Is the Omega Speedmaster highly water resistant? Explaining the meaning of the performance indication

Can an Omega Speedmaster be used in everyday life, whether it's wet or for leisure activities at the beach? Let's learn about its basic water resistance to help you choose the one you like. We've also picked out recommended models from Speedmasters that are water resistant to 5 bar and 10 bar.

Water Resistance of the Omega Speedmaster

Omega's flagship Speedmaster is a chronograph originally designed for motorsports. It does not have the water resistance of a diving watch, and few people would buy it for diving.

However, you may be wondering how much water it can withstand in everyday life or for leisure activities, so let's take a look at the Speedmaster's water resistance.

The basic rule is that it is waterproof to 5 atmospheres or more.

Omega's Speedmaster is divided into the following series:

• ムーンウォッチ プロフェッショナル
• Heritage Models (Speedmaster '57, Caliber 321, Commemorative Models)
• Dark Side of the Moon
• Speedmaster 38mm
• 2 counters (Chronoscope, Super Racing, Moon Phase, Chrono Chime)
• Instruments (X-33 Marstimer, Skywalker X-33, X-33 Regatta)

Most of these models are water resistant to at least 5 bar. All models of the Moonwatch Professional and Dark Side of the Moon are water resistant to 5 bar.

Many heritage models, including the '57, are water resistant to 5 bar, while all Speedmaster 38mm models and 11 of the two-counter moon phase models are water resistant to 10 bar.

However, the instrument model and the two-counter "Chrono Chime" model are only water resistant to 3 atmospheres.

Types of waterproofing and their meanings

The water resistance of a watch is indicated in two ways: "bar" for general use and "m" for diving. Water resistance for general use (bar) is expressed in atmospheric pressure and is divided into the following two types.

• Water resistance for everyday use: 2 atmospheres or more
• Enhanced water resistance for everyday use: 5 atmospheres, 10 atmospheres, 20 atmospheres

If the watch is water resistant to 5 atmospheres or more, water will not get into the watch even if it gets splashed with water when washing your hands or gets slightly wet while playing water sports. If the watch is water resistant to 10 to 20 atmospheres, it can be used for light swimming and skin diving.

However, water resistance for general use does not reach the diving level indicated in meters. If you plan to wear a watch while diving, choose a watch with a water resistance rating of 100 meters or 200 meters, depending on the depth of your dive.

Speedmaster with 5 bar water resistance

If you're only concerned about getting wet in your daily life, a Speedmaster with 5 ATM water resistance will be sufficient. We'll introduce two different types of 5 ATM water resistant models.

ムーンウォッチ プロフェッショナル

Omega's flagship model, the Moonwatch Professional, is a series inspired by the fourth-generation Speedmaster carried on the Apollo 11 moon landing.

The Moonwatch Professional has a sapphire crystal crystal, as well as a sapphire crystal case back. The five-piece link bracelet is made of stainless steel.

The black dial features three subdials and an OMEGA applied logo, and the case back allows you to admire the Master Chronometer-certified movement when the watch is removed.

Speedmaster Super Racing

The Speedmaster Super Racing is the sportiest line of Speedmasters. Originally designed for motorsports, the Speedmaster Super Racing is made for professional car racing.

In 2023, a new Speedmaster Racing model equipped with new technology was released. It is called the Speedmaster Super Racing. This model is equipped with a movement that uses Omega's proprietary "Spirate System" technology, which overcomes the weaknesses of the balance spring and makes it easier to fine-tune the speed.

The contrast between the black dial and bezel and the vibrant yellow further enhances the watch's presence. The ceramic bezel is finished with yellow Grand Feu enamel, and the arrow-shaped indexes are filled with yellow Super-LumiNova (a luminous paint).

Speedmaster with 10 bar water resistance

If you're going to the beach with your Speedmaster, a watch with 10 bar water resistance is the safest option. Let's take a look at the Speedmaster models available with enhanced water resistance for everyday use.

Speedmaster 38mm

The Speedmaster 38mm series is a series in which all models are water resistant to 10 bar. As the name suggests, the case diameter is 38mm, which is small for a men's watch, making it suitable for women as well.

This model features a blue dial and stainless steel bracelet, giving it a refreshing and calm impression. The bezel ring, which features a tachymeter, is also made of blue aluminum, creating a unified look.

Another key feature is that the subdial at 6 o'clock and the date display are both oval-shaped. The two ovals overlap to create a unique design. The case back is engraved with the Seahorse, the Speedmaster's symbol.

Speedmaster '57

The Speedmaster '57 is a tribute to the Speedmaster, which was born in 1957, and comes in a slimmer style. It features a variety of color dials that exude luxury and a vintage-style bracelet.

The movement is the hand-wound chronograph "Cal. 9906" with a column wheel and coaxial escapement. It is a Master Chronometer certified model that is resistant to magnetic fields up to 15000 gauss, and is a model that embodies Omega's technology.

The Seamaster is the best Omega watch for diving

Even the Speedmaster, beloved for its high functionality, cannot withstand diving. If you want to enjoy serious diving with an Omega watch, you should choose the Seamaster, which is designed for divers.

High waterproof performance up to 6000m is also available

The current Seamaster models officially recommended by Omega as diver's watches are as follows:

• Diver 300M
• Seamaster 300
• Ploprof 1200M
• Planet Ocean 600M
• Planet Ocean Ultra Deep 6000M

The number after the series name indicates the diving water resistance. Diver 300M means that the watch can withstand use up to a depth of 300m.

Omega Seamaster Diver 300M
Automatic movement (Cal. 8800). 35 jewels. 28,800 vph. Power reserve approximately 55 hours. Stainless steel case (diameter 42mm, thickness 13.6mm). Water resistant to 30 bar. Price: 1,061,500 yen (tax included).

Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean
Automatic movement (Cal. 8900). 39 jewels. 28,800 vph. Power reserve approximately 60 hours. Stainless steel case (diameter 43.5mm, thickness 16.1mm). Water resistant to 60 bar. Price: 1,061,500 yen (tax included).

The Planet Ocean Ultra Deep series is known as the series worn by explorers who reached the deepest depths of the Mariana Trench. However, for normal diving, a water resistance of 100-200m is sufficient. With a Seamaster, it doesn't really matter which one you choose.

In addition to the above, the Aqua Terra, which is waterproof to 150m, is also popular.

Omega Seamaster Ploprof
Automatic movement (Cal. 8912). 38 jewels. 25,200 vph. Power reserve approximately 60 hours. Stainless steel case (55mm x 45mm, 15.5mm thick). Water resistant to 120 bar. Price: 2.2 million yen (tax included).

Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean Ultra Deep
Automatic winding (Cal. 8912). 38 jewels. 25,200 vph. Power reserve approximately 60 hours. Ti case (diameter 45.5 mm, thickness 18.1 mm). Water resistant to 600 bar. 2,090,000 yen (tax included).

Outstanding durability and visibility

The Seamaster is a watch designed with diving in mind. There are no concerns about its durability or legibility. All Seamaster models are Master Chronometer certified and have even passed tests to withstand shocks equivalent to 5000G.

The shapes of the indexes and hands have also been devised to make it easier to read the time in the depths of the ocean. By keeping decoration to a minimum and using arrow and wedge shapes, visibility is improved.

The Speedmaster is also great for leisure activities at sea

Although the Omega Speedmaster is not specifically designed for divers, it is water resistant to 5-10 atmospheres, making it suitable for everyday use. It can be used without problems if it gets wet in everyday life, or even when lightly splashed with water during leisure activities at the sea. However, some models are water resistant to 3 atmospheres, so it's best to check carefully before purchasing.

If you're planning on diving, the Seamaster is an option. Just like the Speedmaster, the Seamaster offers a wide range of high-performance watches, so it's best to choose one that suits your needs.