Omega Speedmaster "Moonwatch"

The Omega Speedmaster is arguably the first mainstream chronograph and a watch that has stood the test of time. Originally the Speedmaster was released back in 1957 as a chronograph for motorsports, positioned alongside the Seamaster. The racing intention meant integrating a tachymeter into the watch; this was the first watch to feature a tachymeter placed on the bezel, freeing up the dial. The overall layout of the Speedmaster has remained similar to the initial watch released in 1957; with three sub-dials, 2 pushers at 2 and 4 o’clock and the aforementioned black tachymeter on the bezel. Inside this particular Speedmaster is the Calibre 861, which Omega switched to from the calibre 321.

Now to the “Moonwatch” name, however, the Speedmaster had been to space before the moon landing. In 1962 Wally Schira took the Speedmaster on one of Nasa’s Mercury missions, thus the relationship between Nasa and Omega begun. Following the mission to Mercury; the Speedmaster became the first watch on the moon in 1969 worn by Nasa Astronaut Buzz Aldrin. Ever since this mission the Omega Speedmaster became colloquially known as the “Moonwatch” by fans and Omega has since adopted this name.

Source: NASA

In order for the Speedmaster be selected for Nasa’s missions it had to pass the following tests:

1. 48 hours at a temperature of 160°F (71°C) followed by 30 minutes at 200°F (93°C).

2. 4 hours at a temperature of 0°F (-18°C).

3. Temperature combined with Pressure: 15 cycles of heating to 71°C for 45 minutes, followed by cooling to -18°C for 45 minutes at 10−6 atm.

4. 240 hours at temperatures varying between 68°F and 160°F (20°C and 71°C) in a relative humidity of at least 95%.

5. Oxygen atmosphere: 48 hours in an atmosphere of 100% oxygen at a pressure of 0.35 atm.

6. Six shocks of 40 G, each 11 milliseconds in duration, in six different directions.

7. Acceleration: From 1 G to 7.25 G within 333 seconds, along an axis parallel to the longitudinal spacecraft axis.

8. Decompression: 90 minutes in a vacuum of 10-6 atm at a temperature of 160°F (71°C) and 30 minutes at 200°F (93°C).

9. High pressure: 1.6 atm for a minimum period of one hour.

10. Three cycles of 30 minutes vibration varying from 5 to 2000 Hz.

11. Acoustic noise: 130 db over a frequency range of 40 to 10,000 Hz, duration 30 minutes.

The Speedmaster was the only watch to have passed all of these set by Nasa to travel to the moon. 

OBR Horology services all Omega, Rolex and TAG Heuer watches. If your watch needs some TLC, don’t hesitate to contact me or visit in person for a free quote on repairs. 

Call me on 0423 451 991 or email me at repairs@obrhorology.com.au.

I am located at Myer Centre, 14 - 38 Rundle Mall, Level 3, Shop 312 Adelaide SA 5000.