Last year’s 2014 “re-issue” of the Speedmaster Mark II Co-Axial Chronograph watch was a clear hit for Omega. I know because not only did I get one, but a few of my friends did as well. While I preferred the more traditional black and white dial, Omega released two other versions last year including the Omega Speedmaster Mk II grey and orange “racing dial” (reviewed here) as well as the limited edition Rio 2016 Olympics model with the gold, bronze, and silver colored subdials. Apparently, the “new” Omega Speedmaster Mark II proved so popular that Omega decided it was time for a steel and gold two-tone model – which is exactly what we get for 2015 with the Omega Speedmaster Mark II Co-Axial Chronograph Sedna Gold watch.

Quite literally, the Omega Speedmaster Mk II Sedna Gold is exactly what you love about the all-steel Omega Speedmaster Mk II – but just blingier. That there just turned off a large percentage of you (Speedmaster folk tend to be tool watch purists), but perhaps, just enough of you perked up a bit and got excited at the notion of more 18k Sedna gold in your watch diet.

Omega today is an incredibly diverse brand, offering everything from the king of all tool watches (the Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch) to tourbillons and classic models covered with diamonds. Most people have probably never seen the brand’s more “decadent” fare which is rather rare and, for 2015, happens to include an assortment of Ploprof watches set with precious stones with prices all over $800,000. More on those another time… Omega does seem to like offering their dive watch in the most expensive clothing options. You might recall the (admittedly cool) Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean GMT in solid platinum (with orange) here.

As you would expect, the First Omega In Space is not an exact replica of the watch Schirra bought more than half a century ago. That would’ve been wishful thinking on the part. Based on OMEGA’s records, the watch Schirra wore space had straight register palms, such as the running seconds hand. For the FOIS, OMEGA decided to introduce a leaf-shaped hand. It’s not technically appropriate, but I discovered the use of the foliage shape for all of the timekeeping functions (hour, minute and seconds hands), coupled with their stainless-steel composition is a really wise approach to distinguish them from the snowy baton hands that are used solely for the use of the chronograph function.One of their finer details overlooked by OMEGA yet is that the positioning of this “dot” next to, rather than above the 90 mark onto the tachymeter scale — a detail that sounds insignificant but would have brought a great deal of pleasure to the purists, of that there are so many.There are also inevitable question marks about the movement that powers the very first Omega in Space. Schirra’s CK2998 was powered with the famed Omega caliber 321, among the best and most collectible movements ever made. On the other hand, the Lemania-based column-wheel chronograph movement had a rather brief production run, and was soon replaced with ones that were simpler and less costly to produce in massive quantities. The First Omega In Space carries such a motion, caliber 1861, which is the most recent evolution of caliber 321.

Going back to the 2015 Omega Speedmaster Day Date Replica Speedmaster Mk II Sedna Gold, we have something a lot more “mainstream” which reminds me of watch tastes over in Texas. Houston also happens to be the home of NASA – which, while being Speedmaster central, is not without its love of gold (which includes gold Speedmasters). So for all those tool-watch-loving guys who nevertheless enjoy some riches on their wrist, Omega offers up this two-tone version of one of our favorite modern Omega Speedmaster watches (which doesn’t really narrow it down much, given that there are perhaps too many modern Speedmasters that we really like).

At 43mm wide, the Omega Speedmaster Mk II modernizes the original Mark II collection from the 1970s with a slightly larger size, modern bracelet, and contemporary Omega caliber 3330 automatic chronograph movement. This movement is partially in-house made (the rest being from ETA which, like Omega, is part of the Swatch Group) and includes a co-axial escapement as well as some silicon parts. The 3330 movement is further COSC Chronometer certified and, in my opinion, is one of the best values in the brand’s line-up (at least when it comes to all-steel models). My only gripe with the 3330 is that in order to quick set the date you need to use the in-set case pusher on the left of the case. Otherwise, the Omega Speedmaster Mk II is a rather perfect watch.

Some of the sober tool watch looks of the all steel Omega Speedmaster Mark II are altered in this two-tone model because the gold elements are polished versus brushed. This mainly applies to the center links on the bracelet. Gold is also used for the crown and chronograph pushers. We are talking about Omega’s 18k Sedna gold – which is their version of Rolex’s Everose gold. These are alloys of 18k rose gold whose colors do not fade over time as the material wears.

The gray dial of this Omega Speedmaster Mark II Sedna is similar to that of the gray and orange model, but without the orange, and with gold-toned rings around the subsidiary dials. Also notice some gold color used for the text on the tachymeter scale. Don’t forget that the scale is placed a bit over the dial, under the sapphire crystal and has luminant applied to the back of it. This is, perhaps, the most well-lumed tachymeter scale ever.

On the wrist, the Omega Speedmaster Triple Calendar Replica Speedmaster Mark II’s tonneau-style case and bracelet fit like a glove – offering a sublimely comfortably wearing experience. This is even though the case is on the thicker side. Don’t forget that Omega includes a still-new micro-adjusting deployant clasp on the bracelet which allows you to extend or shorten the bracelet in small millimeter-sized portions.

Part of me wonders what this version of the Omega Speedmaster Mark II watch would look like if Omega decided to go for a black versus gray dial. Sure, it would have a slightly more severe look, but I think it would have been interesting – certainly more bold. As is, the gray of the dial softens the look, making it a bit more fashionably versatile. It also adds an interesting, almost retro appeal to the color palette.

If you really like the new reissued Omega Speedmaster Zafiro Replica Speedmaster Mark II Co-Axial Chronograph but find the all-steel models just a tad bit too pedestrian, then this two-tone model in steel with 18k Sedna gold might just be the appropriate model for you. You will, however, pay for the privilege, as gold isn’t cheap (in the watch world). Price for this reference 032720435001001 Omega Speedmaster Mark II Co-Axial Chronograph Sedna Gold watch is $11,400 – which is close to double that of the all-steel model. omegawatches.com