Omega Speedmaster: The First Watch on the Moon

The Omega Speedmaster Professional, affectionately known as the "Moonwatch," holds a unique place in horological history. It's the only watch certified by NASA for all manned space missions and the first watch worn on the moon during the Apollo 11 mission in 1969.

The Speedmaster's journey to space began in 1965 when NASA conducted rigorous testing of various chronographs. The Speedmaster was the only watch to pass all tests, which included extreme temperatures, pressure changes, humidity, and shock. This certification made it the official watch for all manned space missions.

On July 21, 1969, Buzz Aldrin wore his Speedmaster Professional on his wrist as he stepped onto the lunar surface, making it the first watch worn on the moon. Neil Armstrong's watch remained in the lunar module as a backup timing device. This historic moment cemented the Speedmaster's legendary status.

What makes the Speedmaster special is its manual-wind Caliber 1861 movement (now 3861 in current models), derived from the legendary Lemania 2310. The watch features a tachymeter bezel, three subdials, and exceptional legibility. Its hesalite crystal and solid caseback are faithful to the original moon watch specifications.

The Speedmaster has been part of numerous space missions, including the dramatic Apollo 13 rescue, where astronaut Jack Swigert used his Speedmaster to time a critical 14-second engine burn that helped bring the crew safely home. This event earned the Speedmaster the "Snoopy Award" from NASA.

Today, the Speedmaster Professional remains largely unchanged from its 1960s predecessor, a testament to its perfect design. It's available in various configurations, but the classic "Moonwatch" with hesalite crystal and manual-wind movement remains the most sought-after version among collectors and space enthusiasts.