The Omega Speedmaster Chronoscope commemorating the Paris 2024 Olympics
Zach BlassThe Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch is so iconic (I know, buzz phrase), that when the Speedmaster comes up in conversation, there is often a singular focus on the black dial Professional. The reality is, the modern-era Speedmaster is available in 97 different configurations. While nobody should be faulted for honing in on the Professional, the Two Counters range has become a rock-solid sleeper pick for those who want a Speedmaster off the beaten path. And, before the Olympic Games, the Omega Chronoscope entered the spotlight with two Paris 2024 Editions.
If you regularly tune into the site and YouTube channel, you will have already seen Andrew’s tour of Omega’s Timekeeping Lab. Here, Omega innovates various methods for increasing precision, fairness, and storytelling within its role as the Official Timekeeper of the Olympic Games – a role it has served since 1932. As the Olympics are the most prestigious and historic sporting event in the world, Omega’s role as Official Timekeeper is surely worth celebrating. And amongst a few Paris 2024 Editions, I want to take a closer look at the Speedmaster Chronoscope in particular.
The cases
Looking at the case, whether in stainless steel or Moonshine Gold, much of its design remains exactly the same as the Professional. The lyre lug shape and the alternations of brushed and polished surfaces are just like what you would find on the Professional. While the Professional is 42mm in diameter, the Chronoscope grows to 43mm. For some, that may seem like a change in the wrong direction, but the Chronoscope case does not really wear too much larger.
With the ever-important lug-to-lug measurement of 48.6mm, it’s just 1.1mm longer than the Professional. However, a subtle, yet welcome trade-off is that its 50-metre water-resistant case is 0.2mm thinner than the Professional at 13mm. This is still thicker than the standard Chronoscope without the special caseback I will touch on later, which comes in at 12.8mm.
The dials
The Chronoscope’s dial and bezel are where you begin to see more differences. The black, anodised aluminium tachymeter scale uses a different typeface to the Professional, and then, turning your attention to the dial, you’ll notice two chronograph counters rather than three. While there is a reduction in sub-dials, there are two more scales you can use with your chronograph – a telemeter scale to track the distance between yourself and an audible event such as fireworks, and a pulsations scale to measure heartbeats. The inclusion of these added scales requires more dial real estate to be freed up, meaning the elapsed hours and minutes combine in a single counter at 3 o’clock, while the running seconds is untouched at 9.
Both Paris 2024 editions share the same dial scheme, with the opaline surfaces exhibiting a gradient of silvery-white and dial-contrasting Moonshine Gold hands and Arabic numerals. And always a fan favourite, the dial has a panda layout with its counters rendered in black. If you look really close at the ring of Arabic numerals, you’ll notice a concentric texture running across the entire perimeter of the hour track, and the outer minutes track slightly raised above the central medallion.
The bracelet and strap
The Chronoscope is available on either a strap or a bracelet, but should you go for the steel version it’s best to purchase it on the latter, as it is only US$300 more. For the Moonshine Gold variant, it’s a different story. Should you purchase it on the strap instead of the case-matching precious metal bracelet you save US$18,400.
The bracelet is identical to the layout seen on the latest Professional models, with a handsome taper and more compact, round links that have the larger pieces brushed and the narrower pieces mirror-polished. The folding clasp, you’ll be glad to know, has on-the-fly micro-adjustment, where a push-and-slide mechanism allows for 5mm of incremental adjustment.
The movements
Standard editions of the Chronoscope afford a look at the in-house, manual, METAS Co-Axial chronograph calibre, with the only difference between the 9908 and 9909 being the gold balance bridge of the latter to fit with the Moonshine Gold case. But for this special Paris 2024 edition, you instead have a solid caseback that features a sunken frosted surface with the Paris 2024 Olympic Logo in high polish raised above it. Though mostly machine-decorated, Omega finishes its calibres well, so some may wish the calibre was visible, but those who purchase the Moonshine Gold model will appreciate getting the extra precious metal.
Normally, a solid caseback would mean a thinner watch, but the three-dimensional aspect of the engraving is likely the culprit of the added thickness. At least it’s a handsome engraving. The 9908 and 9909 offers ten more hours of power reserve than the 3861 of the Professional for a total of 60, and is actuated by a column wheel rather than a cam-architecture, resulting in crisper action. Also having a vertical rather than lateral clutch, there is less wear and tear on the chronograph if you leave it running. It should also be noted that the 9908 has a full balance bridge, making it more shock-resistant than the 3861, though both have passed the rigorous requirements of METAS.
The verdict
While Omega’s significant history as an Official Timekeeper at the Olympic Games is something more than worthy of celebration, the design of these Paris 2024 Editions keeps the Olympic tie-in very subtle. There aren’t any obvious reasons to purchase these over the standard versions, but if you appreciate the tie-in or the sleek opaline dials, these Chronoscopes models (or any for that matter) are a worthwhile tangent to explore before purchasing a Speedmaster Professional – especially with its upgraded movement and added scales.
Omega Speedmaster Chronoscope Paris 2024 Collection pricing and availability
The Omega Speedmaster Chronoscope Paris 2024 Collection is now available for purchase. Price: US$9,500 (steel, leather), US$9,800 (steel, bracelet), US$32,700 (Moonshine Gold, leather), US$51,400 (Moonshine Gold, bracelet)
| Brand | Omega |
| Model | Speedmaster Chronoscope Paris 2024 |
| Case Dimensions | 43mm (D) x 13mm (T) x 48.6mm (LTL) |
| Case Material | Stainless steel Moonshine Gold |
| Water Resistance | 50 metres |
| Crystal(s) | Sapphire front |
| Dial | Silver panda |
| Strap | Leather strap, case-matching pin buckle Case-matching bracelet, folding clasp |
| Movement | Calibre 9908/9909, in-house, manual-winding, METAS |
| Power Reserve | 60 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, small seconds, chronograph |
| Availability | Now |
| Price | US$9,500 (steel, leather) US$9,800 (steel, bracelet) US$32,700 (Moonshine Gold, leather) US$51,400 (Moonshine Gold, bracelet) |