Omega Speedmaster 1957 Trilogy: The 60th Anniversary Speedy Reviewed On The Wrist

The First Omega Speedmaster

Omega CK2915-1. Antiquorum.com

As we mentioned previously, the earliest Omega Speedmaster ref 2915 was not designed to serve as an Astronaut’s mission instrument. The watch’s chronograph function, coupled with the tachymeter-engraved steel bezel, categorized it as a racing chronograph.

Moreover, it possessed “Broad Arrow” hands, though these would be changed after only a couple years of production. Likewise, the all-metal bezel would be outfitted with a black aluminum tachymeter insert devised to improve legibility.

Similar to the modern version we review below, the 1957 Speedmaster CK2915 was released as part of an Omega Trilogy set. Correspondingly, it was accompanied by an Omega Railmaster CK2914 and an Omega Seamaster CK2913.

The name “Speed” was imparted by the tachymeter bezel and the “master” followed in the footsteps of the other two professionally-inclined watches.

Altogether, it’s truly remarkable to behold an original CK2915 and compare it with its homage, the Speedmaster ’57 Limited Edition. The differences are minimal!

Undoubtedly, this highlights the timeless design of the Omega Speedmaster, which has stood the test of space journeys, watch industry trends, and time itself.

On The Wrist Review: Speedmaster 57 Trilogy Watch

Having previously reviewed the complete Omega 1957 Trilogy Limited Edition Set, we already knew that the Speedmaster ’57 was something special. Unquestionably, we decided this watch deserved a spotlight all its own.

Speedmaster fans familiar with the first Speedy will at once realize that this 3,557-piece limited edition Speedmaster 57 looks almost identical to it. Nevertheless, the construction of the watch itself has been largely modernized.

The case is the same 38.6mm stainless steel presentation with straight lugs and tachymeter scale bezel. As with all Speedmasters powered by the Omega Calibre 1861, the case leans towards the taller side.

This characteristic is even more pronounced when the watch is switched to the NATO or leather strap. Conversely, when worn on the flat-link bracelet, the sporty nature of this chronograph shines through. More specifically, the thick watch head combines with the sleek bracelet and molds around the wrist quite naturally.

It’s worth noting that this Speedmaster 1957 Trilogy has a 200ft/60-meter water resistance, which is more than the original CK2915 and even some Speedmasters available in the current catalog.

Also of note here is the obvious fact that the bracelet is up to the specification of a modern Omega bracelet. As such, it boasts solid steel, dual-finish links, and a beautiful folding clasp with micro-extension. Anyone out there who has worn a bracelet watch in the sun understands how vital of a detail this extension can be.

As specified, this watch is powered by the Omega 1861 Calibre. It is a manually wound chronograph movement with a lateral clutch and 48-hour power reserve. The 1861 Calibre is a direct descendant of the movement worn on the moon and which consequently permeates most of the Speedmaster line.

Admittedly, the caliber is not very high up on the convenience or modernity scale. It doesn’t have a co-axial escapement or silicon balance spring like most current Omega movements, either.

On the other hand, maybe those looking for convenience in mechanical movements will have better luck with quartz.

Vintage Inspiration

Under the historically-accurate Hesalite crystal is a black dial. Interestingly, the dial will appear as faded gray under most light. Equally traditional are the three recessed subregisters and the Broad Arrow hands at center.

Both the hour hand and the hour markers possess brown/orange “Vintage” Super LumiNova which plays a massive part in lending a vintage look to the watch. The faded gray dial helps to amplify the “old and worn” look, too.

Omega has taken much care in recreating the original, and it’s evident throughout. For one thing, they’ve gone as far as to use the Omega logo from the period.

To help you note the difference, we’ve included a comparison picture with the previously-reviewed Omega Seamaster 300 Spectre.

While slight, it’s this kind of attention to detail that highlights Omega’s dedication to faithfully recreating a piece of their history. They haven’t just added “aged lume” and put out the watch. There was a lot of thought that went into this limited edition, and it comes through in this enthralling final product.

Speedmaster 60th Anniversary Box Set & Accessories

We will now take a lot at the box set of the Omega Speedmaster 57 60th Anniversary and its contents.

Omega has garnered a reputation for including many accouterments within their watch boxes. This is exactly the case with the Limited Edition Speedmaster 57 Trilogy.

While they tend to be rarely used and often stored, these accessories still impart character to the overall watch purchase. In spite of this, the two straps, strap tool, and watch roll in this Limited Edition box set are the kind of accessory that is actually useful. In fact, you can see we had some fun ourselves trying out the different straps.

The brown leather strap proved an appropriate pair for this vintage-inspired watch, and the NATO option offers its own unique look.

Final Thoughts On This CK2915 Re-Edition

The Omega Speedmaster 57 is an outstanding watch in its own right. If you’re searching for the CK2915, and can’t afford the exorbitant price of the vintage model, this Speedmaster 57 can easily fill that void.

It’s a perfect combination of the authentic look with modern quality, with its phenomenal construction and vintage-inspired design. Not to mention the additional straps, which expand its boundaries even further.

While not an easy choice, we’d even venture to say that it’s the best of the Omega 1957 Trilogy bunch.

It’s not just up to us, though. Do you own any of the watches in the 60th Anniversary 1957 Trilogy Set? Let us know in the comments!

Further Reading

Now that you’ve become familiar with the Speedmaster 57 Limited Edition, check out some more of our watch resources:

• Our Review Of The 2017 Omega Trilogy Watch Set
• Moonwatch Only: Omega Speedmaster 60th Anniversary Book Review
• All Of Our Speedmaster Articles
• Bespoke Unit Teaches You How To Use A Tachymeter Bezel
• Bespoke Unit Watches Homepage