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Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch is a watch that needs no introduction. Its reputation precedes it, forever linked to the momentous occasion of man’s first steps on the moon. But the Moonwatch’s story goes beyond its lunar landing fame. It is a tale of innovation, daring spirit, and a commitment to excellence that has captured the hearts of watch enthusiasts for generations.
The Speedmaster’s story begins in 1848, with a young watchmaker named Louis Brandt. Driven by a passion for precision and quality, Brandt established his workshop in the Swiss village of La Chaux-de-Fonds. The company that would eventually become Omega quickly gained a reputation for producing reliable and accurate timepieces.
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In 1957, Omega unveiled the Speedmaster, a professional chronograph wristwatch designed to meet the specific needs of racing car drivers. The Speedmaster’s robust design, easy-to-read dial, and tachymeter scale made it a perfect tool for timing races.
The watch’s big break came in 1965 when NASA, after a rigorous testing process involving 12 different timepieces from various brands, selected the Speedmaster as the official watch for its Gemini and Apollo space missions. This decision would forever alter the Speedmaster’s trajectory and solidify its place in horological history.
On July 21, 1969, the world watched in awe as Buzz Aldrin became the second human to walk on the moon. On his wrist, he wore his personal Omega Speedmaster Professional. The Speedmaster had not only survived the harsh conditions of space travel, but it had also played a critical role in the success of the Apollo 11 mission.
Since then, the Speedmaster Moonwatch has continued to be a trusted companion for astronauts, cosmonauts, and even mission controllers on countless space missions.
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Throughout its history, the Speedmaster has undergone numerous iterations, each building upon the legacy of the original. The iconic design has remained largely unchanged, but the watch has incorporated advanced technologies and materials to meet the ever-evolving needs of astronauts and watch collectors alike.
The latest addition to the Speedmaster family is the Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional. This stunning timepiece pays homage to the Moonwatch’s rich history while introducing a few unique design elements.
The most striking feature of the watch is its white lacquered dial, a first for a Speedmaster Moonwatch step dial. The stark white background provides a beautiful contrast for the black hour markers and hands, and the red “Speedmaster” inscription and seconds hand tip add a touch of vibrancy.
The watch is housed in a 42 mm stainless steel case and features a black anodized aluminum bezel ring with the iconic tachymeter scale. A sapphire crystal protects the dial, and the watch is powered by the OMEGA Co-Axial Master Chronometer Calibre 3861, a movement renowned for its precision and anti-magnetic resistance.
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The Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional is a fitting tribute to a legendary timepiece. It is a watch that embodies the pioneering spirit of Omega and the enduring legacy of human exploration.
The true magic of the Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional lies beneath its striking white dial and protective sapphire crystal. Let's explore the watch's mechanical marvels and technical innovations that make this a piece truly worthy of a collector's interest.
Omega has equipped this watch with the remarkable Co-Axial Master Chronometer Calibre 3861. This hand-wound movement is the latest evolution of the legendary 321, which powered the original spacefaring Speedmasters. It's more than just a nod to heritage—the 3861 represents a pinnacle of modern watchmaking. Each movement undergoes rigorous testing by the Swiss Federal Institute of Metrology (METAS), ensuring not only precision exceeding COSC certifications, but also exceptional resistance to magnetic fields up to 15,000 gauss. This translates to a stunning level of accuracy and dependability in everyday wear while also being resilient enough to accompany an astronaut to the stars.
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The manual winding mechanism of the 3861 offers a satisfying ritual for watch enthusiasts. Unlike automatic watches that wind with wrist motion, the Speedmaster Professional White requires a gentle and deliberate twist of the crown to generate its 50-hour power reserve. This act forges a deeper connection between wearer and watch, infusing every moment with a sense of intentionality, and a reminder of the watchmaking artistry within.
The iconic "step dial" returns in this Moonwatch Professional, adding a layer of dimensionality that distinguishes it from the standard Speedmaster dial. The recessed subdials—for chronograph hours, minutes, and running seconds—create a captivating sense of depth set against the brilliant white backdrop. This design feature not only adds visual flair but subtly emphasizes the timepiece's powerful chronograph functionality.
The Speedmaster’s indices and hands are coated with Super-LumiNova, a luminescent material ensuring exceptional visibility even in the darkest conditions. This luminescence is key to the Speedmaster's space exploration legacy. The "dot over 90" on the bezel—which might seem like a simple design element—is a specific detail stemming from astronaut feedback, allowing easier bezel alignment even in the low-light conditions of a spacesuit.
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Omega has modernized the classic Speedmaster bracelet for this White edition. A polished clasp and 15mm width give the watch a refined appeal, while the oval pushers retain the vintage allure of its predecessors. The comfort adjustment setting in the clasp provides flexibility for a perfect fit directly out of the box. This marriage of old and new makes the Professional White adaptable to a range of looks and situations.
The Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional isn't just a beautiful watch; it's a piece of history. From its iconic design language to its groundbreaking movement, every element speaks of Omega's dedication to innovation and excellence. Its white dial marks a unique and bold addition to the Moonwatch lineage, ensuring it stands out in any collection.