The Omega Speedmaster is one of the most iconic watches in the world and one that has helped Omega be who they are today. The Omega Speedmaster was originally launched in 1957 and since its landing on the moon it has been awarded the title of moonwatch. The Omega Speedmaster Split Seconds Co-Axial Chronograph ref. 311.30.44.51.01.001 —now a discontinued reference— features a black ceramic dial covered by a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal and graced by a small seconds sub-dial, 30-minute register and 12-hour register along with central chronograph and split-seconds mechanism. This exceptional timepiece was produced in a limited edition of only 357 pieces and here we have one of them for your enjoyment.

Fitted with a stainless steel case measuring 44.25 mm in diameter following the traditional twisted lugs design of the Speedmaster family, the watch maintains all the DNA of the original Speedy with the exception of its movement —in this case being the in-house automatic calibre 3612. The black ceramic dial on this watch is made of the same material as the case on the Omega Speedmaster 'Dark Side of the Moon' reviewed here. The sunburst effect of the dial along with the grey chrono registers with small date aperture at 6 o'clock are the perfect combination that gets accentuated by its burnt orange split seconds chrono hand. Fitted with a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment on both sides the readability of the dial is uncompromised at any angle. Something very appealing about this dial, is how different it looks depending on the lighting conditions and the angle that you are looking at it. As you will see in these pictures, sometimes the dial seems to look more like graphite gray and the registers black and in other instances the other way around.

The case featuring satin brushed finished angles as well as highly polished areas creates the perfect symphony along with its highly polished pump pushers. The crown which is easy to operate is engraved with the Omega signature logo to round out the clean lines and iconic design of this timepiece. 

The Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Split Seconds Co-Axial Chronograph is equipped with the iconic tachymetric scale bezel present on all other iterations of the Omega Speedmaster but in the same Zyrconium material  as the dial.

Now, let's talk about the beating heart of this exceptional chronograph. The Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Split Seconds Co-Axial Chronograph is powered by Omega's automatic in-house calibre 3612, which happens to be a split seconds —Rattrapante— movement. While in appearance, a split seconds chronograph is only slightly different from a standard chronograph, its special feature is the additional device which drives a second center sweep seconds hand called the split seconds hand. When the chronograph mechanism is activated the two superimposed hands rotate around the dial. If the split-seconds pusher is pressed the split seconds hand will stop, allowing the user to read the intermediate time. Meanwhile the chronograph seconds hand continues to turn. If the same pusher is pressed again, the split-seconds hand will catch up with the chronograph hand and continue to rotate in perfect unison with it. This operation can be repeated as many times as desired. The automatic calibre 3612 features a double column wheel mechanism, co-axial escapement, free sprung balance and provides a power reserve of 52 hours when fully wound. Despite the presence of a display case back that allows for full view of the movement, the watch is water resistant to a depth of 100 meters.

On the wrist, the watch wears true to its size and very comfortably. If you are ready to wow other watchlifestylers on 'Speedy Tuesday' this is a Speedmaster you need to own. Finding one might not be an easy task, however, if you hunt it long enough, we are certain one will make it to your collection. Furthermore, getting a split seconds chronograph at this price couldn't be any better.

Sticker Price $16,200 USD. For more info on Omega click here.