Some watches are just watches. Others? They’re moments in history. In 2017, Omega reminded us of that fact, when they reissued three of their most legendary models—the Speedmaster, the Seamaster 300, and the Railmaster. Collectors refer to it as the “1957 Trilogy.” I call it brilliant.
Why 1957? Simple. It was a year to remember for Omega. In one move, they launched three watches that became icons. The Seamaster 300 was Omega’s response to the Rolex Submariner, tough enough for divers and the adventurers of the era. The Railmaster was a quiet genius, designed for scientists, engineers, and railroad workers who had to contend with magnetic fields daily. Next came the Speedmaster. At first, it was just a watch. But destiny had bigger plans—it became the Moonwatch, worn by astronauts.
Not a bad lineup for one year, wouldn’t you say?
Fast forward six decades. The 60th Anniversary Trilogy reissue was really something. Omega went all in. They digitally scanned the original 1957 pieces directly from their museum to capture every dimension precisely. The watches kept their 38.6 mm proportions, warm “tropical” dial tones, and even the vintage logo. But under the hood? Modern durability and Co-Axial movements. Style from 1957. Engineering from 2017. That’s what I call the “best of both worlds.”
Take the Speedmaster ’57 Chronograph, reference 311.10.39.30.01.002. Straight lugs. Broad arrow hands. All the charm of the original, but powered by a modern Co-Axial movement. Sure, the case is a modest 38.6 mm—tiny by today’s standards. But on the wrist? It’s perfection. Not flimsy. Not oversized. Just right. It whispers history but tells time with precision.
Now, step back into 1957. Elvis was topping the charts with Jailhouse Rock. The Soviets had just launched Sputnik (the satellite), and the space race was on. Gas cost about 24 cents a gallon. On Broadway, West Side Story was the show people wanted to see. Imagine cruising through New York City in a ’57 Chevy, radio cranked, and you hear the announcer say, “Elvis has left the building.” On your wrist? A brand-new Speedmaster. That’s Omega capturing the spirit of an age.
Today, Trilogy reissues are serious collector’s pieces. They connect past and present in a way only Omega can pull off. I’ve had many OMEGA watches come across my bench here in Midtown, just steps from Grand Central Station. And let me tell you—these watches are as much fun to service as they are to wear. The craftsmanship, the detail, the history baked into each one… Omega is a brand I have a passion for, and these models are a big reason why.
So whether you own an original 1957, a 2017 Trilogy reissue, or one of the modern Speedmaster ’57 models, remember this: you’re not just wearing a watch. You’re carrying innovation, adventure, and a slice of rock ’n’ roll swagger from one of the most exciting years in modern history. History on your wrist, what could be more impressive?
Sources:
- https://www.omegawatches.com/en-us/watch-omega-speedmaster-57-chronograph-38-6-mm-31110393001002
- https://www.prestigetime.com/blog/omega-trilogy-1957-review-and-comparison.html
- https://www.swisswatchexpo.com/thewatchclub/2025/01/02/omega-1957-trilogy/