Broad Arrow vs Broad A Olympic: Different Case Side Profile?

space_dweller · Aug 1, 2026

Hi everyone,

I have two Speedmaster Broad Arrow watches:

A standard Broad Arrow white dial, which I purchased new from an Omega Boutique.
An Olympic Collection White Dial ref. 321.10.42.50.04.001, purchased pre-owned.

When comparing the two side by side, I noticed that the brushed side band (the brushed flank between the polished upper and lower surfaces of the case) appears slightly narrower on the Olympic model.

Both cases still have crisp bevels and sharp lug profiles, so there are no obvious signs of heavy polishing. The difference is subtle, but noticeable when the two watches are placed next to each other.

Has anyone who owns both models noticed the same thing?

Do both models use exactly the same mid-case, or were there any production revisions to the case profile over the years?

Sorry, I don't have any comparison photos at the moment, but I'll upload them if needed.

Thank you!

space_dweller · Aug 2, 2026

I took a few side-by-side comparison photos with a regular Broad Arrow (both Cal. 3313).

To my eyes, the Olympic case appears slimmer in side profile, especially around the mid-case and bezel transition.

Has anyone compared the case profiles of these two references side by side?

I'm wondering whether this is due to subtle differences in the case design, or whether my Olympic may have been refinished by a very skilled watchmaker sometime in its life.

WhatsApp Image 2569-08-03 at 10.27.26 (1).webp

WhatsApp Image 2569-08-03 at 10.27.26.webp

padders · Aug 3, 2026

I have 2 Broad Arrow Speedys like these so when I get a min I’ll check the cases but one thing I’d point out is that these are not both 3313 movement watches. The Olympic uses the 3313 as you suggest but the other you show uses the earlier 3303 which was non-coaxial. A difference in movement height may explain the case depth difference. If that isn’t the reason, it may just be a different case supplier or a design revision. The 861/1861/3861 Moonwatch case has seen several subtle changes like this over the years and the Broad Arrow may be the same.

The 2 models you show were in fact launched about 10 years apart. Are you sure they both use the same mid case? I suspect the case numbers for instance are different. In fact I am sure they are. I think refinishing being the cause is unlikely.

Nice to see another Olympic. Until now mine was seemingly the only one on here. I wrote about it a while back:

https://omegaforums.net/posts/2249768/

padders · Oct 23, 2023

I recently picked this up and thought I would share some pics and see if anyone else on here has one. It is a model you don't see often in the flesh, and in a quick search I can't find much about it on here either so it rather fell between the cracks as some Omega models do. Hopefully I can right that wrong a little.

This is Speedmaster model 321.10.42.50.04.001, quite a mouthful I know. I think I'll stick with Broad Arrow Olympic Edition, though there are other quite different watches that also claim that title.

This was one of several Olympic tie ins that Omega released...

space_dweller · Aug 3, 2026

padders
I have 2 Broad Arrow Speedys like these so when I get a min I’ll check the cases but one thing I’d point out is that these are not both 3313 movement watches. The Olympic uses the 3313 as you suggest but the other uses the earlier 3303 which was non-coaxial. A difference in movement height may explain the case depth difference. If that isn’t the reason, it may just be a different case supplier or a design revision. The 861/1861/3861 Moonwatch case has seen several subtle changes like this over the years and the Broad Arrow may be the same.

The 2 models you show were in fact launched about 10 years apart. Are you sure they both use the same mid case? I suspect the case numbers for instance are different. In fact I am sure they are. I think refinishing being the cause is unlikely.

Nice to see another Olympic. Until now mine was seemingly the only one on here. I wrote about it a while back:

https://omegaforums.net/posts/2249768/

padders · Oct 23, 2023

I recently picked this up and thought I would share some pics and see if anyone else on here has one. It is a model you don't see often in the flesh, and in a quick search I can't find much about it on here either so it rather fell between the cracks as some Omega models do. Hopefully I can right that wrong a little.

This is Speedmaster model 321.10.42.50.04.001, quite a mouthful I know. I think I'll stick with Broad Arrow Olympic Edition, though there are other quite different watches that also claim that title.

This was one of several Olympic tie ins that Omega released...

Thanks for your reply. That's a very interesting point. I'll go back and check the reference and movement of my standard Broad Arrow, just to make sure.

Your suggestion about a possible case revision or a different mid-case is particularly interesting. I'd really appreciate it if you could compare your two watches when you have a chance.

padders · Aug 4, 2026

Here are my 2 Broad Arrows but be aware these are both 3313 models made within maybe 3 years of each other so not quite the comparison you made in your first post. See what you think. It is hard to tell but to my eye these match each other well and of your 2, your earlier non-coax 3303 model perhaps. Which is strange as you may expect the 3 with the same movement to match each other and especially the 2 Olympics. I can't suggest an explanation but I still don't see how a refurb could be responsible since to noticeably change the side profile would require a lot of material being removed. I redacted the serials in the pics below, perhaps unnecessarily, but if it is of interest, there serial of my Olympic is 78,536,4XX, presumably yours is similar.

space_dweller · Aug 4, 2026

Thanks so much for taking the time to compare your watches and share the photos. I really appreciate it.

Your comparison has been very helpful and gives me much more confidence that my Olympic is probably normal. I still haven't found the pictogram card for my Broad Arrow yet, so I'll keep looking and update the thread when I find it.

Thanks again for your time and help!

padders · Aug 4, 2026

Yours is prob model 3551.20

space_dweller · Wed. 8:42am

That's very helpful. I'll check the reference once I find the pictogram card. It'll be interesting to see if it is indeed the 3551.20.

Broad Arrow vs Broad A Olympic: Different Case Side Profile?

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