The 2012 Omega Spacemaster Z-33 (325.92.43.79.01.001) features an absolutely stunning (although somewhat controversial) design and belongs to the ‘love it or hate it’ category.
The First Impressions
It’s been years since Omega discontinued its (almost) legendary digital/analog Speedmaster Professional X-33. In its heyday, the watch directly competed against a similar model from Breitling (I am talking about their Aerospace collection, of course). Finally, the Swiss watchmaker presented a totally reworked version of the piece.
If you are more or less familiar with Omega’s “real” pilot watches, you will immediately notice that the generously proportioned body of the new Z-33 is based on their late 1960s and early 1970s c.910/c.911 series.
The case appear to keep the same proportions, although it has become significantly larger. According to official specs, the Spacemaster Z-33 is 53mm long and 43mm wide. It is also almost 20 millimeters thick!
Frankly, I am somewhat disturbed by the size of this thing. Omega implies that this is a true companion of a modern pilot that one can wear with a pressure suit and operate with gloved hands. Yet, I have a feeling (and the official water resistance rating of just 30 meters does nothing but reinforce it) that it will mostly be worn by desktop pilots and for many of them, the piece is going to be prohibitively huge.
As far as finish is concerned, it is now much more elaborated. Crafted from hardened grade 5 titanium, it sports brushed, polished, and even sand-blasted surfaces.
The quartz movement offers just about all functionality that you can expect from an analog-digital caliber.
The new thermo-compensated Omega Caliber 5666 brings you two time zones, UTC time, alarm, perpetual calendar, chronograph, countdown timer, and, of course, a log of 10 last flights.
Since the ref. 325.92.43.79.01.001 doesn’t have a photovoltaic element, Omega tried to save some energy using a pair of red LCD displays with automatic luminosity control. The displays will dim in total darkness and will achieve maximum brightness under a sun. Must be very handy.
There are only two problems with this watch.
First, you can find the same functionality in a Japanese timekeeper that, while not looking as stylish and usually not equipped with a scratch-resistant, anti-reflective sapphire crystal, will cost you five to ten times less (Omega suggests selling the digital chronograph at a minimum recommended street price of $5900): something to consider if you search for a tool watch.
Second, you will never find a Japanese competitor with such a strong character that is sipping like hydrogen through every seam in its case (well, with its water resistance rating of just 30 meters I could actually say that it sips through like usual water, but that wouldn’t sound that cool, would it?)
Photos: Omega
Omega Spacemaster Z-33 Analog Digital Flight Computer 325.92.43.79.01.001 specification
Price: $5900 (MSRP)
Movement: Quartz, Caliber Omega 5666, thermo-compensated, Swiss Made
Number of jewels: 9
Functions: Hours, minutes, perpetual calendar, alarm, UTC, two time zones, countdown timer, chronograph
Power reserve: 24 months (End-of-life indicator)
Case: Titanium
Shape: Tonneau
Dimensions: 43.00 mm x 53.00 mm
Case height: 19.85 mm
Dial: Black, a pair of LCD displays
Numerals: Arabic
Hour markers: Luminous
Hands: Skeletonized, luminous
Crystal: Sapphire, anti-reflective on both sides
Back: Solid, engraved
Water resistance: 30 meters
Strap: Black rubber strap with red “Omega” and “Speedmaster” inscriptions or a brown “Soft Touch” leather strap