The Omega Speedmaster Mark II is a bold reinterpretation of the original 1969 Speedmaster — retaining the iconic cushion-shaped case and manual tachymetre bezel, but updating it with an automatic Co-Axial movement, a date window, and modern finishing. Introduced at Baselworld 2014, it bridges classic Moonwatch heritage with contemporary wearability.
Heritage: 45 Years of the Mark II
The original Omega Speedmaster Mark II debuted in 1969 — the same year Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin walked on the Moon in the Apollo 11 mission. Where the Professional “Moonwatch” retained a round case, the Mark II introduced a distinctive tonneau/cushion-shaped case that distinguished it from the standard Speedmaster family. It was powered by Calibre 861, a manual-wind movement, and offered both racing and standard dial variants.
When Omega revived the Mark II in 2014 for its 45th anniversary, they stayed faithful to the original silhouette while making key modern upgrades — most significantly, replacing the manual movement with an automatic Co-Axial calibre.
Design: Old School Cushion Case, New School Finish
The 2014 Mark II measures 42.4mm × 46.2mm — the irregular dimensions resulting from the distinctive cushion case shape. This is a large watch on the wrist, with broad lugs that extend significantly beyond the dial. The stepped dial follows the 1969 original closely: a two-register layout with subdials at 3 (30-minute counter) and 9 (running seconds), plus the date window at 4:30 — one of the visible changes from the original date-less design.
Dial Variants
| Variant | Dial Colour | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | Black | White indices, classic Speedmaster look |
| Racing | Grey/black | Orange chronograph seconds hand, racing track |
| Rio 2016 Olympic | Black | Limited edition, gold accents |
Movement: Calibre 3330
The heart of the 2014 Mark II is the Omega Calibre 3330 — an automatic Co-Axial chronograph movement representing a significant upgrade over the original manual-wind 861. Key specifications:
- Type: Automatic, Co-Axial escapement
- Frequency: 28,800 vph (4Hz)
- Power Reserve: 52 hours
- Chronograph: Column wheel, Co-Axial actuation
- Hairspring: Si14 silicon — anti-magnetic, shock-resistant
- Certification: COSC chronometer
The silicon Si14 balance spring is a notable feature: silicon is essentially impervious to magnetic fields and requires no lubrication, contributing to long-term rate stability. The column wheel mechanism ensures smooth, positive actuation of the chronograph functions — no mushiness in the pushers.
Bracelet: The Expandable Racketeer
The Mark II ships on a stainless steel bracelet with Omega’s patented extendable fold-over clasp — the same system used on the Seamaster. A 2mm extension is built into the clasp, useful for wearing over a shirt cuff. The bracelet links are brushed and polished in alternating sections, giving the watch a dynamic appearance. The fit on the wrist is excellent for a watch of this size.
Mark II vs Speedmaster Professional “Moonwatch”
| Feature | Mark II (2014) | Moonwatch Professional |
|---|---|---|
| Movement | Auto, Co-Axial Cal. 3330 | Manual, Cal. 1861/3861 |
| Case Shape | Cushion / tonneau | Round |
| Date | Yes | No |
| NASA Flight Qualified | No | Yes (Moonwatch) |
| Water Resistance | 100m | 30m |
| Price (2026) | $4,500–$6,000 pre-owned | $5,000–$7,000 pre-owned |
Verdict: The Underrated Speedmaster
The Omega Speedmaster Mark II 2014 is, frankly, an underrated watch. It gets overshadowed by the legendary Moonwatch Professional, but in many practical respects the Mark II is the better daily wearer: automatic movement, date function, 100m water resistance, and the same deeply satisfying Speedmaster chronograph action. The cushion case is polarising — you either love the retro-modern asymmetry or you don’t. If you love it, you’ll love it completely. And you’ll own a piece of Omega’s 1969 legacy with modern reliability built in.
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