OMEGA SPEEDMASTER AUTOMATIC: INTO THE WORLD OF THIS AFFORDABLE CLASSIC

Note: The Omega Speedmaster Automatic is also known as the “Reduced” Whenever discussions arise on the Omega Speedmaster Automatic, pay attention. You will most likely hear people draw up some sort of comparison with the more prominent Speedmaster Professional.  The question now is: Is it right to simply consider a watch in respect of its bigger version? More so, a version that went to the moon. In every light, this will continue to be a difficult feat to catch up with.  This explains why it is best to drop every Professional bias. Then, have a good view of this timepiece on its own. Meanwhile, have you tried checking out the Speedmaster Automatic in isolation? This wristwatch has a lot of perks to make you love it. Here are a few of them:

• A portable diameter 
• A neat, legible, and stunning dial
• An automatic chronograph movement

All of these perks in one timepiece are no slack. This is a show of watchmaking dexterity and attention given to its design. 

Introducing The Omega Speedmaster Automatic

As stated earlier, the Omega Speedmaster Automatic is also known as the “Reduced”. This is due to its size dimensions.  First is a 38.5mm diameter which is just in the smaller region of average for a regular modern timepiece. Then, there is a chronograph. Although, this is nothing outstanding.  Furthermore, the lug-to-lug length measures the dimension of a mere 45mm. Understand that this is one determining sizing in the entire watch dimension. It determines how the watch fits on the wrist of the wearer  In addition, the distance between the case back and the peak of the domed hesalite crystal falls right below 12mm. That is a remarkable measurement for an automatic chronograph.  Then, there is the snap-on case back that headlines Omega’s hippocampus engraving elegantly. Finally, the water resistance feature comes with a rating of 30m. That rating is absolutely in the “washing hands” region.

Omega Speedmaster: Classic Legibility And Presence

Excellent legibility is one perk that this timepiece doesn’t hold back on. For a watch to employ white hands above a black dial, you can only expect such excellent legibility. This is exactly what the Speedmaster Automatic uses and the result is out there for all to see.  Moreover, the hesalite crystal generates some light grimace. Also, this crystal adds cloudiness all over the watch's perimeter. Regardless, this still guarantees that the remaining part of the dial remains easy to read.  Meanwhile, the matte black dial can come off as slate-grey when placed under very radiant light. Yet, all six of the white hands stay very legible and noticeable under any lighting conditions. The hours on the watch carry markings featured in lumed batons. Then, there is a minute and sub-seconds trail that runs between each of these markings. For the presence, the watch gains a lot from being a bit of a strap monster. By using a non-tapering strap, you slightly improve the presence of the watch on the wrist. Note that this is not an especially thick timepiece to start with. Hence, it can easily go through straps without any glitch. You will enjoy mounting the watch on any of a diversity of waxed cotton straps. It comes off rather elegantly.

Omega Speedmaster: A Dive Into The World Of This Affordable Classic

To get a proper view of the intricacies of this affordable classic, you must take each part separately. Therefore, in this section of the article, we will do just that.   We will take each part of this timepiece separately. Afterward, we will create a symphony of these parts. With that, you get a view of how much of a classic this timepiece really is.

The Case Of The Speedmaster Reduced

Why do you think it is called Reduced? Check this out! The Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch comes with a 42mm diameter case. But, the Speedmaster Automatic confirms its moniker “Speedmaster Reduced” completely. This wristwatch comes with a case measurement of 38mm.  However, the crux of the matter isn’t in the case diameter. You must consider the decrease down to the watch 44mm lug to lug. With that, you get why the Speedmaster Reduced is more wearable. Whether you’ve got a medium or a small wrist size, wearing this wristwatch is never a bother.  Moreover, the shapes you see are quite similar from a distance. Yet, it comes with slight differences. Speedmaster wrist watch collectors adore how the lugs curve. However, the shorter lugs featured on the Omega Speedmaster are not as distinguished as the lugs on the Moonwatch. Another very significant distinction in the Speedmaster Reduced is the layout on the sides. You can see the chronograph pushers placed high and the crown placed low. This might seem like an insignificant detail. However, purists feel it is sloppy.  Yet, this appears to be rather essential. Why do they get such offsetting positions? It is simple. It is thanks to the stacked movement. The Speedmaster Reduced comes with a case height of the thickness of 12mm. This is quite similar to the broader Moonwatch version. Due to this, the Omega Speedmaster might appear squat sometimes.  Plus, the proportions of the diameter are not the same in height. Therefore, what you have is a slight withdrawal from the initial design. This is not something to grasp with caliper measurements. More so, this is another false knock against the Speedmaster Automatic. 

The Dial Of The Speedmaster Automatic

The dial establishes itself as one of the more remarkable distinctions between the Speedmaster Automatic and the Moonwatch version. You will find some slight changes and some rather extreme ones.  Still, the modifications in the dial might not be so noticeable. Truly, the 3,6,9 subdial setup remains there. However, on a closer look, the modifications are rather clear. Understand that the traditional models of these timepieces are so celebrated. And, over time, there have been little or no changes to them since their launch. However, there are three modifications to the Omega Speedmaster's dial. These modifications are some of the reasons many people love this timepiece.

• The subdials feature right in the interior of the indices
• The indices display minute markers below them
• The running seconds appear on the opposite side

Most watch enthusiasts deem the Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch to have a flawless chronograph dial. There is no doubt about that. However, do not forget that this isn't Moonwatch. This right here is the Omega Speedmaster. They are not the same watches. Therefore, why not shun criticizing the Speedmaster Reduced because of the minutia. This feature makes it distinct from the Moonwatch. Instead, you should celebrate this wristwatch.

• Evolution Of The Speedmaster Automatic's Dial

Right from the mid-nineties, the Speedmaster Automatic or Reduced moved the Speedmaster line into uncharted territory. This is no thanks to the brilliantly colored red, blue, and yellow “racing” dials.  However, there are a few other dial varieties you can find also. Some of these dial varieties include the “panda” and racing checkers. Although, these varieties are rapidly going out of supply. The current iteration of the Speedmaster Automatic gets the tag, “Speedmaster 38 Co-Axial Chronograph”. With this version, the envelope moves further into this territory. Now, there is a Speedmaster modeled with ladies in mind.  But, this is generally a demographic that most luxury watchmakers do not pay attention to. Whether or not you are a fan of the designs, Omega certainly gets applause for this. Making more alternatives accessible for women is truly remarkable. You can find some really delightful designs and color varieties of this modernized 38mm model. Should you not like the bold shades, there is again the option of the monochromatic classic shade.  To know the modern version of the Speedmaster Automatic is easy. All you need to look out for is a date window set at the 6-o’clock position.

The Movement Of The Omega Speedmaster

The movement featured in the Speedmaster Reduced is one other part of this timepiece that makes it a classic. Over time, you find several texts written to comment on the modular Omega Cal. 3220 movement. This is the movement present in the Omega Speedmaster Reduced.  This movement follows up on the ETA 2890 movement. Now, it has a DD2020 chronograph module right on top. This stacking is fully functional. Plus, the stacking results in a few differences. These differences go on to detach the Speedmaster Automatic from the Moonwatch version. To begin with, the crown on the time-keeping version is low. Also, the pumpers for the chronograph position themselves high on the sides. Again, the spread-out subdials are fixed. You can't reposition them to get a more balanced view inside the dial.  Rather, they tilt slightly in the direction of the bezel. This is enough reason for the running seconds placed on the opposing side.  Nevertheless, the biggest change remains that the Omega Speedmaster Reduced is automatic. This is contrary to the manually wound Moonwatch model. That distinction is more prominent compared to the aesthetics. This is as it influences how you work with the timepiece. If this will be an everyday watch for you, know you wouldn’t be hand cranking it every morning to wear it. The convenience is there.

• Servicing The Movement 

You might notice some other considerations. One of which will be the servicing. To service this watch doesn’t cost as much as you might think it costs.  Truly, with a full service on this timepiece, you would have a timepiece better than a Moonwatch. Simply put, with Omega fully servicing your mechanical chronograph costs $750.  However, most people prefer the services of an independent watchmaker. All they do is simply restore the chronograph module. They do not service the wristwatch.

The Bracelet Of The Omega Speedmaster Automatic

When you check out the bracelet, you see something rather similar to other Speedmasters. You have a pressure-locking clasp with no safety catch.  Also, the lug width on the Speedmaster Reduced is just 18mm. This measurement is a mere 2mm lesser than the Moonwatch. You must pay attention to this. Additionally, there isn’t much taper from 18mm. Hence, the wristwatch wears a little larger. If you wish to make the bracelets appear larger, simply remove them. Then, use a brown or tan vintage-style leather strap. Note that Speedmaster watches are strap monsters.  You can try out a couple of various alternatives. Then, you can find the exact pairing. Also, a thicker leather strap will give the wristwatch a slightly more robust appearance. Also, you can employ a NATO-style strap. Thanks to the folded tail, the 18mm will appear larger.

Pros Of The Speedmaster Automatic

• Very affordable
• A 44mm lug to lug measurement
• Fascinating and outstanding legibility
• Accessibility and variety
• Sticks to the Speedmaster DNA

Cons Of The Speedmaster Automatic

• The 18mm bracelet can be improved
• The dial might appear unequal
• Replacement dials are not very available

Conclusion 

First off, you can always get an Omega Speedmaster wrist watch whenever and wherever you wish. These watches are readily available. More so, they come at a very affordable cost. They are a good fit for people with wrists under 7”. The Speedmaster Reduced checks too many boxes to make it a desired and beloved timepiece for most watch lovers. Furthermore, the Speedmaster Automatic parades a wide array of perks. The features of this wrist watch make it worthy of consideration when next you shop for a wristwatch. Especially if you are looking to buy an automatic chronograph. Also, if you prefer something that isn’t too beefy, the Omega Speedmaster is perfect. Moreover, even when we consider its big brother, we still find a good number of positives to hold on to. You will love the size, the used market value, as well as the convenience of an automatic caliber it offers. These are all positives this timepiece presents.   To wrap it up, the Omega Speedmaster Automatic might not fill the spot of a Speedmaster Professional. However, this watch will fill in perfectly when you want something different. If you prefer a nice, smaller chronograph with a similar style and vibe as the Speedy Pro, this watch is perfect.