Enter the “Speedy.” When numerous systems failed during the Apollo 13 mission, the chronograph was put into action to time critical course-correcting burns for safe re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere, playing its part to save the lives of the crew members. Neil Armstrong left his Omega in the lunar module after the on-board electric timer malfunctioned, requiring a backup. The Omega Speedmaster became the Moonwatch thanks to Buzz Aldrin, the second man on the Moon. This Omega flagship has served numerous astronauts over the years as a useful tool it’s even saved lives. The “Speedy” was also on the arm of American astronaut Ed White during the first ever US spacewalk. Named the official NASA chronograph for astronauts in 1965, the Speedmaster remains the sole watch that is officially authorized for extravehicular activity (EVA) during space missions. What could create more emotion than one of humankind’s greatest achievements? The history of the Omega Speedmaster is not limited to the first Moon landing on July 20, 1969. Luxury watches are about the emotion that wearing and collecting a watch like this creates. However, has it gotten a little stale? Does it still grab anyone’s attention these days? The Moon landing was 53 years ago, but does that take anything away from this historic feat? Does that diminish the iconic status of Omega’s Moonwatch in any way? I don’t think so. Omega never fails to mention this fact whenever it promotes the timepiece. One of the biggest arguments in favor of buying an Omega Speedmaster Professional is the Moon landing – the “Speedy” was the first watch on the Moon. Reason #2 to Purchase a Speedmaster: A One-of-A-Kind Heritage The Omega Speedmaster Professional design will never go out of style. How else could Swatch have rattled the watch world like it did with the release of its MoonSwatch? The polarizing plastic Speedy made one thing clear: the Omega Speedmaster design remains modern and sought-after to this day – and will likely still be 50 years from now. But is that perhaps a tad boring in 2022? Absolutely not. Even with sapphire crystal, the Omega Speedmaster is still probably the most traditional, iconic timepiece out there. After all, opting for Hesalite makes the watch much closer to the “original” Moonwatch, the watch that wrote history together with NASA astronauts. While this material scratches pretty easily, it is an absolute must for purists. You can even select a version with Hesalite crystal. Omega made no compromises with its icon, meaning there’s still no ceramic bezel. These minor but meaningful details are found on older Speedmaster references, and are enjoying a comeback with the latest Moonwatch – much to the delight of enthusiasts and Omega Speedmaster fans alike. Minor details like the new bracelet with smaller links, the “dot over 90,” and the “step dial” are nothing less than affectionate homages to bygone times. The design of the new Omega Speedmaster is traditional like never before. That being said, its new METAS-certified caliber delivers the latest technology and Omega took the overall quality of the watch up a notch or two as well. This approach is in plain sight with the model released in 2021. Omega on the other hand is taking a somewhat different path: The classic Speedy is remaining very faithful to its original design and heritage. Icons like the Rolex Submariner or Breitling Navitimer have traditional designs, but these days are leaning more towards a luxurious look and feel. That goes for all famous watch icons, and unquestionably for the Omega Speedmaster as well. Reason #1 to Purchase a Speedmaster: Its Timeless, Iconic DesignĪ fantastic, timeless design will always be in style.
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