Omega watches have long been synonymous with precision and reliability in the skies, building a storied legacy between Earth and space. Pilots have trusted the brand for its functionality and accuracy, essential for keeping their flights both on time and track. To continue this tradition, Omega introduces the new Speedmaster Pilot, a 40.85 mm timepiece that draws inspiration from the original Speedmaster, first launched in 1957. Known for its rugged, user-friendly design, that early model quickly became a “pilots' choice,” especially among U.S. Air Force aviators.
Omega’s reputation with pilots dates back to World War II, when the brand delivered over 110,000 watches to the British Ministry of Defence, supporting Air Force and Navy personnel. One of the most iconic models from this era was the UK/CK2292, favored by RAF and Fleet Air Arm pilots. Its enhanced magnetic resistance was particularly valuable to those flying behind the engines of the iconic Hurricane and Spitfire aircraft. In 1957, when the Omega Speedmaster was introduced, it became a favorite among U.S. Air Force pilots, some of whom would later become part of NASA's pioneering Mercury space program.
In 1969, Omega expanded its commitment to aviation with the release of the Flightmaster, a watch designed specifically for aircraft pilots. It offered pilots a highly legible instrument for tracking time during flights. Bold and unconventional, the Flightmaster’s design stood in stark contrast to the more traditional chronographs of the era. That same year marked the inaugural Concorde flight, and Omega timepieces were not only chosen as standard equipment for Concorde aircraft, but many of the crew, including Captain John Hackett—the first to fly Concorde over the Atlantic—also wore Omega watches to ensure accurate timekeeping.
Things to Know About the Watch
The new Speedmaster Pilot showcases Omega’s commitment to both heritage and innovation. The watch features a symmetrical stainless steel case with a matte finish, designed to minimize light reflections. The bezel is made of matte aluminum and retains a connection to the Speedmaster legacy through markings such as the “Dot Over Ninety” and “Diagonal to Seventy” on its tachymetric scale.
The dial of the Speedmaster Pilot is where its individuality truly shines. The matte-black dial, with its grained texture, is contrasted by bold white SuperLumiNova on the hour/minute hands and markers, ensuring legibility even in low light. The central chronograph hand, varnished in orange with an airplane-inspired tip, adds a unique touch. But perhaps the most striking feature is the pair of subdials. At 3 o’clock, a 60-minute and 12-hour recorder is displayed, with a triangular matte-orange hand and white numerals—reminiscent of an aircraft’s "burn rate" indicator. At 9 o’clock, a small seconds display features a target-inspired design, with a varnished matte-yellow hand and an artificial horizon in blue, evoking the cockpit aesthetic.
Inside the Speedmaster Pilot beats the Co-Axial Master Chronometer Calibre 9900 movement, a METAS-certified chronometer known for its superior accuracy, performance, and resistance to magnetic fields. his automatic chronograph features a column wheel and Co-Axial escapement. As a certified Master Chronometer, it is approved by METAS, and resistant to magnetic fields reaching 15,000 gauss. Features include a silicon balance spring, two barrels mounted in series to provide a 60-hour power reserve, and a time zone function. There is a central hour, minute, and chronograph seconds hands, small seconds hand, 12-hour, and 60-minute recorder. The finish is rhodium plated with Geneva waves in arabesque. This movement is housed behind a metallic case back, embossed with the Speedmaster’s signature Seahorse medallion and engraved with the watch’s water resistance rating of 100 meters.
The new Speedmaster Pilot comes with a stainless steel bracelet featuring Omega’s patented comfort release adjustment system and a grey NATO strap, which is reinforced with Kevlar threads and finished with a brushed stainless steel buckle. The watch also comes with a special travel pouch, ensuring it’s always ready for adventure.
Sticker Price USD 9,500. For more info on Omega click here.
