posted 01-08-2019 11:20 AM               

3... 2... 1... We have lift-off!

OMEGA reintroduces the iconic Calibre 321

If you ask most watch fans to name a famous movement they'd like to see reborn, you're bound to hear them mention the OMEGA Calibre 321. This robust and elegant chronograph movement has been a favourite since the 1940s and is still highly sought-after by watch collectors around the world. Now, more than 50 years after the last Calibre 321 was produced, OMEGA is bringing the iconic movement back.

Known for its beautifully intricate design, the original Calibre 321 earned a notable place in history. It was used in a variety of models including the Speedmaster ST 105.003 (the model first tested and qualified by NASA and worn by astronaut Ed White during the first American spacewalk) and the Speedmaster ST 105.012 (the first watch worn on the moon).

Reintroducing a movement with such an important reputation must therefore be done with the utmost exactness. For the Calibre 321 project, OMEGA utilised a dedicated team of experts who worked efficiently over two years and in total secrecy to bring the movement to life. The small group was composed of researchers, developers and historians, as well as the finest craftsmen and experienced watchmakers.

Using the 2nd generation Calibre 321 as a reference, the OMEGA team compiled extensive historical research and original plans to reconstruct the movement as accurately as possible. Going even further, they also used digital scanning technology to see inside the true Speedmaster ST 105.003 timepiece that astronaut Eugene "Gene" Cernan wore on the moon during the Apollo 17 mission in 1972.

As a result, even the most unique and iconic parts of the Calibre 321 have been reborn in respect to their authentic specifications. The new movements will now go into production at OMEGA's HQ site in Bienne. Uniquely, all aspects of creation will be undertaken within a dedicated Calibre 321 workshop. For each movement, the assembly, as well as the watch head and bracelet assembly will be performed by the same watchmaker. Watch fans can expect more developments and news in the coming months.

posted 01-08-2019 03:42 PM               

This movement will not be used in a limited edition watch, but there will be a limitation in production for the reasons stated above. Omega revealed that there will be something in gold, for sure. Also, this movement will not be used in any of the upcoming Apollo 11 Limited Edition models in 2019.

posted 07-22-2019 05:39 AM               

Earlier this year, OMEGA announced the long-awaited return of its iconic Calibre 321. On the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 lunar landing, the brand has proudly unveiled the first new Speedmaster Moonwatch to house the movement. And it will be available this winter!

...another very notable feature is the three meteorite subdials. In tribute to the Speedmaster's lunar history, OMEGA has used real slices of moon meteorite, providing a genuine link to the Calibre 321, which has powered every Speedmaster ever worn on the moon.

For fans wishing to own a genuine piece of Moonwatch history, as well as a genuine piece of the moon itself, this chronograph should be high on their wish list.

posted 07-28-2019 08:19 PM               

OMEGA has used real slices of moon meteorite, providing a genuine link to the Calibre 321, which has powered every Speedmaster ever worn on the moon.

posted 07-28-2019 11:31 PM               

When the watch was re-certified for space shuttle missions, it was powered by the 861 movement. The current 1861 was such a minimal improvement to the 861 movement, that apparently no additional certification was required.

posted 01-07-2020 08:31 AM               

The Speedmaster Moonwatch 321 Stainless Steel

The legendary OMEGA Speedmaster is one of the world's most iconic timepieces, having played a role in all six lunar missions. Powering this stainless steel model is the famous Calibre 321, the driving force behind the chronograph's extraordinary space history.

In early 2019, OMEGA announced the long-awaited return of its iconic Calibre 321. Soon after, in July of the same year, the Swiss watchmaker unveiled the first new timepiece to house the movement – a Moonwatch in platinum.

Next in line for legendary status is OMEGA's 321-powered Speedmaster in steel.

In 1965, when astronaut Edward White became the first American to walk in space he was wearing the Speedmaster ST 105.003. OMEGA's latest offering takes inspiration from that famous model.

The 39.70 mm case in stainless steel, influenced by the same 3rd generation style that Ed White wore, features a bezel ring in polished black ceramic [ZrO2] with a tachymeter scale in white enamel. Gracing the black step dial are the familiar Moonwatch hands, small seconds sub-dial, 30-minute recorder and 12-hour recorder, and central chronograph hand.

Collectors will be thrilled to see the addition of the iconic "Dot over Ninety" and other respectful nods to the past, including vintage OMEGA logos throughout the design. Of course, a movement as beautiful as the 321 should be visible at all times, so owners can admire the iconic Calibre through the sapphire crystal caseback.

Known for its beautifully intricate design, the original Calibre 321 was the first movement ever used in the OMEGA Speedmaster in 1957. As well as powering Ed White's spacewalk Speedmaster referenced above, the famous movement drove the Speedmaster ST 105.012, better known as the first watch worn on the Moon.

After extensive research and reconstruction in a dedicated workshop, the Calibre 321 was recreated in-line with its original specifications, and released in time for the 50th anniversary of the first lunar landing.

It is now the driving force behind not one, but two Moonwatch models, including this spectacular new OMEGA Speedmaster in steel.

posted 07-21-2020 07:08 AM               

Landing for the Moon Anniversary!

Celebrating the launch of OMEGA's 321-powered Moonwatch

51 years ago this July, the astronauts of Apollo 11 were taking the first ever human footsteps onto the moon. Inside the crew's OMEGA Speedmaster watches, was the now-famous Calibre 321, a movement that not only became legendary that day, but also returned for every lunar landing in history.

This year, OMEGA has expertly recreated the Calibre 321 in its 2nd generation form, and included it in a very special timepiece known as the Speedmaster Moonwatch 321 Stainless Steel. While this exciting news was released earlier in 2020, OMEGA is proud to announce that the watch is now ready to wear on Earth.

The non-limited timepiece offers a genuine connection to space history, as well as a movement that has long been cherished and sought-after by watch collectors and aficionados around the world.

The 39.70 mm case has been crafted in stainless steel, and is influenced by another piece of Speedmaster space heritage - the 3rd generation style that was worn during America's first space walk in 1965. The design also includes a bezel ring in polished black ceramic [ZrO2] with a tachymeter scale in white enamel, as well as the iconic "Dot over Ninety". Gracing the black step dial are the familiar Moonwatch hands, along with a vintage OMEGA logo.

Of course, through the sapphire crystal caseback, owners will be able to admire the Calibre 321 itself. It took two years of extensive research and reconstruction to bring this movement back to life, including the use of tomography (a digital scanning method) to see inside the true OMEGA Speedmaster worn by astronaut Eugene "Gene" Cernan during the Apollo 17 mission in 1972.

Each of today's new movements has been recreated to the authentic specifications of the original, and assembled within OMEGA's dedicated Calibre 321 workshop. There's perhaps no better way for watch fans to celebrate humankind's most famous achievements beyond Earth.

posted 12-21-2020 10:31 AM               

There are only two things holding me back from pulling the trigger and, as you you've guessed, I'm talking about availability and price. None of the local ADs have the item in stock and if they did retail would be 14,000 US dollars.

posted 01-04-2022 10:33 AM               

OMEGA Begins 2022 With A New Speedmaster

For the first major release of 2022, OMEGA is introducing a new Speedmaster Calibre 321, complete with vintage details and a beautiful design in 18K Canopus Gold.

When this legendary collection was first launched in 1957, it changed the face of chronograph watchmaking forever. Created for professional racing car drivers, the watch was perfectly readable and easy to use, and was also the first in the world to feature a tachymeter scale on the bezel, as opposed to on the dial. This feature was ideal for timing average speeds on the track, and complemented the watch's sturdy, highly-precise and water-resistant design.

Taking inspiration from that very first Speedmaster, known as the CK2915-1, today's release marks the collection's 65th anniversary with a unique 38.6 mm case that has been crafted in 18K Canopus Gold. This exclusive material is OMEGA's own white gold alloy and is distinguished by its high brilliance, whiteness and longevity. Watch connoisseurs will also be able to pick out the NAIAD symbol on the watch's crown, which was specifically used to reference water-resistance in some of the first CK2915 models.

For the ultimate contrast, the watch has been given a deep black onyx dial with an applied vintage OMEGA logo and typography featuring an oval "O" - a detail that was typical for the first CK2915 models. There are also 18K white gold hands and indexes with a Canopus Gold PVD treatment and the three classic Speedmaster subdials including a small seconds display, 30-minute recorder and 12-hour recorder, along with the central chronograph function.

Of course, the famous tachymeter scale is there too. On the bezel, it has been filled with black "Grand Feu" enamel, and if you look closely, you'll also see two of the original Speedmaster's most collector-worthy details: the famous dot over ninety (DON) and a dot diagonal to seventy.

Perhaps most sought-after of all is the famous movement inside the watch. The Calibre 321 was the original movement used inside the Speedmaster in 1957. It also powered the watches worn during the Apollo missions, including all of history's six moon landings. Since 2019, OMEGA has brought the Calibre 321 back into production, carefully retaining all the authentic specifications. Adding it to this new release gives the watch added provenance and a genuine connection to the Speedmaster's heritage.

Turning the watch over reveals a further tribute to the collection's anniversary. An engraving of the OMEGA Seahorse – a brand icon used on the Speedmaster since 1957 -has been added to the inside of the sapphire crystal glass. Its eye has been made from a sparkling blue sapphire, a precious jewel that traditionally marks a 65-year celebration.

The Speedmaster Calibre 321 watch is set on an 18K Canopus Gold bracelet with a comfort release adjustment system and is presented in a special wooden box. Crafted with a Rosewood-like pattern in honour of the collection's 65th anniversary, the shape and design of the box is inspired by the original Speedmaster boxes that customers would have received in 1957.