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Omega Speedmaster Tokyo 2020 Olympics Edition

The official timekeeper of the Olympic Games is back once again, ahead of time as usual with some limited editions for the most prestigious sports ceremony. We’re still about two years away from the upcoming Tokyo 2020 Olympics, but here’s a look at times to come.

First off we should mention that these watches will be available exclusively in the Japan market, so if you were planning on visiting your local dealer, think again. Although in today’s global market where there’s a will there’s a way; so maybe you can manage to import one of these yourself, or via re-sellers like us here at EiT.

Omega Boutique in downtown east Tokyo, Japan * Image courtesy of: Omega

But, despite Japan logically getting this exclusive since they are the next official Olympic hosts, there are other reasons. Japan has always been a prime market for the “Speedmaster” model, which explains why Omega opted for them instead of their “Seamaster” model. And just recently Japan was also closely linked to the origin story behind the “Speedy Tuesday Ultraman” limited edition release, which we also covered and you can read more about here.

These new Olympics watches by Omega are part of the “Specialties Watches” collection and will come in a 42mm stainless-steel case with a mixture of brushed and polished finishes. Mounted to the case is a bezel with an external tachymeter scale that differs in color insert, depending on the chosen color edition.

They come equipped with a steel setting-crown in-between two steel push-pieces that operate the chronograph functions; while these elements have been added in 18k yellow gold for the green and black editions.

Unlike most Speedmaster editions that feature an exhibition case back that allows to view the inner workings of the mechanical movement. Here Omega has opted for a steel screw-on case back, which features a stamped “Tokyo 2020” logo, while the rims have the Omega logo and read the inscription “LIMITED EDITION”, plus the limited edition number for each individual timepiece.

Omega-Speedmaster-Tokyo-2020-Olympics-collection-8 - Copy

All topped by a sapphire crystal that also assists with water-resistance on these watches being able to reach up to 50 meters (164 feet).

Time is exhibited on five distinct dials with each representing one of the Olympics flags colored rings, which are: blue, yellow, black, green and red. The origins of this color scheme goes back to 1912 when the founder of the modern Olympic games, Baron Pierre de Coubertin defined the five rings as: blue for Europe, black for Africa, red for Americas, yellow for Asia and green for Oceania. So, respectively they go as follows: the European edition has a blue dial, white sub-dials and a blue bezel;

the African edition has a panda-style white dial with black sub-dials and a black bezel;

the American edition has a light grey edition with matching sub-dials and a red bezel;

the Asian edition has a black dial with matching sub-dials that have gold rims and a black bezel with gold inscriptions reference and a black bezel;

the Oceania edition has a grey dial with matching sub-dials that have gold rims and a green bezel also with gold inscriptions.

In common all dials feature the Omega logo and “Speedmaster” in a red font, plus elongated applied hour index markers and smaller printed minute index markers. There are three sub-dials: a 30-minute counter at the 3 o’clock position; 12-hour counter at the 6 o’clock position and a sub-seconds counter at the 9 o’clock position. The central hands, index markers and bezel inscriptions are steel, except for the green and black edition which are in gold; plus the central hands and index markers are fitted with a luminescent coating for an enhanced legibility.

Omega Speedmaster Tokyo 2020 Olympics

These “Omega Speedmaster Tokyo 2020” models (references below) are powered by a hand-wound mechanical movement, caliber 1861 with 18 jewels and 21,600 Vph. This is the same Lemania based caliber that are typically found on the “Moonwatch” editions. Power reserve on this watch can last up to 48 hours, when fully wound.

Mounted to these watches is an Omega 3-link stainless-steel bracelet, secured to the wrist by a stainless-steel folding class. While the green and black editions will feature a two-tone steel and gold bracelet.

These Tokyo Olympic Omega watches are a limited edition of only 2,020 manufactured pieces for each, while a complete set of all five will be available in a limited edition of only 55 manufactured sets that will include extra leather straps. As aforementioned these watches are available exclusively in Japan via Omega boutiques, but for more up to date information visit the official Omega website here.