The Omega Speedmaster "TinTin"...

wayneG

I got lucky and found a Tin Tin about a week ago and has not been off my wrist since.I love it and want to purchase a rocket like yours.Great pics and thanks for the post

A few weeks ago I was bored. An hour later, I'd ordered one of the following watches. I've had Speedmasters before. Several of them. Old and new. Moon watches, co-axials, 1957 editions. The only models I'm yet to try are the straight-lug variants of the 1960s, mostly because they're a fortune, and I really don't want to mess up when buying one with my limited knowledge.

Anyway, I digress. I was looking at the Fratello Watches blog and noticed an article they'd covered a while ago regarding the Omega Speedmaster Racing model from 2013. The watch was a mainstream model but originally, it was intended to be a Limited Edition version with TinTin rocket logos etc. Unfortunately (or perhaps not), it never happened, but Omega still produced the watch as a "Racing" variant. I've always liked the racing models of the past and find it very fitting as, of course, the Speedmaster was originally intended as a chrono for things such as motorsports anyway. The dial in this case features a red and white band which was originally intended to resemble the TinTin Rocket design.



So a Speedmaster "Racing" dial with links to a Rocket are pretty apt for such a watch really.



I wasn't sure on availability as when the watch was released, another factor nearly caused its demise. It was released at Baselworld 2013. You know, the one where a certain other unpopular Speedmaster was announced. I think they called it the Dark Side of the Moon or something.

I went to Baselworld 2013 and I didn't even notice the TinTin. I must have literally gone straight to the DSOTM stand and looked at nothing else. I don't even remember the PO GMT from that year, although I did take some pics of it looking back.



So anyway, I searched for one of the TinTin models and was really lucky to find one rather more easily than I expected. A few days later, the watch was in my hands and I couldn't be happier with it. I did have a brief moment of madness where I nearly sold it as a flip, but this one should stay. It's a really special watch in my collection.

I love the colour. I know it won't be for everybody, and yes, it's yet another variant of the Speedmaster. I don't care though. I used to think that there are just too many Speedmaster models as do most people. But really, it just means there's probably one for everybody. The recent Snoopy craziness has shown that the LEs can really be very popular, and I've found the same with the 007 Seamaster I'm buying as well. It sold out very quickly because it wasn't over the top like most of the previous Bonds.



The TinTin was only produced for a short period of time. There's no official number on the amount out there, but they're less common the main model of course, and would make a very nice addition to any collection. RRP is around £2960 I think, and the later ones, such as mine, come with the newer style of wooden, rather than the red material boxes of old.

The watch features the same hesalite and 1861 movement as the standard moonwatch, it comes fitted with the screw-link bracelet, it's 50M WR and features red text on the case-back.





You can also watch my video review which shows the lume, and later on in the video, I talk about the amazing Omega Museum in Bienne, Switzerland.

Link to the Fratello Watches blog: goo.gl/V4uJ1k

[VIDEO]

munichblue

I totally disliked the Tintin when I saw it for the first time but now I'm getting more and more accustomed to it. That's dangerous... 😉

CRSSwiss

Its amazing. Did you ever try it with a red strap?

kippyk

I thought the watch was ugly the first time I saw it. It has grown on me, and I now like it. I few more months, and I might want to buy one.