Hands-On: Omega Speedmaster '57 Updated For 2022

For 2022, Omega has revamped the Speedmaster 57 updated with a new manual-wind METAS-certified movement and a slimmer case. Theres no shortage of style and color options, either, with four variants - two on a new stainless steel bracelet and two with colored dials paired with matching leather straps. The Speedmaster 57 has been the more vintage-inspired cousin of the Moonwatch, and I distinctly recall how effective that Clooney ad was when it was first released back in 2013. Whats immediately striking about the new Speedmaster 57 is just how excellent the proportions are at 40.5mm-wide and 12.99mm-thick, with a lug-to-lug measurement of 49.6mm (with 50m water resistance). When you compare this sizing to the 41.5mm-wide and 16.17mm-thick case of the outgoing model, its clear that we are talking about more than a simple redesign but rather the realization of how this watch should have always been. Much of the slimness is due to the new METAS-certified Co-Axial Master Chronometer Calibre 9906, which, like the 9908 we saw on last years Speedmaster Chronoscope, is a manual-wind version of the automatic 9900. I really cant put into words the joy I feel when I see a movement through an exhibition caseback that actually fits the case of the watch (rather than looking like the yolk on a fried egg). With the new Speedmaster 57, the calibre 9906 sits proudly with minimal bezel surrounding it. An absolutely lovely movement, the 9906 features the arabesque Geneva waves that fan out from the balance wheel rather than the more conventional pattern that radiates from the center. There are also some other nice finishing touches like a rhodium-plated bridge and blackened screws, barrels, and balance wheel.The Calibre 9906 is a column-wheel chronograph that operates at 28,000 vph and has twin barrels with a 60-hour power reserve. The movement measures a slim 6.4mm-thick which, sheds over 3mm off the thickness of the case from the previous iteration. Those broad arrow hands and twin register chronograph layout have always made for a very attractive dial and, fortunately, Omega doesnt mess with what makes the Speedmaster 57 great. As previously mentioned, there are several new color dials, but the classic black dial gets some enhancements, as well. With a very cool sandwich dial, the black dial model has recessed markers and indices that are filled with vintage-style lume. The three new color dials being debuted are done in PVD green, blue, and varnished burgundy. Omega has clearly put significant effort into refining its bracelets. The Speedmaster 57 features the flat-link style bracelet (seen on the Ed White and Apollo 11 50th Anniversary) with a micro-adjust clasp that extends in two positions up to 2.3mm. The finishes on the bracelet are great, with brushed surfaces and polished edges with beveling throughout the links as well as the clasp.With a new movement, new dials, new bracelet, and slimmer case, Omega seriously understood the assignment. Every new aspect looks and feels like a substantial improvement, but the price remains unchanged (actually, its a few hundred dollars less than the previous model). The updated-for-2022 Omega Speedmaster 57 is priced at $8,300 on leather strap and $8,600 on steel bracelet. You can learn more at omegawatches.com [...]