In the world of Swiss luxury watchmaking, there are only a few watches that have achieved the same legendary status as the Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch. Early this year, the iconic timepiece has received an update—it looks just as classy as it did when it first landed on the moon, but it features some of the most advanced technical upgrades to date.
Check Out the New Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch
The new Omega Moonwatch comes equipped with the new in-house movement, the Co-Axial Master Chronometer Calibre 3861. It is certified as a Master Chronometer, indicating its high level of accuracy, precision, and reliability. The new movement also features a magnetic resistance of up to 15,000 gausses, a 50-hour power reserve, and a three-register chronograph.
In terms of aesthetics, the watch draws inspiration from the fourth generation of the watch family—the ST 105.012, to be exact. These are the same models worn by Apollo 11 astronauts on their moon expedition in 1969. It retains the classic step dial, double bevel caseback, and the famous dot over 90 at 8 o’clock on the tachymeter scale. Other than that, there are but a few subtle differences on the new Moonwatch, among them is the new satin-finished bracelet clasp.
The timepiece is available in eight models, each with different materials such as stainless steel and the trademarked 18K Sedna gold and 18K Canopus gold. The two steel models only differ slightly from each other: one has a sapphire crystal glass, a transparent caseback, a satin-and-polished combination bracelet. The other is rather more traditional, featuring a Hesalite glass, a solid case back with the seahorse logo, and a brushed bracelet. The new model retails for a starting price of 7,150. The Sedna gold and Canopus gold versions, on the other hand, retail for $34,800 and $45,300, respectively.
The Speedmaster Through The Years
The Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch was the first chronograph to feature a tachymeter scale on the bezel. At the time of its release in 1957, the chronograph dials had been cluttered with all sorts of features that we would consider unnecessary today. But, the Moonwatch cleared all these and kept the essential elements in a classic, functional watch intended for use in professional motorsport: a 12-hour totalizer, a 30-minute counter, and sweep seconds.
While the minimalist approach of the Speedmaster allowed it to outlive its rivals and remain a classic timepiece, what catapulted it to fame and helped it achieve its legendary status is when NASA subsequently selected it to accompany its astronauts in all of its missions since 1965. While many other brands went into space, only the Omega Speedmaster earned the moniker, ‘Moonwatch’, being the first watch to have reached the moon.
Over the years, Omega has released timely updates to the model to make sure that remains up to date with modern technical standards. Think of it as a classic car that has been rebuilt and upgraded to meet modern standards of overall performance while looking as similar as possible to its earliest versions. But, how exactly did the Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch change over the years?
The First Speedmaster Model
In 1957, the first Speedmaster was introduced as a sports and racing chronograph, initially as part of the Seamaster line. Also called the Broad Arrow, the reference CK 2915 was designed by Omega’s Swiss designer, Claude Baillod, and already features some of the hallmarks of the Speedmaster: triple-register chronograph layout, easy-to-read index markers, and domed Plexiglas crystal. The model featured a 39mm diameter case, straight lugs, broad arrow hands, and steel bezel, and black printed engravings.
It is powered by the Calibre 321 movement, which was recognized as one of the best examples of a lateral clutch, column-wheel controlled chronograph. A few years later, the movement was further improved with the addition of magnetic and shock resistance, which later proved to be useful in space expeditions.
Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Models Today
Fast forward to the present, Omega already has an array of Speedmaster Moonwatch models. Some feature automatic models, reduced sizes, sapphire crystal glasses instead of the Plexiglas, and different dial colors, case metals, and bracelet materials. But, regardless of the changes in looks, what remains is the technical excellence that enabled Moonwatch to travel into space and guarantees the highest accuracy and precision in a chronograph.
An Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch for You
If you like the idea of wearing an iconic timepiece as such, you should check out this selection of Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch pieces we have curated for you. These are available from one of the authorized Omega dealers, WatchShopping.com.
Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch Black Dial Tokyo Olympics (Ref. 522.20.42.30.01.001)
Manual-winding watches are generally slimmer and offer a more reliable movement. The same sentiment is true with this Speedmaster manual-winding model. It sports a striking blue dial housed in a 42mm stainless steel case, enclosed with a sapphire crystal glass. It is presented in a coordinating steel bracelet and powered by the Calibre 1861 manual-winding movement.
Speedmaster Manual-Winding (Ref. 522.30.42.30.03.001)
Not all limited edition Omega Speedmaster watches become collectibles, but this Moonwatch is bound to become one. We can instinctively predict that it will be traded for way above its original retail prices on the secondhand market in the future. It is largely owed to its sporty look that features a black dial in a 42mm yellow gold and stainless steel case. It is accented with yellow gold hands and subdials, presented in a polished and brushed steel bracelet.
Takeaway
One of the many reasons why the Moonwatch retains its legendary status is that its core design has hardly changed since its introduction in 1957. To the untrained eye, it is quite hard to spot changes, both inside and out.
While that is the case, you can rest assured that regardless of the Moonwatch you choose, you are guaranteed the highest quality of watches you can avail of for its price.
What do you think of the new Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch? Let us know by leaving a comment below.
