Omega was able to sell it to me immediately after the release. Even though all my prior watch purchases were very rational and long planned, i like the fact that i can have an impulse buy if i want to.

So almost one month after buying this watch i have to say that i dont regret this purchase at all. The watch feels extremly elegant, the dial finish is superb (the brushed metal ring in particular almost bring VC Overseas vibes) and the legibility is amazing. Really, no other watch in my collection comes even close. You will be able to read the time in every possible situation. Another plus of the excessive use of lume is that the hands and markers in sunlight get a yellowish-green hue that complements the rich dial colors really well.

So, there is a lot to like:

+ great legibility

+ amazing finish on the bracelet

+ the dial finish feels toolish and luxury at the same time

+ maybe the best movement you can get under 10 grand

+ superb and still subtle use of colors that match each other very well (the numerals of the bezel and the brushed dial finish, the use of bright colors, the texture of the main dial... in the flesh, it just looks superb)

+ great proportions. I have a flat wrist and the watch has amazing proportions - not what 100s of people wrote in the internet comment sections everywhere. This watch feels great on the wrist. It has presence and is still elegant imo.

+ it goes with many different natos and straps and will always look good.

But not everything is perfect, though:

- the case finish is way below the level of the bracelet finish and looks a bit too raw for my taste

- poor QC (the chronograph hand is slightly off and there are grey stains on the case)

- The writing flight qualified is so silly when there is absolutely zero information about that "qualification"

In the end, i am very happy that i made such a risky decision to buy this watch without thinking about it for months before. This seems to be the favorite watch of my modest and rather small collection (1 Patek, 2 Rolex, 3 Omegas). A watch that i will keep forever, for sure. What do you think?

💰1882 Marketplace Listings for Rolex›Omega Seamaster · 1 for sale · 7822 discussions›

Thanks for posting. I’m still waiting to get mine as the oven started to flow over here I believe.

By: Chronometer (aka yacomino) : January 13th, 2025-18:46

Thank you! Keep us updated once you get yours :)

By: Reuven Malter : January 14th, 2025-16:37

Thanks for this nice review.

By: quattro : January 13th, 2025-19:04

It is a good looking Speedy, playful, colourful, sporty, lively.

Well said, on point! And i think its timeless. Comparing to the new meteorite speedmaster ;)

By: Reuven Malter : January 14th, 2025-16:37

The Pilot blends design elements of the 911 Flightmaster with . . .

By: Dr No : January 13th, 2025-19:27

. . . Mk 4.5, Mk 40, and Racing Speedmasters. Why go thru the hassles of vintage when Omega offers a ready-made solution? ...

I personally would rather buy a 60s speedmaster or the 90s Mk 40, but no 70s Speedmasters for me.

By: Reuven Malter : January 14th, 2025-16:40

I'd love to look and these though, maybe we will see some here on watchprosite. Thank you for your comment!

Many thanks for the great review and pictures.

By: GWIS : January 13th, 2025-19:53

For me it’s just a fun and interesting watch. Once the hype dies down a bit I will have to visit an Omega boutique and try it on. All the best, Jon

Jon, thank you for the comment. Let me know what you think once you visited your ob. All the best

By: Reuven Malter : January 14th, 2025-16:41

For me it's the most exciting Omega release since...

By: blau : January 13th, 2025-20:06

Well, since I'm not sure how long. In a while!

For me, since the Snoopy :)) Like it much more then the White Speedmaster, for example. Thanks for your comment!

By: Reuven Malter : January 14th, 2025-16:42

Thanks for your post. I think a lot of us have interest in this one.

By: MichaelC : January 13th, 2025-20:45

I'm sorry to read about the chrono needle. That drives me crazy. My recently received Snow White came with all hands well aligned, and I find it very impressive, the quality normally delivered by Omega. Please continue to enjoy this unique Beast!

Thank you, i was reading your posts and was happy that you, owning many really nice watches, like the speedmaster as well

By: Reuven Malter : January 14th, 2025-16:44

Thanks for reading my post

I've liked this since first seeing a picture of it. Usually I prefer the colorful option (my MKII reissue is the one with orange highlights, my green glass Milgauss also with orange). I didn't even

By: InDebtButOnTime : January 13th, 2025-23:17

realize this has a 2nd time zone until now. Asked my SA about it before Christmas at local boutique ... "no we haven't received one yet". Asked same SA again a few days ago..."we've had three, as soon as they arrive they get bought". I'm trying to be like...

Oh wow you got the Mk 2? I love this one very much and was quite sad when i couldnt get one from the boutique. The case is just really cool.

By: Reuven Malter : January 14th, 2025-16:48

Do you wear it regularly?

Sorry for the late response but no not "regularly" because it has an amazing satin finish on it's difficult to finish case (like my Rio Bullhead!) but when I do wear it I really enjoy it. ;-)

By: InDebtButOnTime : January 16th, 2025-17:14

...

Thanks for this comprehensive review! and thanks for admitting the slightly negative side (chrono hand is a scandal!). Best, E.

By: eklektik : January 16th, 2025-14:51

Thank you! I must say the stains on the case (maybe paste from polishing?!) did bother me much more, but obviously for many people the handaligment is a big issue!

By: Reuven Malter : January 17th, 2025-23:20

Omega

Review: (Almost) one month with the Speedmaster Pilot

Review: (Almost) one month with the Speedmaster Pilot

You're killing me. I'm on a diet- both food and watches.

I'm sorry Doug :-)

I like Omega’s execution with watch, it’s colorful and interesting.

Agreed! Thanks for looking Larry!

Thanks for posting. I’m still waiting to get mine as the oven started to flow over here I believe.

Thank you! Keep us updated once you get yours :)

Thanks for this nice review.

Well said, on point! And i think its timeless. Comparing to the new meteorite speedmaster ;)

The Pilot blends design elements of the 911 Flightmaster with . . .

I personally would rather buy a 60s speedmaster or the 90s Mk 40, but no 70s Speedmasters for me.

Many thanks for the great review and pictures.

Jon, thank you for the comment. Let me know what you think once you visited your ob. All the best

For me it's the most exciting Omega release since...

For me, since the Snoopy :)) Like it much more then the White Speedmaster, for example. Thanks for your comment!

Thanks for your post. I think a lot of us have interest in this one.

Thank you, i was reading your posts and was happy that you, owning many really nice watches, like the speedmaster as well

I've liked this since first seeing a picture of it. Usually I prefer the colorful option (my MKII reissue is the one with orange highlights, my green glass Milgauss also with orange). I didn't even

Oh wow you got the Mk 2? I love this one very much and was quite sad when i couldnt get one from the boutique. The case is just really cool.

Sorry for the late response but no not "regularly" because it has an amazing satin finish on it's difficult to finish case (like my Rio Bullhead!) but when I do wear it I really enjoy it. ;-)

Thank you for sharing the details!

Dear Patrick, thank you for reading :)

Definitely! Always love a good and thorough and impartial review.

Thanks for this comprehensive review! and thanks for admitting the slightly negative side (chrono hand is a scandal!). Best, E.

Thank you! I must say the stains on the case (maybe paste from polishing?!) did bother me much more, but obviously for many people the handaligment is a big issue!