Omega Speedmaster Broad Arrow

In 1957, Omega launched the Speedmaster ref. CK2915-1. This timepiece flaunts a striking detail also found on the Railmaster and Seamaster 300 models hailing from the same year: a broad arrow hour hand. This broad arrow hand was instrumental in defining the aesthetics of the first generation of Speedmasters, only for it to disappear for decades in the wake of the Moonwatch hype. In the late 90s, Omega released the Speedmaster Replica ref. 3594.50.00, a new Broad Arrow model that is virtually identical to the original. The ref. CK2915-1 was thus all but resurrected, the only difference being that the case of the newer model is much larger at 42 mm.

Over the years, Omega produced a plethora of Speedmaster Broad Arrow models in numerous sizes, materials, and with different calibers. To commemorate the 60th anniversary of the revolutionary models launched in 1957, Omega unveiled the 1957 Trilogy collection. This limited collection pays tribute to the original Speedmaster, Railmaster, and Seamaster models. The Speedmaster ref. 311.10.39.30.01.001 is an exact remake of the famous ref. CK2915-1, notwithstanding its movement, which is the standard caliber 1861 found in other Speedmaster models.

In 2019, Omega went back to their roots again, this time returning with a re-edition of the legendary caliber 321. This movement powered the Omega Speedmaster worn by astronaut Ed White and can also be found in other models such as the Canopus gold Speedmaster Broad Arrow ref. 311.50.39.30.01.001.

Reasons to Buy an Omega Speedmaster Broad Arrow

• Original Speedmaster design from the 1950s
• Available with a manual or automatic caliber
• Top model outfitted with the legendary caliber 321
• Case sizes ranging from 38.5 to 44.25 mm
• Great alternative to the Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch

Prices for Omega Speedmaster Broad Arrow models start at around 4,000 USD. This amount will get you the ref. 178.00.22 with a white dial and blue hands. If you're willing to spend another 800 USD, you can buy the ref. 3594.50.00 – the model Omega unveiled in the late 1990s to pay homage to the famous ref. CK2915-1. The Speedmaster Broad Arrow ref. 311.10.39.30.01.001 is almost a carbon copy of the ref. 2915 and cost just under 10,000 USD in mid-2022. Vintage timepieces with the original caliber 321 demand between 60,000 USD and 100,000 USD. The highest-performing model is the ref. 311.50.39.30.01.001. This timepiece is powered by the re-edition of the caliber 321 and is made from Omega's proprietary Canopus gold. In August 2022, this model changed hands for around 140,000 USD.

If you're looking for an affordable Speedmaster Broad Arrow that still has the charm of the original version from 1957, you should take a look at the ref. 3594.50.00. This Omega watch has the same 42-mm stainless steel case as the classic Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch. Although this means that the timepiece is slightly larger than the 39.5-mm original, it offers greater wrist presence. Unlike the ref. CK2519-1 from 1957 which has straight lugs, the case on this affordable Speedmaster sports curved lugs. Inside the case, you'll find the manual caliber 1861, a modernized version of the caliber 321 that has roots in the Lemania C27 C12. This movement offers a power reserve of 48 hours. Omega uses their Hesalite crystal to protect the dial.

The Speedmaster Broad Arrow ref. 3594.50.00 usually comes on a five-piece link stainless steel bracelet and costs around 4,800 USD pre-owned.

If you can pass on historical accuracy and would prefer your Speedmaster Broad Arrow to have a sportier flair, check out the ref. 178.00.22. Just like the Moonwatch, this reference has a 42-mm stainless steel case. However, the dial is white with blue, applied indices and blue hands. The watch has a 55-hour power reserve thanks to the Omega caliber 3303, a movement based on the Piguet 1258. Unlike the vintage-inspired models, this reference has a sapphire crystal. Prices for this watch in good condition come in at around the 4,000 USD mark.

Channeling the Original: The Speedmaster 1957 Trilogy

Manual winding, a 38.6-mm case, and straight lugs: the Speedmaster Broad Arrow in the 1957 Trilogy (ref. 311.10.39.30.01.001) presented in 2017 to mark the 60th anniversary of the Speedmaster takes its design cues directly from the original. The timepiece also boasts state-of-the-art engineering that makes it a perfect everyday companion. The indices are printed on the dial and filled with artificially aged Super-LumiNova. The broad arrow hour hand and the minute hand are also filled with this luminous material. Like the original, this watch comes on a three-piece link bracelet made of stainless steel. The reliable, hand-wound caliber 1881 ticks away inside the case.

This reference is limited to 3,557 pieces and has experienced a significant increase in value between August 2020 and August 2022. Prices have risen by almost 35% from around 7,200 USD to 9,700 USD.

Headline: Speedmaster '57: Broad Arrow Models With Two Subdials

The Speedmaster '57 collection offers the best of both worlds. These luxury watches feature a classic chronograph design with two subdials at 3 and 9 o'clock; a moderate case diameter of 40.5 mm; and the in-house, state-of-the-art caliber 9906. This hand-wound movement is equipped with the co-axial escapement developed by Omega and is certified as a Master Chronometer by the Swiss Federal Institute of Metrology (METAS). This means the movement is even more precise than those with a standard chronometer certificate. What's more, the watch can withstand magnetic fields of up to 15,000 gauss.

You can choose between several dial colors and bands. The ref. 332.12.41.51.01.001 radiates elegance with its black sandwich dial. The indices are filled with artificially-aged luminous material. This watch comes on a brown leather strap with a pin buckle. Expect to pay around 7,900 USD for a new timepiece. If you would prefer a blue dial paired with a steel bracelet, be sure to take a look at the ref. 332.10.41.51.03.001. This model costs slightly less at 7,600 USD.

Omega Speedmaster Broad Arrow With the Caliber 321

To commemorate the 65th anniversary of the Speedmaster in 2022, Omega released a very special Broad Arrow model: the ref. 311.50.39.30.01.001. Like the 1957 Trilogy version, this newest model leans heavily on the design of the original Speedmaster. You can recognize this in the straight lugs and 38.6-mm case. Unlike its inspiration, however, Omega crafts this timepiece from 18-karat Canopus gold, which is reflected in the price. The dial is made of black onyx, and the hands and indices are coated in white gold. Arguably, the best feature is found inside the case. Here, you'll find the hand-wound caliber 321, which was relaunched in 2019. The movement features a Breguet hairspring and a finish in 18-karat Sedna gold, Omega's proprietary rose gold alloy.

However, so much exclusivity comes at a price. As of August 2022, Omega lists this timepiece for 81,000 USD. The model is a rare find on the Chrono24 marketplace, and asking prices differ greatly from the MSRP. Therefore, you can expect prices of up to 140,000 USD for this exceptional Speedmaster Broad Arrow.