We're talking about the use of tomography in order to replicate every single part on a 1-1 basis. Aside from the 1005.003 being a perfect candidate for their 321, they had decided to use Gene Cernan's own 105.003 to model the new movement. * First Omega In Space - tribute to Wally Schirra's private CK2998 Speedmaster.īut Omega chose this reference to model their first (new) steel-encased 321 reference. It was however (and obviously) not the first reference to use the 321, nor the last. The 105.003 also happens to be the last of the "pre-Professional" Speedmasters. During that period, there were many firsts for the Speedmaster, including the FOIS* So why nickname it the "Ed White"? Because Omega chose to model this new Speedmaster after the 105.003 reference which was worn by Ed White during his 1965 Gemini IV EVA. It's quickly evident that the original straight-lugged, ~39mm Speedmaster case is the perfect home for the 321, which powered the very first Speedmaster released in 1957 up until Omega switched to the 861 to power the (now "Professional") Speedmaster in 1968. most production and limited-edition Speedmasters released in the past two decades have been Speedmaster Professionals, with it's familiar lyre lugs and 42mm asymmetrical case (c/o crown guards). With exceptions like the FOIS*, "Speedmaster 60th", etc. Yes, the 321 steel Speedmaster was finally here and very much a "Speedmaster" in every sense of the word. boom! There it was, the one many of us had been waiting for, the "Calibre 321 Chronograph 39.7 MM", aka the new "Ed White"! correction, we all knew that Omega would have to eventually release a 321 steel Speedmaster! The New Year came and by now, much like Pavlov's dogs, we were all salivating in anticipation of each and every Speedy Tuesday in January. The 321 platinum was Omega's third big Speedmaster release in 2019 so it was looking less and less likely that Omega would release a steel 321 in the same year.īut I knew. A beautiful watch indeed, just not one for me for a number of reasons (including but not limited to, the price tag). The 321 finally made it's appearance in July (2019) when Omega released the 321 Platinum. So by then, it was a given that the steel 50th would also have the 3861. Omega did release the 50th in March (2019), but it was in "Moonshine" gold, not platinum and it was powered by Omega's latest generation Speedmaster movement, the 3861. Knowing however that we were about to celebrate the Apollo 11's 50th, I figured Omega might use the 321 and release both platinum & steel versions. A very logical move by Omega, but alas, bad news for me and all the other steel-watch lovers. A few weeks after the news of the 321 broke, there were already rumors that the first watch that would have the honor of being powered by this iconic caliber would be in Platinum. Once I heard the news, I knew I had to have it! But of course, Omega would need to house this most awesome caliber in a Speedmaster before we could even begin to think about something that could be (pre-) ordered and for me, that would have to be a steel Speedmaster. *In large part through our friends at Fratello Watches In Jan 2019 and again on a Speedy Tuesday, Omega blew us all away with the announcement* that the venerable calibre 321 would be making a return! For me, that little journey ended up lasting just shy of a year. on another amazing adventure! It was on a "Speedy Tuesday" back in Jan 2017 that sent me (and 2011 other Speedmaster fans) on an exciting journey to procure the now-iconic Speedy Tuesday reference.
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