In 1969 Omega introduced the Speedmaster Mark (Mk) II as an updated version of the outgoing Speedmaster. It happened to be in the same year that Omega also had a few of its older generation Speedmasters make their way to the moon in the NASA Apollo 11 mission, but that of course is another story. With a newly formed case that would become an iconic symbol of the brand as well as the era, the Omega Speedmaster Mark II will be re-introduced by Omega this year in 2014 with a modern movement but a design that is very true to the original. We even have the price below – which is lucky given how early this is being announced.

As a pre-Baselworld 2014 release, Omega has given aBlogtoWatch a glimpse of the upcoming “mid-range” priced Omega Speedmaster Mark II models that will arrive in at least two forms. Those with a love of the more colorful Speedmasters will enjoy the Omega Speedmaster Mark II with a red/orange and gray dial that is an homage to the vintage ref. 145.014 Omega Speedmaster Professional Mark II. There is also a more monochromatic version in black and white accented with the green of luminant.

In fact luminant is a big part of the design. The original models had tachymeter scales printed on the inside of the crystal. It isn’t totally clear if the new models have scales on the precise reverse of the sapphire crystal or if there is some space between, but they are raised up a bit from the dial. However, the aluminum scales for the tachymeter ring are filled with a lot of SuperLumiNova to allow for bright illumination of the tachymeter scale. This is admittedly very cool, and the next step is to actually get people to use their tachymeter scales.

Omega has not yet announced the precise size of the Omega Speedmaster Mark II case. I have a feeling it will be at least 42-44mm wide. There is a good chance the 2014 models will be the same size as the original which was about 42mm wide – a great size for 1970s as well as today. The case is water resistant to 100 meters and done in brushed steel with a finish that warmly emulates the originals. They come with a matching bracelet that should make original Mk II owners proud. Those that know these models are aware of how comfortable they are and how good they look on the wrist. If there was ever an Omega that really lived up the “Professional” part of the Speedmaster name it was the Mark II.