The Omega Speedmaster Professional "Moonwatch"

Welcome to the Historic Horology Blog where we will explore the timeless world of vintage watches and explore their significance in shaping history. Where else to start this blog off than the Omega Speedmaster Professional?

This watch is widely regarded as one of the most iconic watches ever for several reasons including it becoming the first watch worn on the moon in 1969, precision and reliability, timeless design, and cultural impact beyond space exploration.
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The Speedmaster Professional earned its nickname "Moonwatch" for being the first watch worn on the moon during NASA's Apollo 11 mission where on July 20, 1969, Neil Armstrong was wearing his Omega Speedmaster Professional when he made this historic "giant leap for mankind" and became the first human to set foot on the moon, followed by Buzz Aldrin, while Michael Collins orbited above in the command module.

For this mission, the Speedmaster Professional underwent a series of rigorous tests conducted by NASA in the early 1960s to determine its suitability for space exploration. It was subjected to extreme conditions, including temperature variations, vacuum environments, high levels of humidity, shock tests, and vibrations. The Speedmaster emerged from these tests as the only watch to meet NASA's strict requirements.
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Following successful testing, NASA declared the Speedmaster Professional as "flight-qualified for all manned space missions" on March 1, 1965. This official certification solidified its role as the official watch of NASA astronauts.

The Speedmaster Professional was not only worn during the Apollo 11 mission but also during subsequent lunar missions, including Apollo 13, where it played a crucial role in timing critical engine burns that helped bring the crew safely back to Earth after an oxygen tank explosion.

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The Speedmaster Professional's association with space exploration extends beyond the Apollo missions. It has been worn during spacewalks, shuttle missions, and even aboard the International Space Station, further solidifying its status as an indispensable tool for astronauts.

The Speedmaster Professional is officially certified as a chronometer by the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC). This certification ensures that the watch meets strict standards for accuracy and precision. To achieve chronometer status, the movement of the Speedmaster Professional must undergo rigorous testing under various conditions, including different temperatures and positions, to demonstrate its accuracy within specific tolerances.

Depending on the model, this watch is powered by the manual-winding Caliber 1861 or 1863 movement. These movements are renowned for their robustness, durability, and accuracy. They feature a cam-actuated chronograph mechanism, which has proven to be reliable under demanding conditions. It is designed to withstand the rigors of space travel, including extreme temperatures, vacuum conditions, and high levels of vibration. This resilience ensures that the watch continues to function accurately in harsh environments, making it suitable for use by astronauts during space missions.

The Speedmaster Professional's chronograph function allows for precise timing of events with its central chronograph seconds hand, 30-minute counter, and 12-hour counter. This feature is not only useful for measuring elapsed time during space missions but also for various timing tasks in everyday life.

The chronograph function of the Speedmaster Professional is also easy to operate, with intuitive pushers for starting, stopping, and resetting the chronograph hand. This user-friendly design ensures that astronauts can rely on the watch for accurate timing without distraction or complication.

The precision and reliability of the Speedmaster Professional extend over the long term, with the watch maintaining its accuracy even after years of use. This stability in performance is a testament to the quality of craftsmanship and engineering that goes into every Speedmaster Professional timepiece.

The Speedmaster Professional features a clean and legible dial layout, characterized by its black dial, contrasting white markers and hands, and three subdials for the chronograph function. This timeless aesthetic ensures optimal readability and has become synonymous with the Speedmaster brand.

One of the defining features of the Speedmaster Professional is its tachymeter scale bezel, which allows users to measure speed over a known distance. This functional yet stylish element adds visual interest to the watch while serving a practical purpose.
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​Despite its sporty origins, the Speedmaster Professional's versatile design allows it to transition seamlessly from casual to formal settings. Whether paired with a t-shirt and jeans or a suit and tie, the Speedmaster Professional adds a touch of sophistication to any ensemble.

The Speedmaster Professional's design transcends gender stereotypes, appealing to both men and women alike. Its classic proportions and understated elegance make it a universally appealing timepiece.​ It is housed in a robust stainless steel case, known for its durability and resilience. The case's sleek profile and polished finish contribute to the watch's overall aesthetic appeal.

Photo by: Shane Lin

The Speedmaster Professional has made numerous appearances in popular films and television shows, cementing its status as a cultural icon. From James Bond movies to sci-fi classics, the Speedmaster Professional has been featured prominently on the wrists of fictional characters, contributing to its enduring popularity.

Celebrities and public figures have been known to wear the Speedmaster Professional, both on and off the screen. These endorsements serve to enhance the watch's visibility and desirability among consumers, further fueling its cultural impact.

Vintage Omega Speedmaster Professionals, particularly those from the 1960s and 1970s, are highly sought after by collectors. These early models, often referred to as "Pre-Moon" Speedmasters, hold a special place in the hearts of enthusiasts and command premium prices at auctions and in the secondary market.

Omega has released numerous limited edition Speedmaster models over the years, each paying homage to a significant milestone or event. These limited editions appeal to collectors and enthusiasts who seek unique variations of the iconic timepiece.

Despite its classic design, Omega has continued to innovate and update the Speedmaster Professional over the years. New materials, movements, and features are introduced to keep the watch relevant in a modern context while maintaining its heritage and appeal.