Comments:
Like Father, Like Son ... Speedmaster Mark II reborn
Don't let me mislead you. I didn't buy the watch. But I did have the chance to take photographs of it for your viewing pleasure.
Here's the original Speedmaster Mark II (mine) next to the 2014 re-edition (not mine).
The case is quite faithful to the original. If you don't pay attention to the date window, the spacing between the subdials and the writing underneath the logo, it would be quite hard to tell if this is vintage or re-edition.
Unlike the original Mark II where the tachymeter ring appears to be printed on the inside of the crystal, the re-edition has a separate tachymeter ring under the sapphire crystal but above the dial. Omega chose to lume the numbers but I was not in the position to turn the light off to see that effect.
The "Mark II" title is found only on the caseback and not on the dial.
We should be seeing more of this in the future. The system is the same as on the Ploprof but less crude and more discreet.
The sunray satin brush finish is amazing with the mirror polish immediately next to it. Simply amazing.
I was surprised to see how effective the anti-reflective coating is. This sapphire is flat and the flash was bounced down from the ceiling and yet it is almost invisible.
More information on the watch on Omega web site here...
www.omegawatches.com
I should have been able to show you this a bit earlier but, as always, work got in the way. I hope the close-ups are helpful to those of us who live hours away from a boutique or AD.
Ruckdee
Here's the original Speedmaster Mark II (mine) next to the 2014 re-edition (not mine).
The case is quite faithful to the original. If you don't pay attention to the date window, the spacing between the subdials and the writing underneath the logo, it would be quite hard to tell if this is vintage or re-edition.
Unlike the original Mark II where the tachymeter ring appears to be printed on the inside of the crystal, the re-edition has a separate tachymeter ring under the sapphire crystal but above the dial. Omega chose to lume the numbers but I was not in the position to turn the light off to see that effect.
The "Mark II" title is found only on the caseback and not on the dial.
We should be seeing more of this in the future. The system is the same as on the Ploprof but less crude and more discreet.
The sunray satin brush finish is amazing with the mirror polish immediately next to it. Simply amazing.
I was surprised to see how effective the anti-reflective coating is. This sapphire is flat and the flash was bounced down from the ceiling and yet it is almost invisible.
More information on the watch on Omega web site here...
www.omegawatches.com
I should have been able to show you this a bit earlier but, as always, work got in the way. I hope the close-ups are helpful to those of us who live hours away from a boutique or AD.
Ruckdee
Looks very nice, Ruckdee!
But to be honest, I perfer yours...
Thank you for sharing these photos.
Best
Blomman
You're welcome, amanico and blomman.
At the very least, for the re-edition, it is wise of Omega to put the date where it is rather than at 04:30 which I feel will be even more intrusive.
Ruckdee
Ruckdee
Precise and oncise information
as usual from you, Rudckee.
They are surprisingly similar! Great re edition of such an iconic model. I also prefer yours, and it looks really nice with the black strap.
Some weeks ago I had in my hands an original one from 1969 in a stunning condition and I was seriously tepted to gor for it but the Broad Arrow 57 re edition won. I know that for a purist vintage collector that may be considered a wrong move. Anyway, I feel that I am ready to correct my mistake...very soon.
Thank you very much for sharing, and for the grat pics
Kind regards
To tell you the truth, I am not a vintage collector.
All of my watches are contemporary except for the two given to me by my father (as you have most recently discovered on another site). Normally I would choose something I can wear without worry of damage from water or physical impact and such. I don't think you made any mistake as surely there is time for everything. For example, last year, I bought a watch I didn't think I would end up buying, after ten years of seeing it again and again at the dealers. Ten years! And only through a series of unexpected events that I bought the watch. I will share more on that when I have the time.
Thank you also for your kind words on the other reply. That's very kind of you.
Ruckdee
Thank you also for your kind words on the other reply. That's very kind of you.
Ruckdee
Thank you, Ruckdee
One of the main reasons why this model attracted me so much is excatly based in what you pointed out about vintage watches and how much care they need comapared to the modern ones. "Best of two worlds", as they say, combining the modern advantages with the vintage charm and design.
About "unexpected" acquisitions, I perfectly understand what you mean. I also found myself, after many years, interested in some watches that previously they were totally indifferent to me. That is a nice aspect of this hobby, as we always are discovering, or re discovering, new reasons to keep our love for watches.
I hope to know from you about the "Ten years after" acquisition!
Kind regards
After reading your excellent post
I was surfing on the web looking for more information about the Mark II and I found you again in your fantastic report in fratellowatches site about the Mark II and ,most important ,your nice and moving story about your father.
Thank you, Ruckdee, it´s been a pleasure reading it, beyond our the passion we share for watches.
Kind regards
Many thanks, Ruckdee, for the direct comparison . . .
. . . between generations. Perhaps we'll see a Mk II Professional in the not-too-distant future, which will make the issue even less cut and dried for vintage fans.
Best,
Art
I was very fortunate to be able to do that. Thank you for appreciation. [nt]
No message body
Thanks Ruckdee.
Excellent photos taken in dificult lighting conditions I'm sure. I think Omega have done some things brilliantly on the re-edition and some not so. The tachymeter under the crystal is a fantastic step forward, clearer and more hard wearing than the "painted on the inside" method of the original. The case finishing looks stunning in your close ups with faceted surfaces in places I would not have expected, like the corners of the hooded lugs etc.
What I like most on the original and re-edition Speedy MkII is the hands. This style of hands, which Omega used extensively in the seventies on the flightmaster, MkII, Chronostop and other watches are so appealing to my eye. To see them on a modern watch gives me great pleasure. When Rolex relaunched the Explorer II with the nods to the "frescione" or McQueen Explorer of the seventies I think it was a massive oportunity for them to have offered a watch without "Mercedes" hands. If Rolex had have made hands like those Omega has used on the new MkII (which were used on the McQueen ref Explorer II) it would have been so much nicer and true to their heritage. Omega has out done itself in this regard. I'm not so sure about the push-to-correct the date via stylus on this model. I tend to associate this method with perpetual calendars and other high complications. I hope it does not take away from the sportiness of the watch in the flesh.
Regards and thanks again, Zac
Interesting observations you have there, Zac.
I know you would like this piece quite easily. The price is not set to be liked by us oldtimers though. The numbers on the price tag is rather scary, at slightly "above" the Moonwatch Caliber 1863.
The recessed date correction button I think is not an aesthetic choice but was necessitated by the nature of that movement design. I wish I had more information on this movement but it appears to be quite elusive. But to address your concern, no, the sportiness of the watch was not affected because you will have to try to look for that button. It is nearly impossible to see once on the wrist.
Ruckdee
The recessed date correction button I think is not an aesthetic choice but was necessitated by the nature of that movement design. I wish I had more information on this movement but it appears to be quite elusive. But to address your concern, no, the sportiness of the watch was not affected because you will have to try to look for that button. It is nearly impossible to see once on the wrist.
Ruckdee
Great looking watch .
They should bring out a few more retro models , Flightmaster and Speedmaster MK IV .
It looks to be a constant stream now. And so far...
...the re-edition models they produce are found agreeable (to an extent) by vintage collectors and modern watch buyers alike. I hope they reproduce the watches you like soon. The Flightmaster should be especially well received, I would imagine.
Ruckdee
Ruckdee
Is great Ruckdee!
I love this Mark II re-edition! Thank you for sharing.
my Best Cordial Regards,
Armando