Omega speedmaster moonwatch professional

The Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional is an iconic timepiece, known as the first watch worn on the Moon during the Apollo 11 mission.

About this subject

The Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional, reference 311.30.42.30.01.005, is a hand-wound chronograph that carries the legacy of the 1969 Apollo 11 mission. Its history begins in 1957 with the original Speedmaster. In 1965, NASA certified it for all manned space missions after rigorous tests against vibrations, extreme temperatures, and vacuum. The current Moonwatch Professional retains the classic design: a 42 mm case, black step dial, hesalite crystal (or sapphire in later versions), and a black tachymeter bezel with a 500-unit scale. The movement is the Caliber 3861, an evolution of the legendary 861, with manual winding, Master Chronometer certification from METAS, offering accuracy of -0/+5 seconds per day. The name "Moonwatch" comes from the fact that the Speedmaster was the first watch worn on the lunar surface, by Buzz Aldrin during the Apollo 11 moonwalk. Every detail of it celebrates this heritage, including the "Omega Speedmaster" logo and the "Professional" inscription on the dial.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the Omega Speedmaster called the Moonwatch?

Because it was the first watch worn on the Moon, during the Apollo 11 mission in 1969. Astronaut Buzz Aldrin wore his personal Speedmaster (ref. ST 105.012) during the moonwalk.

What movement does the Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional use?

It uses the Caliber 3861, a manual-wind chronograph that succeeds the Caliber 861. It is Master Chronometer certified by METAS, with accuracy of -0 to +5 seconds per day and a 50-hour power reserve.

What are the main differences between the hesalite and sapphire crystal versions?

The hesalite (plexiglass) version is truer to the original and scratches more easily but can be polished. The sapphire version is more scratch-resistant, has a transparent case back (showing the movement), and the dial features applied logos instead of printed ones.