2022 was a great year for Omega. Not only did it mark the start of the MoonSwatch frenzy, but the brand also unveiled its most complicated movement ever in the Chrono Chime. Now, to start off 2023 with a bang, it has presented the Omega Speedmaster Super Racing, which features an incredible new standard of accuracy thanks to a one-of-a-kind mechanism that allows for ultra-fine rate adjustments – the SpirateTM System.
The mechanics
Delving straight into the mechanics, the Omega Speedmaster Super Racing features a SpirateTM System – Spirate being a portmanteau of ‘spiral’ and ‘rate’ – which allows for ultra-fine rate adjustments. Thanks to the patent-pending spiral, it is possible to achieve a precision of only 0/+2 seconds a day. This is done with the help of a new Si14 balance spring, which allows the watchmaker to act on the stiffness of the hairspring’s attachment point through an adjustment mechanism with flexible bearings located on the balance bridge. More efficient than the free-sprung balance, its fine-tuning can be done quickly and easily at an Omega boutique.
This new approach has been housed in the new Co-Axial Master Chronometer 9920, which also has the METAS certification. The brand’s long-term plan is to introduce the new SpirateTM System into many other calibres.
The new mechanism follows in a long line of technical developments at Omega, starting with the Co-Axial Escapement in 1999, followed by the Si14 Silicon Balance Spring in 2008, and the 2013 Seamaster Aqua Terra >15’000 GAUSS, with the world’s first truly anti-magnetic movement.
The watch
A mechanism such as this deserves a spanking new watch, and for that reason, it has been housed in the 44.25mm stainless steel Omega Speedmaster Super Racing. Deriving its aesthetics to a large extent from the 2013 anti-magnetic Seamaster Aqua Terra >15’000 GAUSS, the watch is cast in yellow and black, with the dial set against a honeycomb pattern. Surrounding the dial is a racing-style minute-track and a black ceramic bezel ring with the tachymeter scale in yellow ‘grand feu’ enamel. The shade also appears on the gradient chronograph hand, the striped small seconds, and the 12-hour counter, which also doubles up as a second timezone.
There is a date window at 6 o’clock, in which the number ‘10’ appears in the same font as the ‘Speedmaster’ in deference to the anniversary of the Seamaster Aqua Terra >15’000 GAUSS. The arrow-head indexes and pencil-shaped hands are filled with yellow Super-LumiNova, which emits a yellow glow.
Turn the watch over and you can see the movement and the adjustment mechanism on the balance bridge. The watch is water resistant to 50 meters, and comes with a NATO strap in recycled nylon in yellow and black. Furthermore, the watch comes in a honeycomb pattern Speedmaster watch box in black with yellow stitching.
Images: Courtesy Omega
