What is the appeal of the Omega Speedmaster Automatic? Types and Features Explained

The Speedmaster, which was born in 1957, is a series that is synonymous with Omega. With high magnetic resistance and shock resistance, the Speedmaster has released various series for over half a century. This time, we will introduce the features and types of the Speedmaster Automatic.

What kind of watch is the Speedmaster Automatic?

Omega is known as a luxury watch brand. Among the many watches it makes, the Speedmaster, which was launched in 1957, is one of Omega's signature series.

The Speedmaster Automatic is one of the Speedmaster series. To appreciate the appeal of the Speedmaster Automatic, let's take a look at what kind of watch this series is.

About the Speedmaster

The Speedmaster rose to fame when it was the only watch to pass NASA's tests to select watches suitable for use in outer space in 1964. Omega's Speedmaster was the only watch to survive the rigorous tests, which included extreme temperature differences, air pressure, shocks, and vibrations.

The following year, in 1965, NASA adopted the Speedmaster as standard equipment, and its performance has been improved with the expectation that astronauts will continue to wear it even after the 2000s.

The Speedmaster is a series that is loved by a wide range of customers, with many models released that are tough enough to be used for both business and personal purposes, and are NASA-approved.

About the Omega Speedmaster Automatic

In the long history of the Speedmaster, the Speedmaster Automatic is a latecomer, first appearing in the late 1980s. It was created as a more popular version of the Speedmaster Professional.

The Speedmaster Automatic is fundamentally different from previous Speedmasters in that it is equipped with an automatic movement.

This makes them relatively easy to use in everyday situations, and while the size is based on the Professional model, they are generally around 37 to 40 mm in diameter, which is slightly smaller than the Professional model.

The designs of the subdials and dials have been arranged in a variety of ways, from those based on the traditional Speedmaster to sporty designs with racing names, as well as those with moon phases and those for women.

The Omega Speedmaster Automatic: A Masterpiece

There are many different models of the Speedmaster Automatic, but here we will introduce some of the most popular and functional models.

Ref. 3510.50

The Ref. 3510.50 is a model equipped with an automatic movement that is descended from the Speedmaster Mark III (176.002) that was born in the 1970s. When talking about the Speedmaster Automatic, many people cite this model, making it a representative model.

The crystal is made of reinforced plastic and its dome shape makes it less likely to reflect light from any angle. Unlike the Speedmaster Mark III 176.002, it has a retro and simple design similar to the Moonwatch, and has a similar feel to the Professional Series.

The movement is ETA Cal. 3220, the bracelet and case are made of stainless steel, and it is designed to be more affordable than the Professional.

Ref. 3513.50

This is the second generation model of the Speedmaster Automatic Date, which adds a date display function.

The movement is ETA Cal. 1152, has a power reserve of approximately 44 hours, is water resistant to 50m, and uses sapphire crystal for the crystal.

The black dial is a classic Speedmaster design. It is an orthodox type that is easy for Speedmaster beginners to get their hands on, and it remains very popular even though it has been discontinued.

Reference 323 series

Models starting with the Ref. 323, released around 2008, used the Cal. 3304, a movement based on the ETA 7753. From this series onwards, the subdials were arranged in three rows horizontally, similar to the Speedmaster Professional. The dial is typically black, but a white dial is also available.

With a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, 100m water resistance, and a power reserve of approximately 48 hours, it is an evolution of previous Speedmaster Automatics.

Speedmaster 38 Co-Axial Chronometer Chronograph

The current model in the lineup is the Speedmaster 38 Co-Axial Chronometer Chronograph. As the model name suggests, it has a small 38mm case and is equipped with the in-house movement, Cal. 3330.

Cal. 3330 uses Omega's unique coaxial escapement, which reduces mechanical friction to stabilize accuracy and extend maintenance cycles.

Currently, the Speedmaster 38 series includes models for both women and unisex, such as those with diamond bezels and taupe colors.

A masterpiece that has left its mark in Speedmaster history

The Speedmaster Automatic is a series of watches in the historic Speedmaster collection that features automatic winding, and is suitable for a wide range of occasions, including business and personal use.

Compared to the Professional Series, various innovations have been made to reduce costs, but this does not diminish the pride of the Speedmaster.

The Speedmaster Automatic, which has the characteristics of the Speedmaster and has spawned many variations, will continue to carve its name into Omega's history.