The step is a primary design feature that I love about this dial design. So evident and beautiful under a loupe or in macro pics and subtle to the naked eye.
Do we know why Omega stopped stopped making the step dial for Speedys?

 

Probably for the same reason as they switched from the 321 to the 861 and from the AML to the painted logo. Easier for them to mass produce and lower cost.

 

MWO (moonwatch only book) says: C1 Step dial with printed logo was used 1969-1974)...

 

I agree it was probably a cost issue. My understanding is the 'step' was hand finished which obviously had cost implications.

It is also the reason the 'step' on some dials is not completely even all the way round.

So I guess getting rid of it saved on labour cost and made for more consistent quality.

 

When you say hand-finished, are you talking about the application of lume?

 

I recall reading somewhere that the step was machined and not pressed - the blank was then hand finished before paint, print and lume applied. I will post this if I remember where I saw it.