Omega Speedmaster History

Origins and Early Years

• 1957: The Omega Speedmaster was introduced as part of the Omega "Professional" line, designed for racing and other timing uses. It was the first chronograph to feature the tachymeter scale on the bezel, rather than on the dial, which allowed for easier reading of elapsed time and speed.

Space Exploration

• 1962: Astronaut Wally Schirra wore his personal Speedmaster CK2998 during the Mercury-Atlas 8 mission. This was the first time the Speedmaster went to space.

• 1965: After rigorous testing, NASA officially qualified the Speedmaster for all manned space missions. The Speedmaster Professional (reference ST105.012) was chosen over several competitors for its durability and accuracy under extreme conditions. It became known as the "Moonwatch."

The Moon Landing

• 1969: The Speedmaster gained legendary status when Buzz Aldrin wore it during the Apollo 11 mission, making it the first watch worn on the lunar surface. Neil Armstrong left his Speedmaster in the Lunar Module as a backup for the malfunctioning onboard clock, while Aldrin had his strapped to his wrist when he stepped onto the moon.

Subsequent Space Missions

• 1970: The Speedmaster played a crucial role in the safe return of the Apollo 13 crew. After an oxygen tank exploded, the astronauts used their Speedmasters to time critical engine burns needed to correct their course back to Earth.

• 1975: The Speedmaster was part of the Apollo-Soyuz Test Project, the first joint U.S.-Soviet space flight.

Later Developments

• 1980s and 1990s: The Speedmaster line expanded to include various models, including automatic versions, reduced-size versions, and special editions.

• 1998: The Speedmaster X-33 was introduced, featuring both analog and digital displays, designed specifically for professional use by astronauts, pilots, and other professionals.

• 2003: The Speedmaster Professional remains the only watch flight-qualified by NASA for EVA (Extravehicular Activity) use.

Modern Era

• 2010s-Present: Omega continues to innovate within the Speedmaster line, introducing models with modern materials like ceramic and sapphire crystal. The brand also pays homage to its heritage with reissues of classic models.

Current Model

Presented on a brushed five-arched-links-per-row bracelet, this 42 mm Moonwatch in stainless steel features hesalite glass on the front and an embossed Seahorse medallion on the caseback. Inspired by the 4th generation Speedmaster style worn on the moon, it also includes an asymmetrical case, black step dial and the famous dot over 90 on the anodized aluminium bezel ring.

The watch is driven by the OMEGA Co-Axial Master Chronometer Calibre 3861, which powers the small seconds sub-dial, 30-minute recorder and 12-hour recorder, along with the central chronograph function.

TECHNICAL DATA

Reference: 310.30.42.50.01.001

Between lugs Open Case Measurement Modal: 20 mm

Lug‑to‑lug Open Case Measurement Modal: 47.5 mm

Thickness Open Case Measurement Modal: 13.2 mm

Case diameter Open Case Measurement Modal: 42 mm

Case: Steel

Dial color: Black

Crystal: Hesalite crystal with OMEGA logo in the centre

Water resistance

5 bar (50 metres / 167 feet)

Total product weight (approx.): 134 g

Caliber: Omega 3861

Movement Type: Manual‑winding

Power reserve: 50 hours