The 2012 Omega Speedmaster Racing Chronograph 326.32.40.50.06.001 takes the iconic collection back to the classic dial layout.
The original 1957 Omega Speedmaster Chronograph sported a then-new Lemania 2310-based hand-wound Caliber 321. Compared to later versions, it featured a simpler dial layout with the main difference being the lack of a calendar window.
This redesigned Speedmaster Racing Chronograph uses the same approach.
It still offers you a highly legible dial and all the signature elements that you expect from the watch that accompanied the first man on the Moon, including the usual tachymeter scale.
Engraved right on the black fixed bezel and painted glaring yellow, it plays nicely with other chronograph indicators.
✓ Pros: More versatile at 40mm in diameter. COSC-certified chronometer movement.
❌ Cons: At 15mm top to bottom, may feel too chunky.
Compared to currently available Speedmasters, the 2012 Speedmaster Racing comes in a noticeably smaller body. While still measuring impressive 15 millimeters in height, the round case is only 40 millimeters wide.
The choice of a more compact size makes it a more appropriate choice for those who plan to wear the accessory with business suits, military uniform, and other kinds of formal attire.
As usual for the range, the chosen color scheme offers a clean, easy-to-read layout. While the hour and minute hands are traditionally thin, there is still enough lume for the Speedmaster Racing Chronograph to be highly legible even in darkness.
According to Omega’s press release, the watch is animated by their new self-winding Caliber 3330.
Equipped with their proprietary co-axial escapement system, the movement also features a non-magnetic, ultra-lightweight Si14 silicon balance spring.
The new movement is based on the recently introduced ETA caliber A08.231. As usual, Omega fine-tuned it to its higher standards of quality at their own production facilities.
With all the upgrades, the movement easily earned the ‘chronometer’ certification according to the guidelines of the Swiss-based COSC institute.
As you are probably well aware, early iterations of Omega’s co-axial movements were often plagued by technical problems. In order to demonstrate to potential buyers that the company learned its lessons and significantly improved both the design of the escapement, as well as the manufacturing process, the Swiss watchmaker offers the watch with a pleasantly extensive warranty of whole four years!
The watch will be available with at least two color schemes for its dial: gray and black.
At this time, Omega decided to limit the choices of straps to just two. There is going to be a pretty comfortable-looking steel bracelet and a black rubber band with yellow Speedmaster inscription.
The recommended street price of $4800 seems fairly reasonable considering the quality of the mechanism and the expected resale value.
WWR’s Final Rating
Originality 4.5/5
Versatility: 5/5
Build Quality: 5/5
Usability: 4.5/5
Overall Legibility: 4.5/5
Nighttime Legibility: 4.5/5
Value for Money: 4.5/5Overall Rating: 4.5/5
Photos: Omega Watches
See also: Omega Spacemaster Z-33 Analog Digital Flight Computer 325.92.43.79.01.001 Review
Omega Speedmaster Racing Chronograph 326.32.40.50.06.001 specification
Price: $4800
Movement: Automatic, Caliber 3330, Co-Axial escapement, Si14 silicon balance spring, base ETA A08.231, COSC-certified chronometer, Swiss Made
Number of jewels: 31
Movement frequency: 28,800 vph
Power reserve: 52 hours
Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds, chronograph, date
Case: Stainless steel, polished and brushed finish
Shape: Round
Size: 40.00 mm
Case height: 15.05 mm
Crystal: Sapphire, domed, anti-reflective on both sides
Back: Screw-down, solid stainless steel, stamped with a seahorse medallion
Dial: Vertically brushed, grey or black
Numerals: Arabic
Hour markers: Baton-shaped
Hands: Luminous
Water resistance: 100 meters
Strap: Black rubber strap with yellow “Speedmaster” inscription or patented screw-and-pin steel bracelet with a foldover clasp