Omega Speedmaster – a classic watch worn on famous wrists

For some people, the Omega Speedmaster is one of the first watches to have in a watch collection. For others, this striking, unique and well-designed watch is a must have. The Moonwatch has an amazing history, like no other watch. When the first Speedmaster (Ref. CK 2915) came onto the market in 1957, it was the official watch for NASA astronauts. After passing a demanding series of tests this watch finally went into space in 1969 and was worn by the men who first walked on the moon, Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins. Ref. 105.012 not only witnessed the first landing on the moon but became a huge part of this fascinating space adventure.

Over the years, Omega has created many versions of the Speedmaster. Take a look at the “Moonwatch Only” to see the many models available to buy. In addition to the classic Moonwatch, which is still sold with a manual wind calibre and Hesalit glass, Omega has launched a Mark series, (Mark II to Mark V). These models are reminiscent of the Apollo mission with their automatic versions and limited special editions like the Speedmaster ’57. Omega now produces modern versions of this series with outstanding ceramic bezels and co-axial calibres. Some of the watches even have ceramic housings. Many of these versatile models are available in the CHRONEXT shop.

Ryan Reynolds, the famous actor, has appeared in films such as Smokin’ Aces, Deadpool, X-Men Origins, Wolverine and 6 Underground. He wears a modern version of the Speedy watch, the Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Dark Side of the Moon. The DSOTM is a tribute to the dark side of the moon, a view which has only so far been seen by the Apollo astronauts. The watch has a black dial and a black case made from black zirconium oxide ceramic. Inside the watch is an Omega Co-Axial calibre 9300 which can be seen through the large sapphire crystal case.

The two well-known actors Tom Hanks and Bill Paxton wear the classic Moonwatch. This type of watch has been produced since the beginning of the Speedmaster history and hasn’t changed very much over the decades. For instance, in the current classic Moonwatch (Ref. 311.30.42.30.01.005) the calibre continues to be hand-wound and a plexiglass is also installed. Almost all manufacturers make sports watches with automatic movements and sapphire glass. The consistent production of the Moonwatch with classic properties is still an impressive unique selling point. Even brand new Moonwatches continue to have NASA certification.

The Dire Straits British guitarist and co-founder of the band, Mark Knopfler, is a Speedy aficionado. He not only owns a classic vintage Moonwatch but also an Omega Speedmaster ’57. This is a rare watch which is made from a combination of red gold and stainless steel (Ref. 331.22.42.51.01.001). The Speedmaster ’57 was originally presented at Baselworld 2013 and with a diameter of 41.5mm combines the design features of the first Speedmaster Ref. 2915 and the modern Co-Axial calibre 9300. The Omega Speedmaster ’57 is available in stainless steel, solid gold and a bi-colour. The bi-colour is definitely a personal and characteristic choice for those people who like quality and style.

Daniel Craig loves watches from the Omega brand and not only wears them while filming James Bond but for everyday wear too. While Commander James Bond prefers a range of models from the Seamaster collection, Daniel Craig chooses watches from the Speedmaster collection. Look out for a Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch Apollo 11 40th Anniversary timepiece on his wrist when you next see photographs of this famous actor. This particular model was limited to 7,969 pieces and came onto the market in 2009 and has the words “02:56 GMT” etched onto it. This is to commemorate the special time when Neil Armstrong walked on the moon, the first person to do so. The Apollo 11 also has the Mission emblem on the totalizer at 9 a.m.

Last but definitely not least, the Apollo 11 astronaut Buzz Aldrin has one of the most coveted Speedmaster watches ever manufactured. It’s a Speedmaster Professional Apollo XI Limited Edition (Ref. BA135.022). Between 1969 and 1973, 1,014 models of this watch were made in honour of the Apollo 11 space mission. Two were for the United States President and Vice President, 28 were made for the astronauts and the remaining 984 to sold to the public market. The BA145.022 watch is characterised with the combination of its yellow-gold case and the burgundy coloured bezel. The indices are made from onyx. In 2019 Omega launched a new edition of the BA145.022, the Ref 310.60.42.50.99.001 which was also limited to 1,014 pieces.