TO THE MOON AND BACK
The Omega Speedmaster has a unique place in
the history of space exploration as the only piece of
equipment that has been used in all of Nasa’s manned
space missions. When Buzz Aldrin stepped onto the lunar
surface in 1969, the world was abuzz with excitement—
but not just from witnessing of his “giant leap for
mankind” with fellow moonwalker Neil Armstrong. The
astronaut was also wearing a handsome wristwatch,
Omega’s Speedmaster Professional, which has since been
nicknamed the Moonwatch.
The Speedy is one of Omega’s most iconic timepieces,
so it’s unsurprising that the brand has introduced a limited
edition of the model to celebrate the 50th anniversary of
the Apollo 11 mission. Limited to 1,014 pieces and made
from Moonshine Gold—Omega’s newly developed 18K
gold alloy, which is slightly paler than traditional yellow
gold—the watch is obviously in high demand.
The Moonwatch’s basic aesthetic is kept alive with
a 42mm case, but the dial features two distinct zones:
a central varnished grey centre and a blackened outer
ring for the minute track. The hour marker at 11 o’clock
has been replaced with two “1” markings in a reference
to Apollo 11, while a distinctive 9 o’clock sub-dial in
Moonshine Gold features a laser engraving of Aldrin.
Speedmaster
Moonwatch
Apollo 11 50th
Anniversary
by Omega