Omega Speedmaster Mark II 327.10.43.50.01.001 Review & Full Specs Review

Omega Speedmaster Mark II 327.10.43.50.01.001 Review – Modern Retro Racing Chronograph

The Omega Speedmaster Mark II Co-Axial Chronograph 327.10.43.50.01.001 takes the tonneau-shaped racing case of the 1969 original and reboots it with a modern automatic movement, sapphire crystal and 100 m water resistance. It’s aimed at enthusiasts who love the Speedmaster story but want something less common than the classic Moonwatch – and a bit more robust for everyday wear.

This review covers the key specs, how it actually wears on the wrist, the strengths and trade-offs of calibre 3330, and how the Mark II compares to other Speedmaster options.

Key Specs – Omega Speedmaster Mark II 327.10.43.50.01.001

Design & Wrist Presence: Vintage Case, Modern Execution

The first thing you notice is the 1970s-style tonneau case: wide, flat, and heavily brushed, with polished accents on the edges. Omega based this modern Mark II directly on the 1969 reference, but tightened the finishing and bracelet quality significantly.

Because the case is 42.4 × 46.2 mm and about 15 mm thick, it has real wrist presence, but the short effective lug length keeps it wearable even on medium wrists.

The integrated-feeling bracelet and sloping case make it hug the wrist more like a cushion-case sports watch than a tall diver.

On the dial side, you get:

• A matte black dial with three recessed sub-dials and a date window at 6 o’clock.

• Applied hour markers filled with lume, giving good low-light readability.

• A tachymeter scale printed on the inner flange under the crystal, echoing the original Mark II’s “racing” style while staying protected from scratches.

Overall vibe: retro tool chronograph, but with the crispness and solidity of a modern Omega. If you like Speedmasters but want something that doesn’t look like everyone else’s Moonwatch, this hits that niche nicely.

Movement & Performance: Calibre 3330 Co-Axial

Powering this reference is Omega’s calibre 3330, a self-winding chronograph movement specifically tailored for this series. It’s based on an ETA architecture, but thoroughly upgraded by Omega.

Key tech highlights:

• Automatic column-wheel chronograph – gives a smoother, more precise start/stop/reset feel than cam-actuated designs.

• Co-Axial escapement – Omega’s proprietary system that reduces friction, helping long-term accuracy and potentially longer service intervals compared to standard lever escapements.

• Si14 silicon balance spring – improves resistance to shocks and magnetism, making the watch more stable day to day.

• Approx. 52-hour power reserve – enough to take it off Friday night and have it still running Sunday.

• Chronometer certification (COSC) – independently tested for accuracy.

In independent hands-on reviews, the 3330 is generally regarded as a reliable, modern chronograph calibre – not as visually showy as Omega’s newer Master Chronometer 9xxx family, but very competent and robust for a sports chronograph.

Everyday Use: Sports Watch Specs with Retro Style

Although it looks vintage, this Mark II is very much a modern sports chronograph.

Water resistance & durability

• 100 m water resistance means it’s fine for swimming and general water use (though, as always, avoid using the pushers underwater).

• The sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating is far more scratch-resistant than the hesalite used on many Moonwatches.

Comfort & wear

• The solid stainless-steel bracelet gets strong praise from reviewers for both build and comfort, and its design intentionally echoes the bracelet of the original Mark II.

• With its wide, flat case, it won’t disappear under a tight dress cuff – this is more of a sporty daily watch than a pure dress piece – but it balances well and feels substantial rather than top-heavy.

Legibility & functionality

• High-contrast white hands on a black dial, plus good lume, make it easy to read quickly.

• The tachymeter scale and chronograph layout are classic Speedmaster, so if you’re coming from any other modern Speedy, the functionality will feel familiar.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Distinctive Mark II tonneau case – vintage Speedmaster DNA, but uncommon on the street.

• Modern specs: 100 m water resistance, sapphire crystal, solid bracelet.

• Advanced calibre 3330 with Co-Axial escapement, silicon balance and column-wheel chronograph.

• Strong build quality and bracelet finishing praised by hands-on reviewers.

• Great option if you want a Speedmaster that isn’t a Moonwatch clone.

Cons

• The thick, wide case can feel large on smaller wrists; not a subtle dress watch.

• No display caseback, so you can’t see the 3330 movement at work.

• Lacks the Master Chronometer 9xxx series upgrades found in the newest Speedmasters (higher magnetism resistance, METAS certification).

• Discontinued model, so buying new usually means remaining stock or pre-owned.

Speedmaster Mark II vs Classic Moonwatch

If you’re cross-shopping, this is the big question: Mark II or Moonwatch?

Speedmaster Mark II 327.10.43.50.01.001

• Automatic Co-Axial calibre 3330 with column wheel and silicon balance.

• 100 m water resistance and sapphire crystal.

• Tonneau, fully brushed case with internal tachymeter scale.

Typical Speedmaster Professional “Moonwatch” (modern hesalite model)

• Manual-wind movement (historically calibre 1861/3861, depending on version).

• 50 m water resistance, more vintage-correct but less “sport-ready”.

• Classic twisted-lug round case with external black tachymeter bezel.

Which to pick?

• Choose the Mark II if you want a chunky, automatic, water-capable sports chronograph with retro 70s style.

• Choose the Moonwatch if you want the iconic NASA-linked design, a slimmer profile, and don’t mind manual winding and lower water resistance.

Buying Tips for the Omega Speedmaster Mark II 327.10.43.50.01.001

Because this reference is no longer a current-catalogue model, most examples are:

• Pre-owned from specialist dealers and platforms.

• Occasionally, new old stock from authorized or reputable independent retailers.

For an Amazon listing specifically, it’s worth:

• Confirming the seller’s reputation, return policy and whether the box and papers are included.

• Checking for the correct reference 327.10.43.50.01.001 on the warranty card and case.

• Looking for recent service history if buying used (or budgeting for a service after purchase).

FAQ – Omega Speedmaster Mark II 327.10.43.50.01.001

Is the Omega Speedmaster Mark II 327.10.43.50.01.001 good for everyday wear?

Yes. With 100 m water resistance, a robust stainless-steel bracelet and sapphire crystal, the Mark II is well suited to daily use, including occasional swimming and active wear, as long as you avoid operating the chronograph pushers underwater.

What movement is inside the Speedmaster Mark II 327.10.43.50.01.001?

It uses the Omega Co-Axial calibre 3330, an automatic chronograph movement with a column wheel, Co-Axial escapement, Si14 silicon balance spring and around 52 hours of power reserve. It is officially chronometer-certified for accuracy.

How big is the Omega Speedmaster Mark II? Will it fit my wrist?

The case measures 42.4 mm across and about 46.2 mm lug-to-lug, with a thickness of roughly 15 mm. Because of the tonneau shape and integrated bracelet, it wears broad but not extremely long; most average-to-larger wrists handle it well, while very small wrists may find it chunky.

Is the Speedmaster Mark II still being produced by Omega?

This specific Co-Axial Mark II reference 327.10.43.50.01.001 is no longer part of Omega’s current catalogue, so it is effectively a discontinued model. It’s now mostly available on the pre-owned market or as remaining stock from some retailers.

What’s the main difference between the Mark II and the Moonwatch?

The Mark II offers:

• An automatic Co-Axial calibre 3330 vs the Moonwatch’s manual-wind movement.

• 100 m vs ~50 m water resistance, plus sapphire instead of hesalite (on many Moonwatch versions).

• A tonneau case with internal tachymeter instead of the Moonwatch’s classic round case and external bezel.

In short, the Mark II feels more like a modern sports chronograph with retro styling, while the Moonwatch is the historically faithful icon.

Does the Omega Speedmaster Mark II hold its value?

Like most non-limited Speedmasters, the Mark II typically depreciates from original retail, then trades within a relatively stable range on the secondary market. Price-tracking platforms show the reference 327.10.43.50.01.001 holding a consistent market value among pre-owned buyers, which suggests solid but not speculative “investment” potential.