Omega 1863

Omega Caliber 1863: A Decorated Legacy You Can Admire

The Omega Caliber 1863 is a manual-winding chronograph movement derived directly from the Caliber 1861—both of which trace their lineage back to the iconic Caliber 861, itself rooted in the robust Lemania 1873 base. Introduced in the 1990s, the 1863 was developed specifically for display caseback versions of the Omega Speedmaster Professional, offering the same robust mechanics as the 1861 but with a luxuriously decorated finish.

Where the 1861 was engineered with tool-watch pragmatism in mind, the 1863 was made to be seen, admired, and appreciated—a mechanical showcase of the Moonwatch’s inner workings.


Technical Specifications

  • Type: Manual-winding chronograph

  • Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds at 9 o'clock, chronograph (central seconds, 30-minute and 12-hour counters)

  • Base: Lemania 1873

  • Jewels: 18

  • Frequency: 21,600 vibrations per hour (3 Hz)

  • Power Reserve: ~48 hours

  • Finish: Geneva stripes (Côtes de Genève), polished levers, beveled edges, and rhodium plating

  • Chronograph Mechanism: Cam-actuated, horizontal clutch

  • Hacking Seconds: No

  • Display Caseback: Yes – exclusive to sapphire crystal Speedmasters

Mechanically, the 1863 is identical to the 1861 in terms of performance and reliability. However, it receives additional hand-finishing and visual enhancements, making it more appealing to collectors and enthusiasts who value movement aesthetics.


Watches Featuring Caliber 1863

The Caliber 1863 is found in Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch models with a sapphire crystal caseback, such as:

  • Reference 3573.50.00 – Often referred to as the “Sapphire Sandwich” (sapphire front and back)

  • Limited Editions – Including Apollo mission tributes, special anniversary pieces, and box-set collectibles

  • Museum and numbered series – Occasionally featuring skeletonized or engraved 1863 movements

These watches are nearly identical to their Hesalite-cased 1861 counterparts but are aimed at customers who want to visually appreciate the legendary chronograph movement beating inside.


Performance and Heritage

Just like the 1861, the Caliber 1863:

  • Uses a cam-switching chronograph system for reliability

  • Is manual-winding, encouraging interaction and connection with the watch

  • Offers space-tested durability, as its architecture is essentially unchanged from NASA-certified movements

  • Delivers classic mechanical charm with modern reliability

It does not feature hacking seconds or a Co-Axial escapement, which keeps it authentic to its Moon-era lineage.


Maintenance and Servicing

The 1863 is known for being:

  • Serviceable by most experienced watchmakers

  • Backed by Omega’s robust parts and support network

  • Mechanically stable, with decades of proven field performance

Its components are shared with the 1861, making long-term maintenance straightforward.


Collector Perspective

The Caliber 1863 is beloved by:

  • Collectors who want a Moonwatch with a view

  • Enthusiasts of manual chronographs

  • Watch lovers who value traditional finishing techniques

  • Those who want the mechanical experience of winding and watching time tick

The “Sapphire Sandwich” Speedmasters have earned a strong following because they combine tool-watch functionality with luxury aesthetics, and the 1863 movement is at the center of that appeal.


Final Thoughts

The Omega Caliber 1863 takes the rugged history of the Moonwatch and dresses it in a way that lets you see the movement of history—literally. It remains one of the most respected manual chronograph movements in the world, offering both NASA-proven performance and visual beauty.

If you want a Speedmaster that celebrates its mechanical roots and lets you admire them through a sapphire caseback, the 1863 is the perfect choicea chronograph engine built for space, elevated for collectors.

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