Omega Speedmaster Mark II Rio 2016 Limited Edition

Earlier this year Omega introduced a new version of a classic and highly collectable variation of the Speedmaster, the Speedmaster Mark II. This very attractive re-issue immediately won the hearts of collectors around the world. Speedmasters and limited editions are a commodity, however today we’re introducing a new (and the first) limited edition Speedmaster Mark II. The Speedmaster Mark II Rio 2016 pays tribute to, and is inspired by, the 2016 Olympic Games in Brazil.

The new Speedmaster Mark II looks pretty much similar to the original Speedmaster Mk.II that was first introduced in 1969. Its typical tonneau-shaped case features a beautiful polished and sun-ray brushed finish, with lovely beveled and polished edges. The dial features the typical tri-compax 3-6-9 lay-out: a 30-minute register at 3 o’clock, a 12-hour register at 6 o’clock and a small seconds sub-dial at 9 o’clock.

The tachymeter scale is rather special and is unique in the Omega collection. It is placed underneath the crystal, and is printed on a sapphire ring. The numerals are etched out, leaving transparent numerals surrounded by matte black paint. This is illuminated from beneath by an aluminium ring filled with Super-LumiNova. This construction makes it possible to see the tachymeter scale in the dark. The hour, minute, and chronograph seconds hands and hour markers are also coated with Super-LumiNova, making it possible to read the time in a variety of lighting conditions.

This limited edition of 2016 pieces (it’s all in the numbers) features sub-dials that are decorated with a bronze ring, 18K yellow gold ring and 925 silver ring, which of course recalls the Olympic medals.

For the rest, the specifications are similar to the non-limited-edition Speedy Mk.II models. It’s equipped with Omega’s self-winding chronograph, with a column-wheel mechanism and their co-axial escapement. This movement, Omega calibre 3330, features a free sprung-balance and their Si14 silicon balance spring. It is of course an officially certified chronometer, and offers 52 hours of power reserve, when fully wound.

Besides the bronze, silver and gold rings around the sub-dials, the main difference with the normal Speedmaster Mark II, can be found on the case back. This is stamped with the logo of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games and is engraved with the depth rating (100m) and limited edition number of the wristwatch. As soon as we hear the price, we’ll update this article. The official retail price is € 4.840 Euro (including all taxes), which is € 180 more than the retail price of the two ‘normal’ Speedmaster Mark II models, which retail for € 4.660 Euro. And now… it’s time for that summery Brazilian beach feeling.