Ready for the Olympics, The Omega Speedmaster Chronoscope Paris 2024 is a Winner

The 2024 Paris Olympics, which will start later this week, mark 92 years of Omega‘s legacy as the official timekeeper for the Games. Since 1932 and for the 31st time, the Omega Timing team, with its unparalleled expertise, extensive personnel, and tons of equipment, will support the competing athletes. To truly grasp the extent of Omega’s involvement and the cutting-edge technology they bring to the table in 2024, I urge you to delve into “the insane technology behind the timekeeping role,” as detailed by Frank Geleen earlier this month. This technology, including a Quantum Timer with a resolution of one-millionth of a second, might seem far removed from modern mechanical chronographs. Still, the connection to sports timing remains clear and exhilarating.

This brings us to the new and exciting Paris Olympics 2024 versions of the Speedmaster Chronoscope. Initially introduced in 2021, these timepieces feature changes in materials and colours that make a world of difference. Let’s delve into why these two new timepieces are so impressive.

When the Omega Speedmaster Chronoscope was first introduced three years ago, it immediately captured attention with its unique blend of modern and vintage elements. It was the first in the Speedmaster series with a 43mm diameter case, and the design included premiers like applied Arabic indices, which might not sit well with die-hard Speedy fans. However, it appealed to vintage chronograph enthusiasts with its two-register dial layout and three scales for measuring distance, pulse rate, and speed in the centre and on the bezel – respectively telemeter, pulsometer and tachymeter (more details on this topic here).

The new Omega Speedmaster Chronoscope Paris 2024 editions in gold or stainless steel retain all their original charm and even add a bit more. Both versions have matching metal bracelets (leather straps available too) and feature identical opaline, panda-like two-register dials adorned with numerous gold-coloured elements. These gold accents make a significant impact, particularly on the stainless steel version.

The standout news is the Speedmaster Chronoscope with a full yellow-gold case and vintage-styled three-link bracelet. Crafted from proprietary Moonshine yellow gold alloy, the case retains its 43mm diameter, 13mm thickness, and 48.6mm lug-to-lug dimensions. It boasts the familiar asymmetrical case, lyre-shaped lugs, fluted signed crown, and vintage pushers of most Professional Speedmasters. The solid (no sapphire back here) screw-down caseback is engraved with the Paris 2024 logo, and the few polished parts of the case and bracelet accentuate the alloy’s distinctive colour. The watch feels solid and pleasantly heavy, exuding an air of luxury without appearing ostentatious. It projects a strong sense of athleticism and sportiness, though its 50m water resistance somewhat tempers this. The tachymetric bezel, featuring a black ceramic insert with Omega Ceragold markings, enhances the overall impression of this full-gold Speedmaster Chronoscope, as the black and gold colour scheme is echoed on the dial.

The dial invites you to explore its silvery white opaline surface, adorned with multiple circles and rings, all crucial to the watch’s functions. It beckons you to try executing various calculations just for the fun of it. The central hours and minutes hands, along with the small co-axial hands for measuring elapsed hours and minutes on the 3 o’clock counter, are leaf-shaped. The central chronograph hand is needle-shaped, as is the small running seconds hand on the sub-dial at 9 o’clock. All hands are gold-coated, and the applied Arabic numerals are solid gold, standing tall above the snailed ring bordering the outermost convex minutes chapter ring. Both registers are snailed, black, adorned with gold-coloured markings and get overlapping printed telemeter, pulsometer, and tachymeter scales.

Though busy and not ideal for quick legibility beyond the essential functions, the retro-inspired styling is impeccable. This dial could easily have graced a watch from the 1940s, don’t you think?

The stainless steel edition of the Speedmaster Chronoscope features a tachymeter bezel insert made of anodized aluminium instead of ceramic. This difference does not detract from its allure. The dial’s elegance shines through, creating a striking timepiece that still delivers a sophisticated presence while lacking the gold’s opulence and heft. Both versions showcase Omega’s balanced and beautiful design, powered by the hand-wound calibre 9908 (steel version) or 9909 (gold version), featuring a column-wheel and vertical clutch architecture, and operating at 28,800 vibrations/hour frequency – the same base architecture as used in the Speedmaster 57.  The double-barrel provides 60 hours of autonomy, and the Master Chronometer certified movements are equipped with a co-axial escapement and have anti-magnetic parts. You may not see these features, but they work to your benefit.

The two new Paris Olympics 2024 editions of the Omega Speedmaster Chronoscope are available with leather straps, but the metal bracelets, featuring a folding clasp and micro-adjustment system, seem to complement these timepieces more effectively. Like any other watch, they can draw criticism and have already done so, with complaints about legibility, not maintaining the true Speedmaster spirit, the lack of a display caseback, and, of course, the pricing. However, for those who appreciate good looks and quality without paying much heed to the purist Speedy fans, these two chronographs are exceptional, with a subtle nod to Paris 2024 – should the Games not be your primary passion. The steel version stands out impressively, holding its own alongside the full-gold edition. Prices are EUR 10,800 for the steel on steel and EUR 56,000 for the gold on gold.

For more details, please visit omegawatches.com.