Omega Speedmaster Mark II Rio 2016

Omega Speedmaster Mark II Rio 2016


by Johnny McElherron
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$1,000 - 9,999, Omega

Brazil has proved that she can party in style as the host country of the FIFA World Cup Tournament, but the sporting spotlight will remain long after the final whistle has been blown, as the build-up to “Rio 2016” – location of the next Olympic Games, begins. Omega have just released details of a special edition watch inspired by the upcoming event, the Omega Speedmaster Mark II Rio 2016 Limited Edition.

There is perhaps, no better showcase for a watch company than the Olympic Games and Omega are naturally very proud of their historic links with the prestigious event. In 1932 they were the first brand to officially time all the disciplines and when the Olympic torch is lit in Brazil, it will be the 27th time that Omega have served as Official Timekeeper for the event.

Traditional Aesthetics, Modern Mechanics

The Speedmaster Mark II Rio 2016 watch is inspired by the original Speedmaster Mark II (first introduced in 1969) but this new model combines some very traditional aesthetics with modernistic micro-mechanics, including of course Omega’s Co-Axial escapement. Earlier this year Omega’s first re-issue Mark II models were unveiled to great acclaim, to a fan-base eager to re-capture the retro spirit of classic Speedmaster models. This special edition takes on similar styling but with the addition of Olympic branding this model is instantly elevated to the “collectable” genre.

Omega Speedmaster Mark II Rio 2016

Omega Speedmaster Mark II Rio 2016

Omega Speedmaster Mark II Rio 2016 – Subtle but Clever Styling

A matt black dial provides the backdrop for a neat Omega tri-compax arrangement with a difference. The 30-minute counter, the 12-hour recorder and the small seconds sub-dial are rimmed with (respectively) bronze, yellow gold and silver, displaying deference to the medals which will be presented to the athletes on the Olympic podium. This is subtle but clever styling which pays tribute to the Games without cluttering the splendid dial composition.

The stainless steel case has a little bit of overspill as it tapers to take the form of a very vintage-styled barrel shape. Contrasting brushed and polished finishing techniques serve to heighten the pleasure of its shapely form and on the case side the polished crown and pushers are tucked in neatly so they do not interrupt its curved lines.

Omega Speedmaster Mark II Rio 2016 - Caseback

Omega Speedmaster Mark II Rio 2016 – Caseback

Omega Speedmaster Mark II Rio 2016 – After-Dark Illumination

Omega also bring a new and very unique feature to their portfolio for the first time. The tachymeter scale is printed onto a sapphire ring beneath the crystal. Just below it, an aluminium ring filled with Super-LumiNova illuminates the scale enabling after-dark reading. The other dial indications have also been given liberal applications of Super-LumiNova so that this special model will really look superb in darkness, well worth turning back your cuff for.

Omega Speedmaster Mark II Rio 2016 – An Exclusive Model

The piece is powered by the Omega Co-Axial Calibre 3330, a movement which should please both the purists and also the forward-thinking fans of horology with its column-wheel chronograph mechanism and its Si14 silicon balance spring. Case-back inscriptions affirm the exclusive status of this piece, with the logo of Rio 2016 at the centre, and “Si14” and “Column-Wheel” text engraved on the case-back rim along with the limited edition number of the watch.

The Omega Speedmaster Mark II Rio 2016 watch will be limited to 2,016 individually numbered pieces with a retail price of $6,500.  You can find some nice “Live Pics” on Hodinkee, and more informations on the Official Omega Website.

    Author Bio

    Articles by Johnny McElherron

    CONTRIBUTOR

    Johnny McElherron was busy minding his own business as a successful company director, when one day he fell in love with watches. So deeply that soon after his eureka! moment he established The Watch Press as a vehicle where he could indulge his passion with gusto. What his eye beheld he would write about, in his own unique style, and in time his work penetrated through to numerous national and international mainstream and online publications. Today Johnny creates engaging content for watch industry clients, and in 2014 joined forces with the highly respected watch industry specialists Delos Communications, with whom he works to provide Delos clients with high quality content to ensure no part of their company message gets lost in translation.