Omega Speedmaster Split-Second Chronograph: Beyond the Moonwatch…

What’s better than an Omega Speedmaster Professional chronograph? How about two chronographs in a single Omega Speedmaster? The 42mm stainless steel Speedmaster Split-Second brings a level of mechanical refinement and exclusivity unknown to the beloved but quotidian Speedy Pro. With a robust X-33 inspired case, a rattrapante chronograph, and a sharp carbon fiber dial, this rare Omega Speedmaster Split-Second offers collectors a rare opportunity to land a scarce Speedmaster variant.

With a production run estimated at no more than three years (roughly 1999 to 2001), the Omega Speedmaster Split-Second stands apart from its Moonwatch brethren on that basis alone. While celebrated, the Moonwatch is so accessible that it could be described as the Corvette of Speedmaster: cool but common. In contrast, the Omega Speedmaster Split-Second is as rare as a Plum Crazy 1970 Hemi ‘cuda.

Start with the 42mm case; its size and presence is perfect for a modern sports watch. While only 1mm larger than the Moonwatch on paper, the difference is dramatic on the wrist. Side-by-side, the Speedy Split looks ready to go lug-to-lug with Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshores and contemporary “super case” Rolex Submariners. Combined with a burly three-link steel bracelet and a robust twin-trigger milled steel clasp, the Speedmaster Split-Second wears with the satisfying heft of a modern Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean.

The broad shoulders and progressive form of this Speedmaster are so impressive that they gave rise to an online urban legend that the Omega Speedmaster Split was designed to provide an outlet for unused X-33 cases. While obvious distinctions of dissimilar case metals and unique stampings for the rattrapante pushers should dispel these e-myths, their very existence is a testament to the impressive appearance and serious scarcity of this Split-Secon model.

The dial of the Omega Speedmaster Split-Second is all business – as long as your business involves going fast. With a woven carbon fiber dial base, this late 1990s Omega Speedmaster iteration became one of the first luxury watches to openly embrace the aesthetic of woven carbon composite. Remember, this watch debuted long before the first Richard Mille reached customer hands…

Within the impressive steel case, the Omega Speedmaster Split-Second boasts a robust and sophisticated automatic chronograph movement. In addition to its split-second function, which permits timing of two simultaneous events, the caliber 3600 is a COSC-certified Swiss Chronometer. Both accurate and loaded with complexity, this is an ideal power plant for a speed machine that was designed to go where no Omega Speedmaster had gone before.

For absolute versatility, Omega engineered this aviation/motorsports-themed rattrapante to tolerate waterspouts as well; each example is water resistant to 100-meters (330-feet).