test: omega speedmaster broad arrow - Kenberg.DK

TEST: OMEGA SPEEDMASTER BROAD ARROWOmega SpeedmasterAdvantages+ New chronograph caliber withsuperlative qualities+ An impeccable classic+ As water-resistant as a Seamaster+ Plenty of watch for comparativelylittle moneyDisadvantages– No transparent case backOptimal functionality and massive construction characterize the Broad Arrow’s metal wristband.pin the end of the balance-spring to its stud.The advantages are obvious: an adjustmentsystem with a conventional regulatorassemblyworks by lengthening or shorteningthe active portion of the balance-spring. ToIn the next few yearslook for a Caliber 3303equipped with a co-axialescapement orfly-back function.accomplish this, the balance-spring must beable to glide between the curb-pins with littleor no play. But a system of this kind is very sensitiveand, in theory, every successive strongshock suffered by the watch can cause its rateto deteriorate progressively. The aforementionedplay in the balance-spring is an”anisochronous” element in the adjustmentsystem. (”Isochronism” describes the ability ofan oscillating or adjustment system to alwaysoscillate at the same frequency, independentof its amplitude.) The free spiral balancespringis constructed so that it eliminates irregularitiesof rate caused by the anisochronismof the regulator-assembly. The fine adjustmentof the ratevia micro-screws furtherfacilitates an extremely precise and long-lastingcorrection of the running behavior. If thewatch runs slow, the micro-screws are tightenedslightly closer to the center of the balance,which decreases their moment of inertiaand accelerates the rate. Inversely, if thewatch runs fast, turning the micro-screws inthe opposite direction moves them slightlyfurther away from the center of the balance,thus increasing their moment of inertia anddecelerating the watch’s rate. When thewatch is given a general overhaul, the entireunit can readily be removed, serviced and reinserted.The unit thus preserves its originalproperties and does not require readjustment.The Caliber 3303 is adjusted in six positions,at various temperatures and under theinfluence of magnetism. As we mentionedabove, its isochronism is also thoroughly tested.The differences in rate that occur whenthe chronograph function is running orswitched off are extremely minimal, and theamplitude of the balance is scarcely affected.Naturally enough, the Broad Arrow hasearned a C.O.S.C. certificate.The caliber’s decoration includes circulargraining, Geneva Waves on the bridges andthe rotor, circularly polished wheels and polished-flatscrews. By the way, Omega hasmade all the necessary preparations so thatthe 3303 can also be equipped with a co-axialescapement. If the firm’s directors so desire,this could happen as early as next year. A versionwith fly-back switching is scheduled tofollow in 2002, and a split-seconds variant isslated to debut in 2003.A good look at of the Broad Arrow’s casemakes it abundantly clear that Omega hasn’trelaxed its exacting standards here either. We130 WatchTime December 2001