Omega Olympic Official Timekeeper

This is a beautiful bit of autobiographical revisionist history. This is the ‘Olympic Official Timekeeper’, the most handsome of three chronographs made in homage to stopwatches which Omega used at their first olympics in 1932. Omega are so fond of a limited edition that a few gems have slipped through the cracks, drowned out by the sheer volume. This chronograph was released very quietly, without so much as a Hodinkee feature, ahead of the Rio games in 2016. It wasn’t a part of any main model line, it wasn’t even given a modern Omega movement. It’s one of those watches that exists simply because Omega could make it, a massive flex of their ability. And, more than most, it proves there are some upper management at Omega who still do great things not for the bottom line but love of the brand.

The standouts here are a lacquered white dial, blued steel hands, and the very classic Omega signature in red. Its case is a more modern 39mm in yellow gold, with a solid gold back noting that it is, indeed a limited edition of 188 examples. At least that’s a proper LE number this time around. Why no display back? Well that’s a bit more complicated. You know the 321, the 861, and their offspring. But Omega has another modern manual chronograph movement, which has seen use in only three very diverse models, called the 3203. It’s a co-axial column wheel, which has only seen use in this, the Museum Collection’s MD Watch, and one 2007 ’57 50th Anniversary (which also had a black enamel dial, interesting Speedy). It’s based on an F Piguet, but with all that Daniels escapement tech. It’s arguably not the most handsome, but that’s alright as we’ve got a solid back. It’s a performer, not a looker. The dial has that part covered.

There’s a lot to learn from this effort. First, history really does matter. It’s easy to be cynical in a world where someone can purchase a name that’s been around since Babylon and then create their own micro-brand claiming many tales, but watches really used to intersect with major historic events in ways worth noting. Second, there are people at Omega who love the brand enough to take a risk, or even loss, under Swatch. Third, for brands like Omega that are part of a larger group, this is a dying breed. Because people like us, who care about such objects, are just a tiny sliver of the watch market. Most people want to buy a name: a Speedmaster for the moon link, Seamaster to play James Bond. These sold horribly, which is not incentive to continue. It’s on us to celebrate the mainstream brand’s rare braver creations where due. Just one last thing, it’s an olympic timing watch. Why no tachymetre? I don’t get it either. Better buy a Speedy after all.

This example has been lightly worn, there are just light signs of use on the back and hairlines on the case. It’s not polished or abused, and comes with a full set from a well-regarded Swiss retailer.