Dynamic III Chronograph: Speedmaster Alternative
The Omega Dynamic III Chronograph is a pilot's chronograph with a retro flair. Two subdials, pump pushers, and a moderate case size of 38 mm make this watch a great alternative to the ubiquitous Speedmaster.
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Omega's Forgotten Chronograph
Many consider the Omega Dynamic III Chronograph to be a hidden treasure and a fantastic choice for anyone looking for a chronograph that isn't the celebrated Speedmaster. The Dynamic III was produced between 1997 and 1999 and takes after the pilot's watches Omega delivered to the British Royal Air Force in the 1940s and 50s. There are thus several distinctions from the Speedmaster and comparable models from Omega.
The 38-mm stainless steel case is entirely satin-brushed and has neither a crown guard nor tachymeter scale on the bezel. The dial features Omega's familiar pilot's watch railroad minute track and broad sword hands.
Inside the case, you'll find the automatic caliber 1138. This movement outfits the chronograph with two subdials, one at 3 o'clock for the small seconds and the other at 9 o'clock for the 30-minute counter.
Reasons to Buy an Omega Dynamic III Chronograph
- Affordable entry into the world of Omega chronographs
- Great alternative to the Speedmaster
- Pilot's chronograph modeled after watches from the 1940s and 50s
- Robust and reliable automatic calibers
Price Overview: Dynamic III Chronograph
| Model, reference number | Price (approx.) | Size, caliber |
| Dynamic III Targa Florio, 5291.51.07 | 3,700 USD | 38 mm, automatic caliber 1138 |
| Dynamic III, 5240.50.00 | 2,300 USD | 38 mm, automatic caliber 1138 |
| Dynamic III, 5290.50.07 | 1,900 USD | 38 mm, automatic caliber 1138 |
| Dynamic III Date, 5200.50.00 | 1,400 USD | 38 mm, automatic caliber 1108 |
| Genève Dynamic I, 166.079 | 850 USD | 41 mm, automatic caliber 725 |
| Seamaster Dynamic II "Spider," 196.03.01 | 700 USD | 34 mm, quartz caliber 1430 |
How much does an Omega Dynamic III Chronograph cost?
As of fall 2022, you can buy an Omega Dynamic III Chronograph on a leather strap for just under 2,000 USD on Chrono24. If you want to pair the watch with a stainless steel bracelet, prices will only rise to around 2,400 USD. This makes it one of Omega's most affordable chronographs with an automatic caliber.
However, this timepiece has recently caught the attention of Omega fans and collectors, and prices have increased quite significantly in recent months as a result. In January 2022, prices for an example on a steel bracelet came in at roughly 1,800 USD. This watch on a leather strap also cost around 200 USD less at that time.
Collectors are extremely fond of the Dynamic III Targa Florio. The dial design on this special edition is reminiscent of race car controls from the 1960s. Plan to spend around 3,800 USD on one of these models.
About the Dynamic III Chronograph
The Omega Dynamic III Chronograph made its debut in 1997 and offers everything you would expect from a tool watch. Since this timepiece takes inspiration from the Omega pilot's watches from the 1940s and 50s, it is very robust and has a no-frills look.
Every inch of the 38-mm stainless steel case is satin-brushed, including the graduated bezel. Omega decided against a tachymeter scale and crown guard, instead opting for pump pushers. This timepiece offers water resistance to 50 m (5 bar, 164 ft).
The dial is matt black with calligraphic Arabic numerals and is protected by a sapphire crystal. The indices and broad sword hands are coated in white luminous material. The watch has a small seconds subdial and a 30-minute counter, which are located at 3 and 9 o'clock, respectively. The central second hand and the hand of the minute counter are yellow for better readability. This color is also used for the numerals on the railroad minute track running around the edge of the dial. The shape of the counterweight of the second hand is also an interesting detail; Omega made this an arrow, which lends the watch a certain level of dynamism.
The heart of the Dynamic III is the automatic caliber 1138. This movement is based on the 2892-A2 from ETA, which is outfitted with a chronograph module from Dubois Dépraz. Interestingly, the movement is inside an inner cage, which increases the watch's resistance against magnetic fields.
You can pair this model with a leather strap or three-piece link bracelet in stainless steel that is not unlike Rolex's President bracelet.
The Dynamic III Chronograph has always stood in the shadows of the acclaimed Speedmaster collection and did not see much success in the two years it was in production. Omega retired the collection in 1999.
Dynamic III Targa Florio: For Racing Fans
Shortly before Omega discontinued the Dynamic III, the Swiss manufacturer released another special edition: the Targa Florio. Named after the traditional road race in the mountains of Sicily, the dial design is more like that of a racing chronograph.
Omega opted for a reverse panda dial, i.e., white subdials on a black background. The railroad minute track, hands, and Arabic numerals are also white. The chronograph seconds hand and the numerals on the subdials and minute track are red.
The inner workings of the Targa Florio are the same as the standard version of the Dynamic III.
Three-Hand Dynamic III Models
Omega introduced a three-hand version of the Dynamic III under the reference number 5200.50.00 in 1995. Visually, this watch is identical to the chronograph model. Unlike the chronograph, however, the three-hand watch has a date display at 3 o'clock. The case is also slightly smaller at 36 mm.
This timepiece is powered by the caliber 1108. This movement is also based on the ETA 2892-A2, but does not feature the chronograph module from Dubois Dépraz.
You can expect to pay around 1,400 USD for one of these three-hand Dynamic III models in good condition.
Other Watches in the Dynamic Collection
The Genève Dynamic is the first model to bear the "Dynamic" name. Omega fans also call watches in this series "Dynamic I." You can recognize these versions by their horizontal oval-shaped cases. Omega originally developed the Dynamic in 1965 for a design competition in Geneva, Switzerland. It was so well received that the watch was part of Omega's lineup from 1968 until the end of the 1970s.
The three-hand watches are outfitted with automatic movements such as the caliber 681 and are available in sizes for men and women. The case is made of brushed stainless steel, which is even gold-plated on some versions.
Depending on the exact model and watch's condition, you can buy the Genève Dynamic I on Chrono24 for between around 400 and 900 USD.
Dynamic II: Quartz Movement and Angled Dial
The Genève Dynamic was followed by the Seamaster Dynamic II "Spider" in 1984. These are also three-hand watches with a date display. Unlike their predecessors, however, you'll find the quartz caliber 1430 ticking inside the case.
The case itself is round and comes in sizes between 27 and 34 mm. The stand-out feature of the Dynamic II is that the dial is at a slight angle. This means the case is a little thicker at 12 o'clock than it is at 6.
Depending on the diameter and condition, you can get your hands on one of these watches for between around 300 and 700 USD.