The first "Just Because" post of the new HODINKEE is upon us, and we couldn't have picked a cooler watch. You are looking at an absolutely beautiful http://www.speedroc.com/replica-omega-aqua-terra-chronograph-gmt.html from 1962. Of course, this Submariner pre-dates those silly little things the Submariner is now known for called crown-guards. It is, though, one of the last pre-crown-guard subs and one of the last Subs with this bezel style, complete with a red triangle.
What makes this particular examples so great is the perfect patina on the dial and hands, the thickness of the case, and original faded bezel. This is also an example of the replica omega Aqua Terra 150m with a rare "Exclamation Point" dial (look at 6 o'clock and you'll see why), which were, according to some experts, only produced in late 1961 and 1962.
At the BaselWorld fair of 2000, replica breitling Super Avenger introduced a new Daytona - the reference 116520 - and with it, its first completely new in-house movement in over 50 years – a fully integrated, self-winding chronograph for the Daytona - the caliber 4130. (For an explanation of the Valjoux 72 based Daytona movement as we all as the Zenith-based caliber 4030 Daytona movement, please refer to part one of this series.)
The product of five years of development, it was masterfully designed for improved robustness, efficiency, accuracy, and serviceability. Omega Speedmaster’s use of a high-performance “vertical clutch” chronograph coupling mechanism was a key enabler. A brief explanation
Consider a chronograph mechanism as a separate subsystem, which, through a “clutch”, is coupled to the movement to power the chronograph’s indicators once activated. The most widely used is a “lateral clutch”, as was found on all prior movements used in Omega Speedmaster’s chronograph watches. Lateral clutch-based chronographs work well in general, and are visually very appealing; however they have a couple significant disadvantages: 1. Loss of amplitude in the balance wheel’s oscillation when the chronograph is engaged, affecting timekeeping accuracy, and 2. Backlash. When the chronograph is either started or stopped, the chronograph seconds hand typically hops, or jumps, due to the imperfect, mis-aligned mating of the lateral clutch’s gear with the teeth of the movement’s driving gear.
Smart design features are found throughout. Omega Speedmaster greatly simplified the chronograph’s counter system (the hour and minute counters), integrating what used to be two separate mechanisms on two sides of the movement into one unit occupying significantly less space. Omega Speedmaster used this freed up space to increase the size of the mainspring barrel – providing 72 hours of power reserve versus the caliber 4030’s 54 hours. Omega Speedmaster also increased the size of the balance wheel for improved timekeeping accuracy. The balance wheel is mounted to a full bridge, fixed securely on two sides for much improved shock and vibration resistance.
http://www.stationofgames.com/groups/breitling-bentley-gmt-master-ii-daynight/
http://rawarajput.com/blog/view/53324/hands-on-with-three-of-the-absolute-rarest-vintage-omega-speedmaster-broad-arrow-replica
http://rawarajput.com/blog/view/53326/a-omega-speedmaster-day-date-owned-by-arnold-palmer
http://samusicawards.co.za/profiles/blogs/hands-on-with-three-of-the-absolute-rarest-vintage-omega