Omega speedmaster moon

The Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch is the iconic chronograph that accompanied Apollo 11 and was the first watch worn on the Moon.

About this subject

The Omega Speedmaster Professional, popularly known as the Moonwatch, was launched in 1957 as part of the Speedmaster line. In 1964, NASA began a secret selection process for chronographs to be used in its manned missions. After rigorous testing for resistance to heat, vibration, vacuum, and shock, the Speedmaster was the only watch to pass. On July 21, 1969, Buzz Aldrin wore his personal Speedmaster while stepping onto the Moon, as Neil Armstrong's mission watch remained onboard as a backup. Since then, the model has been used in all six Apollo Moon landings.

The hand-winding Caliber 3861 movement, successor to the Caliber 321 and 861, offers a 50-hour power reserve and is METAS Master Chronometer certified. The stainless steel case, 42 mm in diameter, features a ceramic bezel with tachymeter scale, hesalite crystal (or sapphire in recent versions), and water resistance to 50 meters. The unmistakable design includes three subdials (30-minute counter, 12-hour counter, and small seconds) and hands in 'broad arrow' or 'lollipop' style.

Pop culture has enshrined the Speedmaster as 'the Moon watch'. It has been used on Soviet space missions and by SpaceX. In 1970, during the Apollo 13 mission, the Speedmaster was crucial for timing the 14-second engine burn needed for trajectory correction. Omega produces commemorative editions, such as the model with a caseback engraved with Buzz Aldrin's footprints. Collectible values range from $3,000 to over $100,000 for rare pieces.

Trivia: the Speedmaster was the first watch to pass NASA's zero-gravity test, and the Moonwatch version retains the same dial layout as the 1969 model. Despite being a manual chronograph, its robustness makes it suitable for daily wear. Omega offers a 5-year international warranty and authentication certification for vintage models.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the Omega Speedmaster called the Moonwatch?

It earned this nickname after Buzz Aldrin wore it during the first Moon landing in 1969, making it the first watch on the Moon.

What movement powers the current Speedmaster Moonwatch?

Since 2021, the production model uses the Caliber 3861, a manual-wind movement with Master Chronometer certification, Co-Axial escapement, and 50-hour power reserve.

How did NASA test the Speedmaster for the Apollo missions?

NASA subjected the watch to tests of high and low temperature, vacuum, shock, vibration, pressure, and humidity. The Speedmaster was the only chronograph to pass all tests.